Weekend Guide for Columbus Day Activities in the Sacramento California Area

Columbus Day is officially the second Monday of October which falls on the 12^th this year (2009). Traditionally many schools have classes but government offices and banks are closed. According to the Sacramento Bee, it looks like California state government workers will be going to the office this year as they wait for the final decision in the ongoing battle with Governor Schwarzeneggar for the paid holiday.

Whether you have the Monday off or not, you will find plenty of activities in the Sacramento area during the Columbus Day weekend although they may not be specifically honoring the man, Christopher Columbus. In fact, many believe that a man who brought violence, slavery and disease to the New World and in particular, to the native peoples inhabiting it should not be honored with a national holiday. In nearby Berkeley, for example, they have renamed the holiday Indigenous Peoples Day which they celebrate with a huge pow wow.

In the Sacramento area, you will find various festivals, fairs, musical and theatrical performances, educational activities and even a fun fundraiser although none are in honor of Columbus.

FESTIVALS & FAIRS
Columbus Day Olive Festival
Date: Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009
Hours: 2-5pm
Location: The Italian Center. 6821 Fair Oaks Blvd. Carmichael, Ca.
Telephone: (916) 482-5900
Admission: $25
Description: An introduction to olive oil tasting will be presented and followed by opportunities to taste fresh olives and olive oils.
Website: http://www.italiancenter.net/

Gem Faire
Dates: Friday, October 9 - Sunday, October 11, 2009
Hours: Fri. noon-7pm, Sat. 10am-6pm, Sun. 10am-5pm
Location: Scottish Rite Center. 6151 H. St. Sacramento, Ca.
Admission: $5 for weekend pass.
Description: Jewelry and bead classes and/or demonstrations available. Opportunities to view and purchase gems, jewelry, beads and more.
Website:http://www.gemfaire.com/index.php

Sacramento International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival
Dates: Thursday, October 8-Saturday, October 11, 2009
Times: All shows start at 7:30pm
Location: Crest Theater.1013 K St., Sacramento, Ca
Admission: Single Nights: $10; All Nights: $25
Description: Gay & lesbian films from around the world. Full length films will be presented Thursday & Friday nights while features short films.
Website: http://www.siglff.org/

MUSICAL & THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES
Autumn Sky antiFolk Festival
Date: Sunday, October 11, 2009
Time: 4pm-1:30am
Location: Marilyn's on K. 908 K St. Sacramento, Ca
Telephone: (916) 446-4361
Admission: $10 in advance; $15 at the door
Description: Artists include Autumn Sky, Ryan mccarroll, Dante Romandia, Clemon', All on Seven, Walking Spanish and Todd Morgan & The Emblems. Note must be 21 or older to attend.

Broadway Sacramento Final Weekend of Legally Blonde
Dates: Friday, October 9-Sunday, October 11, 2009
Times: Fri. 8pm. Sat. 2pm & 8pm, Sun. 2pm
Location: Sacramento Community Center Theater. 1301 L. Street, Sacramento.
Admission: $28-65 depending on seating.
Description: Based on the film of the same title, this musical version stars sorority sister Elle who fights the "blonde" stereotype as she enters law school yet determined to do things in her own way.
Website: http://www.broadwaysacramento.com/index.cfm?page=1067055

Star Wars in Concert
Dates: Friday, October 9^th & Saturday, October 10^th, 2009
Times: Fri. 8pm & Sat. 3pm
Location: Arco Arena. Sacramento, Ca.
Admission: $32.50-$72.50 depending on seat location
Description: Live symphony performance of the Star Wars saga musical scores accompanied by selected scenes from the series.
Website: http://www.starwarsinconcert.com/

EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Coloma Gold Rush Live
Dates: Saturday, October 10-Monday, October 12, 2009
Times: 10am-4pm
Location: Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park in Coloma on Highway 49 between Placerville and Auburn.
Telephone: (530) 295-2170
Description: Visitors will be able to experience the park as it was during the Gold Rush with real actors staying in character as miners and others. Demonstrations of various kinds will be available as well as food, crafts and music of the period.
Website: http://www.parks.ca.gov/events/event_detail.asp?id=2245

San Joaquin Expanding Your Horizons in Science & Math Conference
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2009
Time: 8:15am-2:30pm
Admission: $15 includes T-shirt & lunch.
Location: University of the Pacific. 3601 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, Ca.
Description: Hands-on math and science workshops aimed at 6^th to 12^th grade girls interested in pursuing math, science, technology or engineering careers.

FUNDRAISING EVENT
Habitat for Humanity Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament and Fundraiser
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2009
Time: 5:30pm (tournament begins at 6:30pm)
Location: El Dorado CSD. 1021 Harvard Way, El Dorado Hills, CA
Admission: party: $25 tournament: $80. Party and tournament admission includes captn's platter and a mug of grog.
Description: Have some fun playing poker while supporting your local Habitat for Humanity. Prizes, food, music all on site. Special prize for the best pirate costume. Must 21 or over to participate.
Website: http://www.habitateldorado.org/static.php?page=poker2009

Other ideas? Feel free to add in the comments section.