At a glance: Venus is brightly shining

There has been plenty of action for those who like to gaze at the sky. The Lyrid meteor shower and a random asteroid attracted attention over the weekend and on Monday, April 30 Venus will be another show stopper. Venus’ orbit is moving closer to Earth and the crescent is growing so the planet reaches a stunning magnitude -4.7 on that day. For those who know where to look Venus is actually visible during the day.

Dog walks

Celestial bodies are always good for navigating but Debbie Preston’s book “48 Dog-Friendly Trails and Dog Friendly Trails for All Seasons” is a user friendly option for pet owners. She will be at Pampering Pickle Goodies and Gifts for Dogs, 320 Main St. in Placerville on Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. to give a presentation on dog friendly hikes. There is no charge for the talk. Call 530-344-7451 or e-mail pickle@pamperingpickle.com to get more details.

Time to plant

The Master Gardeners in El Dorado County are having their wonderful Spring Plant Sale on Saturday, April 28 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building parking lot, 130 Placerville in Placerville. There will be perennials, annuals, herbs and summer vegetables for sale, plus the gardeners will be on hand to give information about the plants, put on demonstrations and sharpen garden tools. For all the neat things going on at the sale call 530-621-5512.

Celebrate nature and art

The ninth annual Georgetown Nature Fest is Saturday, April 28 at the Georgetown Nature Area, 6530 Wentworth Springs Road. This is a wonderful place to celebrate Earth Day and the visual and performing arts. The opening ceremony is at 9 a.m. with the Miwok Dancers at the amphitheater. During the day there will be music, dance, drums, food, arts and crafts, vendors, Native cultural activities, children’s activities and more. For the latest information visit georgetownnaturearea.org.

Open house

Riebes Automotive Paint and Supply, 2885 Ray Lawyer Drive in Placerville, is having an open house on Saturday April 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be a live radio broadcast, classic car show and bike show, barbecue, prizes and more fun things. To learn more about this fun community event call John Lujan at 916-200-9787.

Spring is blossoming

The Apple Blossom Days are set for Saturday and Sunday, April 28 and 29 at Apple Hill Growers Association ranches. This fun time is a way for the members to thank the community for supporting the ranches. Ranches will be open both days with family-fun activities. Information on the weekend is available at applehill.com or call 530-644-7692.

Chili cook-off

The El Dorado Community Hall, 6139 Pleasant Valley Road in El Dorado, is holding its annual Jack Hermmann Chili Cook-off on Saturday, April 28. There is no entry fee for chili cooks and all entries must be there by 4 p.m. for judging. Social hour and judging starts at 5 p.m., dinner of chili, cornbread and salad starts at 6 p.m. There are prizes for the top entries. There will also be prizes and fun. For more information on the event call Ann at 530-626-0549.

Train time

By the way, the El Dorado Western Railroad is running on the first and third Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. at the “train station” next to the El Dorado Community Center. Take Oriental Road and keep left at the Y. Tickets are $5 for 9 and over and $3 for 3 to 8 year olds. For train schedules call 530-621-5865.

Golden notes

The Placerville Gold Rush Chorus is presenting “When She Loved Me” at Light of the Hills Lutheran Church, 3100 Rodeo Road in Cameron Park, on Saturday, April 28 at 7 p.m. The Gold Rush Chorus, the Ponderosa High School chamber choir and quartets, and Tenacious Q are performing. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students. For more information call 530-644-4151.

Sky watching

The Cameron Park Rotary Club Community Observatory, 6699 Campus Drive in Placerville, is taking part in Astronomy Day on Saturday, April 28 from 8 to 10 p.m. Visitors can see Venus, Saturn, numerous galaxies and the spectacular stars of the universe through the new 17 inch Planewave telescope. There is also the Sky Theater Night Sky Tours. For more information go to communityobservatory.com or call 530-295-2213.

Travel fun

The El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce is organizing a chance to travel to Russia from Sept. 2 to 12. Travelers will cruise down the Volga River and learn about Russian culture, cuisine, art, and history and sightsee in Moscow and St. Petersburg. A deposit is due now to hold your reservation and a final payment is due May 5. Contact Cassidy Flynn a the El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce at 916-933-1335 for rates, registration and details.

Vendors needed

Vendors are needed for the first Spring Antique, Craft and Garden Show to be held on Saturday May 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cameron Park Community Center. Antique and garden vendors as well as spring time crafts are needed. For more information go online at cameronpark.org or call 530-677-2231.