IDLEWOOD 3…

Ah, summer’s sweet song: crickets, childrens’ laughter…and
zucchini stealthily growing in the garden. Do send your summertime
town news to “IDlewood 3…” – your “who, what, where” column.
“Hedda Healdsburg” wants to know all!
 
Zoom, Zoom Zukes. Well, the tomatoes may not be ripening, but
zukes have a mind of their own. Come to the Farmers’ Market
Zucchini Festival on August 20th and partake of all things zuke-y.
Interested in racing a zucchini? Have a veggie that has grown so
large it’s scaring the dog? Come and register all your squash from
8:30-9:00 a.m. The giant zucchini winners will be announced at
10:00 a.m.; zucchini car races go from 10-10:30 a.m. For race car
guidelines and more info, email
in**@he*********************.org.
 
The Russian River Water Festival was a lovely event –
appropriate for all ages and sure to become an annual favorite.
Memorial Bridge was closed to cars, and only 500 people were
allowed on the Bridge to view the floats. Other folks lined the
shores of the River and peered round the bend. A huzzah arose at
the first sight of the lead float, a huge swan (with Mr. Healdsburg
Tejpal Sekhon aboard). In short order, it was followed by mermaids,
Cleopatra on a barge, costumed Museum staff paddling away, a tiki
hut…and much more. It was like a floating F.F.A. parade. At
beachside, food, music, booths and more costumed attendees added to
the day’s colorful theme.
 
Speaking of the Museum, the Historical Society is hosting an
Antique Fair in the Plaza on August 28th. Stop by their booth first
for particular treasures, then trundle around and see the vast
array of collectibles and antiques available. Admission is
free.
 
Aloha. Find your fave Hawaiian shirt and join Healdsburg Senior
Living on Grove Street August 27th, from 11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. for a
“Luau Party.” Expect Polynesian dancers performing to live music,
hula lessons, delicious food and drinks, wine tasting complimentary
of Long Board Winery, best Hawaiian shirt contest, a raffle and
live auction. There is a $10 suggested donation and all proceeds
benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. Call 433-4877 or 951-2913 for
more info.
 
Giorgi Park news. With a partial grant from the Open Space
District, the City is creating a new, connecting path from the park
and tennis court area through to Piper Street. “We’re excited about
the changes at Giorgi Park,” advised Parks Manager Matthew
Thompson. “There’ll be a little pocket park on the way to Piper.
It’s a much-needed improvement. This new footpath will be great for
kids and for people walking their dogs.” Part of the project also
includes a new restroom next to the Rec. Park stadium. The
construction is “full-on” and the City hopes to be done by the end
of September.
 
We extend very happy birthday wishes to Bea Young who celebrates
her 103rd birthday on August 23rd. Bea resides at Healdsburg Senior
Living and is the mother of Jean Mazzoni.
 
Rah-Rah! The Healdsburg High School Class of 1954 invites you to
their reunion, on September 24th at the Warm Springs Dam area of
Lake Sonoma. The social time begins at 11 a.m. and a barbecue will
be served at 1 p.m. They’ll be preparing tri-tip, chicken,
vegetarian dishes, penne pasta, salad and more. The cost is $30 per
person. For information and reservations, contact Ernestine Reiman
at 894-0820.
 
Beer lovers, mark your calendars for September 10th and the 25th
Annual Soroptimist event, Beer in the Plaza, from 3-7 p.m. Look for
over 30 microbreweries and music by the Soulshine Blues Band.
Tickets are $20 for those over 21 years old and can be purchased at
Copperfield’s, Bear Republic and at the gate. Call 433-8093.
Cheers.
 
Shopaholics alert. The annual end-of-summer Sidewalk Sales will
be held at various shops in the downtown area from August 19th
through 21st.
 
Anybody else remember back-to-school shopping at Sprouse-Reitz?
See you at the Zucchini Festival – we can compare nostalgic notes.
Or, email id*******@hb*****.com with your thoughts.
 
Marie Butler is a freelance writer and a full-time
Healdsburg resident for over 23 years. Growing up, she spent
summers at her family’s Del Rio Woods home and had an Idlewood
number. Her new book, “Herbie – A Toy’s Adventures in Healdsburg,”
was released this month through Fitch Mountain Press.