"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.