Petaluma Perspective by Houston Porter - April 2019
The Petaluma Pie Company is very proud to announce their first Deaf Pie Happy Hour, which will be held at their downtown Helen Putnam Plaza location on Tue, April 2, from 4 to 7 p.m., and every 1st Tuesday from there on after. This is the brainchild of deaf employ Alivia Alberigi-Speicher, who wanted to create a space for the deaf to be able to social over great food. During my recent interview with Alivia, I learned that the deaf face special challenges when dining out. ASL is its own language, so it often isn’t as simple as writing out what they want on a piece of paper. All are welcome, and so I encourage all to come and support this project. Alivia is a true inspiration and what she is doing to give back to her community is commendable. Order in ASL and get a 15% discount. www.petalumapie.com
LaLa’s Jam Bar is hosting two Spring Wreath Making Classes the first weekend of April, from 10 a.m. to noon on Sat, April 6, and again on Sun, April 7, from 1 to 3 p.m. Learn how to make “a gorgeous wreath using grapevines, olive branches, bay laurel, curly willow, Easter Eggs, and ribbons.” Classes are limited to five people and the $40 cost includes all materials. Visit www.lalasjams.com for more info.
The North Bay Bohemian just named “On a River Winding Home” as one of its writers picks on their Best of 2019 list. A collaboration between Petaluma writer John Sheehy and photographer Scott Hess, the Bohemian called this masterpiece the, “best way to experience the Petaluma River without getting wet (or stuck in the mud.)” A top seller at Copperfield’s, only second to Michelle Obama’s book, copies of “On a River Winding Home” have recently sold out, but will be available again shortly. In the meantime, the public is invited to the Petaluma Historic Library and Museum on to the opening reception of “An Exhibit of Scott Hess’ Photography” on April 6, where guest can meet and talk with both John and Scott, and see originals of many of Scott’s prints, including a 10’ long aerial panorama taken from above Sonoma Mountain. The exhibit runs through June 9. Visit www.petalumamuseum.com for more info.
Speaking of the Petaluma Museum, Saturday, April 20 marks the Fourth Annual History Trails Walk, “With Petalumans of Yesteryear.” Starting at the Balshaw Bridge (where Western Ave meets the River) at 2 p.m., this walking tour of downtown will not only introduce guests to “colorful, influential and fascinating characters, including John McNear, Benicia Vallejo, Lyman Byce (inventor of the practical incubator) and other important Petalumans,” but also see historic sites along the 2 hour tour, before finishing out with light refreshments at the Museum’s garden court on 4th & B Streets. General admission is $20 ($15 for museum members.) Please arrive at least 10 minutes early to check in.
Petaluma Drinks was launched last year as a festival to celebrate and enjoy all the great drink makers and mixers in and around Petaluma. This year’s event is back on June 15 and 16 with even more events, including two special “add-on’s” to the standard ticket. First is a pre-event cocktail party called “Wet Your Whistle with the Whisper Sisters” on Friday, June 14 at Whisper Sisters, Sonoma County’s newest cocktail lounge, located kitty-corner from the Shuckery on the corner of Washington and Kentucky. The second add-on is “Petaluma Drinks Paired Dinner” at Stockhome on Saturday, June 15. This is a four-course menu with producers from each label in the house pairing their special selections from Henhouse Brewing Co, Acre & Spade cider, Leghorn Wine Co., and Sonoma Portworks. Base tickets are $50 until April 1, and then $65 thereafter, or until they sell out, with an additional charge for each of the add-on’s. For tickets and info visit www.petalumadrinks.com.
BUTTER & EGG DAYS is finally here! We wait all year for this event because its Petaluma’s biggest weekend and helps kick off our spring, summer, and fall festival season. Although the official parade day is Sat. April 27, the Butter & Egg Days festivities kick off on April 20 with the Opening Ceremonies at the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum, from noon to 1 p.m., where Mayor Barrett will read a proclamation honoring the Grand Marshal and Good Egg. Parade day festivities start on Sat. April 27, with everything from an early morning 7-11 Lions Club breakfast (8 to 11 a.m.) in the parking lot across from Putnam Plaza, to the Cow Pie Throwing Competition in front of McNear’s (post-throw hand sanitizer is available in quantity), to the Cutest Little Chick in Town contest. And that’s even before the parade starts, which kicks off at 11:30 a.m. with the Clover Kid’s Parade, followed by the main event at noon. This year’s theme is “It’s always punny in Petaluma,” which pays tribute to Clo the Cow, the iconic mascot for Clover Sonoma, who made her debut appearance on Sonoma County billboards 50 years ago, and has been delighting locals with her puns ever since. Slowing things down a bit, guest can enjoy the Spring Antique Faire on Sun, April 28, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. along the shutdown streets of downtown Petaluma. We always come across interesting finds at this event, and always enjoy the great food and drink offered by vendors along the route. For more info, visit www.petalumadowntown.com.
