This Week in Martinez: John Muir's Birthday Party, Book Sale, and Craft Beer Festival

Saturday, April 21, is going to be a very busy day in Martinez. The National Park Service and the John Muir Association are inviting you to join us at the "John Muir - Birthday / Earth Day Celebration". The admission is free and the activities begin at 10:00 am through 4:00 pm at the John Muir National Site on Alhambra Avenue. There will be more than 50 exhibitors with activities and earth-friendly information for all ages. The program includes live music, a "Recycled Fashion Show", silent auction, Junior Ranger activities, and guest speaker, Dr. Rona Zollinger of New Leaf. Free parking at Alhambra High School and the Martinez Adult School with free shuttles to the John Muir National Site. For additional information: www.johnmuirassociation.org

The Friends of the Martinez Library are holding one of their fantastic book sales at the Martinez Library, $8.00 per bag of books! "Friends" members can shop early from 10:00 to 11:00 am and the sale will be open to the public beginning at 11:00 am through 4:00 pm.

Main Street Martinez is hosting the Bay Area Craft Beer Festival from noon to 4:00 pm at Waterfront Park. "Rockin' Live Music", fabulous food and beer tasting from over 30 of the top microbreweries. Contact: www.BayAreaCraftBeerFestival.com for full details.

To top off this Saturday's exciting line up of events you'll be able to enjoy the music of the "Caroompas Room" for "R & B, Blues, Motown and Stax" at Armando's from 8:00 to 11:00 pm. Doors open at 7:30 pm. $10.00 cover. Caroompas Room has its heart in the Blues and its soul in New Orleans. A musical gumbo of delicious funky fun is on the menu.

On Thursday, April 26 the Court Street Farmer's Market Begins, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Sunday's Farmer's Market is year round.

Clean-Up Day - 2012, Saturday, April 28, 7:30 am to 1:00 pm - Downtown Martinez. Please Volunteer to help downtown sparkle. Donuts, coffee, BBQ lunch, and a reusable water bottle for all volunteers! Contact Barbara Kapsalis at 925.408.1338 to sign up.

Also on April 28 is "Cruisin' the Creek", the 4th Annual Car Show and BBQ from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, car registraton begins at 8:00 to 9:30 am. Activities for the kids include jumpy houses, games, snow cones, popcorn, face painting and crafts. For the family there will be BBQ, live music, merchandise and Great Cars! You can register online at www.creekside.org or call: 925.228.8156.

NEW: We're adding "Entertainment" events to our calendar and inviting any group or business to send me your "dates" and we'll post them here. Music, art, drama, opera, or magic...let us know what's going on!

Bad news...good news. We're sorry to say that Pandora's Box on Main Street will be closing its doors at the end of the month, their new location will be in Sonoma. For our local bargain hunters the good news is that everything in the store is being sold at 50% off.

See you around Martinez...