A Summer of FUN in Petaluma, California

Nestled in the rolling green hills of the Sonoma County countryside, the bucolic city of Petaluma is a popular place to visit and to live. In addition to the beautiful scenery and placid vibe, Petaluma offers a delightful mix of events during the summer months. Here are a few of the ways locals and tourists alike can enjoy this wonderful city during the Summer of '06.

The Petaluma Farmer's Market features an abundance of farm-fresh produce, just-picked flowers, honey, melt-in-your-mouth pastries and other baked goods, plus handmade crafts, free musical entertainment and pony rides for the kids. The market will be held every Saturday from May 20 to October 28, 2-5 p.m. in Walnut Park off Petaluma Blvd. South at D Street.

The Blues and Jazz in the Plazz free summer concert series takes place every Saturday and Sunday through August 27 at Helen Putnam Plaza in downtown Petaluma, from 2 to 5 p.m.

Art & Jazz on the River begins Friday nights in June, through the end of September. Listen to some great music and view art on display from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the deck of the Apple Box Restaurant, situated along the river at First and B street.

The Sonoma-Marin Fair runs from June 21 to June 25 and offers music concerts, exhibits, livestock shows, continuous entertainment, the famous "Ugly Dog" contest, and free carnival rides with paid admission.

The Northern California Heritage Festival takes place on June 3, with multi-cultural food, music, dancing, crafts and activities. Sponsored by the Petaluma Valley Rotary, the Festival will be held at the Petaluma Community Center, 320 N. McDowell Blvd. from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

McEvoy Ranch, the largest U.S. producer of estate-grown organic extra-virgin olive oil, opens its gates for public tours on June 3 and 17; July 15 and 29; Aug. 12 and 26; Sept. 16 and 30 and Oct. 7. You can learn about horticulture and harvesting techniques as you tour the 550-acres olive orchards, then visit the olive milling room for a sensory evaluation of olive oil. New this year, the ranch also offers special garden tours with its head gardener, who will offer tips on seed saving, crop rotation and composting. Garden tours take place on June 13, July 11, Aug. 8 and Sept. 12. Advance reservations are required for both tours.

Costumed Docent Tours of downtown Petaluma will be offered June through October on most Saturdays and on the first and third Sunday (no tours are held on days of major downtown events). A fun way for all ages to learn about Petaluma's colorful history, the affordable $5 tours depart at 10:30 a.m. from the Historical Library and Museum at 20 Fourth Street. (Reservations required: 778-4398.)

The Art & Garden Festival celebrates its fifth year on July 9 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Kentucky Street in the heart of downtown. Hundreds of local artists, gardeners and merchants line the street with unique wares for sale, and a bevy of restaurants and wineries will offer plenty of tasty ways to quell your hunger and slake your thirst.

The 9th annual All Nations Big Time will be held on the weekend of August 5 and 6. This celebration of Native American culture offers music, dancing, crafts and food from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park.

The Great Petaluma Quilt Show takes place on August 12th. Thousands of exquisitely crafted quilts will be stretched end-to-end on the downtown streets surrounding Kentucky and Fourth Street, for viewing from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The waterfront Petaluma Jazz Festival riffs into its ninth year on August 19th and 20th. The event will be held on the grass at the scenic Foundry Wharf (2nd and H Streets). There will be plenty of food and refreshments available, and attendees should bring blankets and lounge chairs to set up on the lawn. Proceeds from this Chamber-sponsored musical extravaganza will go to local school music programs.