Best Bets around Guerneville June 25 to July 1

7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, June 25
Terry Ann Gillette, a violinist who is locally popular for her diversity and expertise, and who played for several years with the THUGZ, will be joined by friends for an evening of music  ranging from Blues to Folk to Rock and Roll and beyond. No cover charge, and you can dine and enjoy treats from the bar while enjoying the show.
Main Street Station, 16280 Main Street, Guerneville  869-0501

11 am to 4 pm, Saturday, June 30-Sunday, July 1

Big Rocky Games @ Monte Rio Beach. 11am-4pm.An annual  summertime event which provides youngsters with a fun way to celebrate “no more teachers dirty looks”,  the Big Rocky Games  celebrates Independence Day with fun games and contests on both Saturday, June 30 and Sunday, July 1. Activities will include a volleyball and horseshoe tournament, inner tube races, rock skipping, a water balloon toss, an ice cream eating contest, canoe races, and more.
The Free event takes place on Monte Rio’s scenic and spacious public beach.

Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 30


Monte Rio’s  Volunteer Fireman’s Association helps raise spirits and fill bellies with it’s traditional Independence Day BBQ.
Where: Monte Rio  Fire House   Main St. & Starrett Hill Rd., Monte Rio

Dusk until it’s over, Saturday,  June 30


The Monte Rio Chamber of Commerce in concert with the Park and Recreation District and the Monte Rio Volunteer Fire Department will again be presenting their annual Water Carnival and Boat Parade. The Boat Parade features a variety of home made floats mostly colorful, imaginatively lighted and themed. Almost all furnish their own music, are themed and pass a reviewing stand of notables (such as S.F. 49ers hall-of-famer Bob St. Clair) who

serve as judges.
In past years there have been hula and swing dancers,  pirates and most notably, a Viking Ship lit with torches which subsequently set the sails on fire. Everyone aboard had to abandon ship but the water was only two feet deep and there were no injuries and lots of laughs.

Following the Boat Parade a Water Curtain is created by the Fire Department with hoses strung along the length of the Monte Rio bridge. Patriotic images such as the American Flag are projected on the “curtain”, accompanied by patriotic songs including the National Anthem.
The Water Curtain is followed by a fireworks display over the River. The parade and celebration is free.
Monte Rio Public Beach


10 am to 6 p.m., Sunday, July 1st


Downtown Guerneville hosts a Crafts Fair on its 90-year-old pedestrian bridge and the town Plaza and the entire town is turned into a gala “Block Party” with most shops staying open later than usual..
Noon until 7 p.m., Sunday July 1st
The Russian River Rotary hosts a BBQ in the parking lot shared by Larks Drug and variety Store and Mr. T’s Bullpen Parking Lot. There will be several bands playing live music and most shops will stay open later than usual.
After dark
A pyrotechnic  fireworks display over the River which, according to reader Laura Wilson,  is best seen  from downtown Guerneville as Johnson’s Beach is closed at night.

The Russian River Chamber of Commerce held several benefits in order to raise money for a truly spectacular display this year and they promise no one will be disappointed.