Summertime Is Fun Time In Lamorinda
We tend to think of the winter holidays as a stressful time of year. But, believe it or not, there can be plenty of anxiety leading up to the summer months as well. The kids will be out of school, the days will be long and hot, and folks of all ages are just itching for something “fun” to do. Thankfully, Lamorinda makes it easy for residents to make the most of the next few months. And of course, the next few months are some of the very best months to live it up in Lamorinda. Here’s why:
We tend to think of the winter holidays as a stressful time of year. But, believe it or not, there can be plenty of anxiety leading up to the summer months as well. The kids will be out of school, the days will be long and hot, and folks of all ages are just itching for something “fun” to do.
Taking a breather from the daily grind of life doesn’t have to be an expensive or far-flung adventure, by any stretch of the imagination. But, with the days of Spring zipping by at a rapid-fire pace, one thing is certain – you need to get crackin’ on making plans for a solidly super summer season.
Thankfully, Lamorinda makes it easy for residents to make the most of the next few months. And of course, the next few months are some of the very best months to live it up in Lamorinda. Here’s why:
Move Over, Hollywood, It’s a Bounty of Blockbusters in Lafayette
Who needs 90210 when we have 94549? The stars may be mixing and mingling in Beverly Hills, but Lafayette is infusing a bit of star power downtown with the inaugural “Market and Movie” series. Simply show up, grab a patch of grass on the lush lawn, and enjoy the show.
This FREE family fun is being presented by the City of Lafayette and the Chamber of Commerce the third Thursday of the month from May until August, starting at sundown (approximately 8 pm) at the Lafayette Plaza (corner of Mt. Diablo Blvd. and Moraga Rd.). The lineup couldn’t be more kid-friendly (and be honest, grownups, you love these flicks, too!):
May 19: E.T. (PG)
June 16: How to Train Your Dragon (PG)
July 21: Raiders of the Lost Ark (PG)
August 18: Finding Nemo (PG)
Naturally, movies are best watched with popcorn, and there’s no better way to get your fresh kernel fix than at the Kettle Korn stand – which will, conveniently, be just steps away, thanks to the stellar coordination of the Lafayette Village Night folks who picked Thursdays for the movie nights because they coincide with the equally family-friendly Lafayette Farmer’s Market. Not only can you snag a prime seat for the movie if you come early, but you can also get your fresh produce fix or pick up take-out at one of the many fabulous restaurants nearby. There will also be sweets and drinks available for purchase during the movie. Don’t forget your blanket or lawn chairs!
They’re Singing a Sweet Tune In Moraga
It’s music to the ears of music lovers in Moraga: the Summer Concert Series is back, and the 2011 lineup is as great as ever. The Moraga Commons band shell will come alive in a matter of weeks, and that perfectly-positioned hillside will be the place to be all summer long, as a variety of acts take to the stage for free, fun and festive shows on Thursday nights.
Talk about a recipe for a relaxing (and often romantic) respite from the rat race: the snack bar – featuring plenty of dinner options grilled up by Moraga Park and Rec Foundation volunteers - opens at 6:00 p.m. and the musical acts start a-hummin’ and a-strummin’ at 6:30 p.m., with the concerts typically wrapping up by 8:30 p.m. Kids relish the evening playground time and adults will revel in the laid-back life on lawn chairs and blankets while enjoying the sights and sounds of a Lamorinda summer:
June 16: Rukatan (Latin and Reggae)
June 23: Gator Beat (Cajun)
June 30: Pladdogh (Celtic)
July 4: Larry Lynch and the Mob (R&R until the fireworks show at dusk)
July 14: Lady K and the Kings of Swing (Big Band Swing)
July 21: Moonalice (Early SF Rock Band)
July 28: Mixed Nuts (Standards and Covers)
August 4: Because (Beatles Tribute Band)
August 11: Houserockers (Winner of the 2010 KFOX Last Band Standing Competition)
August 18: Little Dog 2: (Local R&R Band)
www.moragaparks.org/concert.html
Youth Hitting a High Note in Orinda
Don’t for a second think that the grownups are the only ones who get to have fun on stage in Lamorinda this summer. Some of the cutest crooners taking to the mic won’t even be old enough to drive their way there.
In fact, those “minor” maestros will be hard at work in a “major” way the next few months, preparing to perform – and compete - at the 6th annual Orinda Idol at the Orinda Theatre on Sept. 11th. The Orinda Arts Council proudly puts on the event, which gives Lamorinda youth a wonderful way to pursue their love of singing, offer some excellent entertainment to the community and, most importantly, have fun.
Soloists will compete in four categories by grade level, and groups enter two competitions, also by grade level. A panel of three judges will offer feedback and “partial” scores, which will be combined with audience vote to determine the winners – who each receive cash prizes. Finalists will be awarded gift certificates.
Keep an eye out for the Orinda Idol hopefuls, who will spend their summer at singing seminars and karaoke pool parties, plus giving performances at the Orinda Farmer’s Market and in the Orinda Community Park.
orindaartscouncil.org/orinda_idol_overview.php
Grabbing Some Great Grub
Lamorinda could be considered something of a health-conscious hub. We walk, we bike, we hike (not to mention run, swim and stretch). We’re equally committed to healthy eating habits, which is why the local farmers’ markets are such welcome additions to our spring and summer calendars.
Whether you’re angling for some arugala or have high hopes for honeydew, take a couple of dollars downtown and you’ll be able to score some snack-worthy sundries from the finest farmers to come to Lamorinda:
Lafayette Farmer’s Market:
Thursdays from 3:30 – 7:00 p.m. through Sept. 29 at the Lafayette Downtown Plaza (corner of Mt. Diablo Blvd. and Moraga Rd.)
Orinda Farmer’s Market:
Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. through Nov. 26 on Orinda Way (in front of the Orinda Community Center)
www.cccfm.org/pages/orinda.htm
Moraga Farmer’s Market:
Sundays from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Moraga Center (corner of Moraga Rd. and Moraga Ln.)
www.cafarmersmkts.com/markets/category/moraga
Forecasting a Fantastic Fourth
No doubt about it, most Lamorindans would agree that Fourth of July is the local highlight of the summer season. There are activities galore from morning ‘til night. What’s not to love about starting a patriotic summer day with a parade and pancakes and topping it all off with festive fireworks under the stars?
You’ll want to get a good night’s sleep on July 3rd – you’re going to need plenty of energy to make it through an action-packed Fourth of July in Lamorinda:
In Orinda:
7:00 a.m. – Registration for Orinda Roadrunners’ Fun Run and Haley’s Run for a Reason
7:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Pancake Breakfast in Orinda Park/Community Center
7:55 a.m. – Ceremonial flag-raising at the flagpole in front of the Orinda Community Center
8:00 a.m. – The Roadrunners’ Fun Run and Haley’s Run for a Reason. Choose between a 2 mile walk/run or a 5 mile run through scenic parts of Orinda and EBMUD’s watershed. No Fun Run fee. Donations kindly accepted for Haley’s Run for a Reason, benefiting research on SUDC, Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood.
10:00 a.m. – Friends of the Orinda Library Book Sale, in the library breezeway
10:00 a.m. – Orinda Parade begins, featuring dozens of entries, floats and musical groups. Parade will start at the Orinda BART station parking lot, proceed toward the Orinda Crossroads area by the Orinda Theatre, cross under Highway 24 to the Village area. Parade route ends at the Orinda Community Park.
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Orinda Park activities, including food and beverage sales, classic car show courtesy of Orinda Motors, musical entertainment and a football toss with members of the Miramonte High School Varsity Football Team.
In Moraga:
There’s just as much to do in the Town of Moraga, with the annual “old fashioned” family celebration happening all day at the Moraga Commons Park. Stay tuned for specifics on a full slate of activities, including a kiddie run, reasonably-priced pancake breakfast, interactive games for kids, bike and dog parades and musical acts on the Commons stage.
The undisputed highlight comes at dusk, when Lamorindans oooooh and aaaaah their way through the spectacular fireworks display. The mega-sparklers are shot up over the Moraga Country Club golf greens.