Thursday, July 17, 2014

Murphys 65th annual Homecoming parade

    Everyone is invited to the 65th annual Murphys Homecoming to be held Saturday, July 19, in the cool confines of the town’s historic park.
            "Homecoming is more than a Murphys celebration,” says Suzanne Friedman, president of the Murphys Community Club.  “It is a chance to recognize the historical significance of our whole area.  We have secured the participation of the Angels Camp museums. They will set up a booth and display of local history.  Several members of our Community Club board will be dressed in period costumes to add authentic ambiance."

 
Activities will kick off at 11:30 a.m. with a concert by the Calaveras Community Band, 90 minutes of rousing music ranging from Sousa marches to Broadway show tunes.
At noon, the traditional Old Timers Luncheon, created by Wren Catering & Events, will be served free of charge to anyone who has attained the age of 70 and has lived in the Murphys, Vallecito, and Douglas Flat area for at least ten years.  This popular event is made possible by a generous contribution from the Native Daughters of the Golden West, Ruby Parlor #46. To reserve a place at the table, eligible guests must call Sue Friedman at 728-8183 by July 17. 
            Those attending Murphys Homecoming who do not meet the “old timers” criteria need not go hungry.  The Community Club will be selling a hot dog lunch with potato salad and watermelon.  Beer, wine, soft drinks and ice cream will also be available for purchase. The proceeds from food sales will help maintain the park and the club’s other projects.
            Among the day’s attractions will be face painting for the kids.
            At 1 p.m. the first of three much anticipated duck races will be held for the benefit of the Calaveras Youth Mentoring Foundation.  Participants will rent a numbered duck for each race; $3 for the 1 p.m. Duckling race, $5 for the 1:30 p.m. Quacker race, $10 for the 2 p.m. Golden Goose race. The little yellow plastic ducks will make their way down Murphys Creek with the first to cross the finish line winning a prize for his or her “owner.”
            Under the guidance of race coordinator Marian Coahran, ducks are available to rent at several locations or by vising http://www.calaverasmentoring.org.
Homecoming is another in a series of special events presented by the Murphys Community Club. All these programs are presented without admission charge, but donations will be gratefully received.  It is the generosity of donors that helps the Murphys Community Club maintain its popular park.
            Murphys Community Park is located on Algiers St. in historic downtown Murphys.  Membership in the Murphys Community Club is open to everyone and contributions are tax deductible.  For further information call 728-8183.