At a glance: Lots of things to do

It is another great week in El Dorado County with plenty of great things to do. One of the things to do is check out a beautiful configuration in the sky. On Tuesday, July 24, Mars at a magnitude 1, Saturn and the blue star Spica form a tri-colored triangle in the southwest sky with the Moon hanging out below them. Hooray for the red, white and blue.

 

Fun time

It will be a fun time at the Cowboys and Cornbread shindig on Saturday, July 21 at Rainbow Orchards, 2569 Larsen Drive in Camino. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. enjoy a chuckwagon barbecue and Margaritaville, kiddy corral, Hangtown horseshoe tournament, live music by the Dan May Band and the 14-year-old singing sensation Elise Dadourian, the chili cook-off, cowboy poetry, and the entertaining Hangtown Harmonica Championship. Chili cooks, harmonica players and horseshoe players may still sign up by calling 530-621-5885.

 

Magnificent time

Miraflores Winery, 2120 Four Springs Trail in the Pleasant Valley area, continues its extraordinary Pairings 2012 on the Vineyard Patio. This Saturday and Sunday, July 21 and 22 will have chef Christian Masse from Allez Good Food To Go! preparing a sumptuous meal and the charming sommelier Orrietta Gianjorio sharing wine information. To make a reservation for the four-course mid-day meal call 530-647-8505.

 

Party time

Sierra Oaks Estates, 8171 Mt. Aukum Road in Mt. Aukum, is having its Summer Barbecue on Saturday, July 21 from 4 to 7 p.m. Don’t worry about the heat, it is inside and there will be tri-tip and grilled chicken, three salads, barbecued beans and ice cream, oh, and wine and music. Cost is $15 and reservations need to be made by Wednesday, July 18. E-mail Jim@sierraoaksestates.com or call 530-620-7079 to attend.

 

Anniversary time

July 21 also means it is Third Saturday Art Walk along Main Street in Placerville from 6 to 9 p.m. Visitors can see works by the talent artists at galleries and shops, enjoy live music, great food, artist demonstrations, wine tasting and more. Also stop by Gold Country Artists Gallery, 379 Main St. and help celebrate 20 years in business. There will be music and a tribute to the founders. After all that drop in one of the restaurants and have a bite to eat.

 

Costa time

The Sierra Nevada House, 835 Lotus Road in Coloma, serves some wonderful summer dishes and also has music by local musicians. On Saturday, July 21 Greg Costa is appearing. His smooth sounds are a perfect way to spend a cool evening by the river. The music starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information call 530-626-8096.

 

Market time

The Town Center in El Dorado Hills has a Farmers Market returns every Sunday  through Oct. 28 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. to find the fresh local produce, homemade honeys, jams and household favorites. Visit eldoradofarmersmarket.com for more information.

 

Nebbiolo time

Madroña Vineyards, 2560 High Hill Road in Camino, is having a Nebbiolo Release Party on Sunday, July 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Taste the delightful 2011 Nebbiolo Rose and other Italian varieties nebbiolo, barber, Moscato giallo, and Gewurztraminer paired with pasta puttanesca, Parmigiano-reggiano cheese and gelato. Tickets are $5. To attend call 530-644-5948.

 

Art time

The Cameron Park Community Services District is having a Creative Visual Arts Camp for children July 23 to 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children will do a tye-dye shirt, creative clay creatures and participate in exciting artistic adventures. Supplies will be provided and are included in the materials fee. Children will need to bring a plain white 100 percent cotton t-shirt to tye-dye. There is a $20 supply fee. To sign up go to the Cameron Park CSD Office at 2502 Country Club Drive or to cameronpark.org. For more information call 530-677-2231.