From “the first light of dawn to the last light of evening,” there will be no shortage of events to celebrate our nation’s independence over the next few days. From the Music in the Mountains (MIM) summer festival series to the 4th of July parade and fireworks sponsored by the Great Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce (GGVCC) and the Grass Valley Downtown Association (GVDA), there are plenty of events for locals and visitors to keep them busy 2023 pays homage to red, white and blue.
Music in the Mountains kicked off the holiday weekend on Saturday, July 1 with an outdoor screening of “Toy Story” at Western Gateway Park, featuring a live orchestra. The film begins its full afternoon screening at 7:30 p.m., with all music performed live by the MIM Orchestra conducted by Ryan Murray. MIM executive director Jenny Darlington-Person said: “This is a full-length feature film played on the LED wall, with the orchestra playing every note of the film’s score live.”
Customers can relax under the stars while enjoying family favorite meals. The earlier start time is to accommodate younger audiences. Darlington-Person said she trusted the expertise of Disney’s technicians, who assured her that the high-quality LED screens would show well even before dark.
Bring a picnic or pick up Philly cheesesteaks, hot dogs and other treats sold at House of Granma or lazy dog ice cream. Bring your own chairs or buy a table for six (if you have one available). Gates open at 6 p.m. and children nine and under are free. Children ages 10 to 17 are $25 and adults are $49.
On Sunday, July 2, you might be able to declare your independence early at Lucchesi Vineyards’ annual “Red, White, and Blue Gala,” this year starring the Banner Mountain Blues Band. Five “Rock & Blues Twisted” signature sounds will have you on your feet! The $25 ticket price includes a free glass of wine or other beverage. Scattered tables will be placed on the grounds, and patrons can bring their own chairs, blankets and picnics.Doors open at 4pm, concert starts at 6pm
On Monday 3 July, MIM returns to Westgate Park with the traditional summer festival closing, “Happy Birthday America”, this year starring Broadway soprano Ali Ewoldt and the MIM Orchestra and Chorus. Darlington-Person said it was a big deal, “This year is so exciting, we actually brought in a Broadway star. Her name is Ali Ewalt. She is the first to play in “Phantom of the Opera.” Kristen’s Asian American. She also played Maria in West Side Story on the national tour, Cosette in Les Miserables on Broadway, and many other productions.”
Ryan Murray was so impressed with her work with Ewoldt in the Modesto Trust Orchestra that she was hired to come to Nevada County.
The music program begins with “This Land Is Your Land” and ends with “The Star-Spangled Banner Forever.” In between, guests can enjoy several popular Broadway hits, including productions from The Carousel, West Side Story and The Phantom of the Opera, as well as other notable productions by John Williams and John Philip Sousa . The annual concert tends to create a great sense of pride and lift the spirits of the attendees. There is ample parking. Tickets open at 6:30 pm, concert begins at 8 pm Advance ticket options include Do Your Best, $35 suggested donation. Learn more about MIM Summerfest (including tonight’s Rhapsody in Blue at the Arts Center) and buy tickets on its website (see Know & Go).
Golf carts will help people in the parking lot if needed, and provide chairs and pop-ups for those waiting for rides.
Fourth of July festivities kicked off in downtown Grass Valley with a pancake breakfast served at 8:30 a.m. by members of the Twin Cities Church, said Robin Galvan-Davies, GGCC CEO and GVDA Executive Manager, “This year we will be setting up On West Main Street, from Bell Tower to Holbrook. The Church of the Twin Cities partnered with us to make pancakes and provide a variety of children’s games for an hour and a half. Great opportunity for families. Only £5 per person Dollar.”
Nevada County Concert Band will entertain parade-goers starting at 9 a.m.
Each year Nevada City and Grass Valley take turns hosting the annual parade. With the launch of Grass Valley this year, the parade will take place at East Main Street and South Auburn Street and follow the traditional route along E. Main Street to Mill Street, then from Neal Street to S. School Street to Chapel Street and finally at Brighton Street near the end. Galvan-Davies said it was the first motor vehicle event to be held on the new downtown Mill Street, “The Town Crier will start at 10 a.m. sharp and of course we will start with the flag guards. This is Mill We’re very, very excited about the inauguration of the street vehicular access!”
Special guest Breonna Calvert, newly appointed 2023 Louis “Lou” Conte Military Ambassador Award winner, Lieutenant, Technical Sergeant, will sing the National Anthem, Grass Valley City Manager Tim Keizer (and Millie) Will serve as Grand Marshall.
After the parade, the festivities will continue with the second annual Street Dance starting at 5 p.m. on Mill Street, Galvan-Davies explained, “We have two great dance bands (in playing at both ends of the spectrum), one is retro rock, one is hot rock. We have superfood vendors and ice-cold drinks.”
Try the “South Fork Sparkler” or Budget Blinds’ signature cocktail called the “Shades of Freedom,” along with beer, wine, water, and soda.
Fireworks will be set off near the Dorsey Avenue overpass, as has been customary since the pandemic.Community sponsors paid for the presentation, and the exhibit will begin around 9:30 p.m.
For those who may be interested in exploring the eastern Nevada County region, a similar event is planned in the town of Truckee, including a pancake breakfast and a “No Place Like Home” themed parade in downtown Truckee, followed by A full day of tours and fireworks are planned for Westside Beach in Donner Lake.
Galvan-Davies sums up the tone of all event organizers: “It’s all about community and having fun. It has to be fun. We want to make it fun. We want visitors to downtown Grass Valley to leave with a : ‘Man, did I have a good time!’”
Cover photo Town herald and honor guard at the 2021 Grass Valley 4th of July Parade. | Winding road image capture. {related_content_uuid}fad3f7e3-5176-4968-b8de-093e8ffcc899{/related_content_uuid}
