I was enjoying the ehow.com recently when I came across this article on “How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Sacramento” and it got me thinking. What is your perfect weekend in Sacramento? This article does a good job of hitting the mainstream spots. But, what is it missing? I know we like to provide information on specific events here at the Sac Rag, but I’m looking for some every week type things to do that I may not find on the Chamber of Commerce site.

Any suggestions?

Dinger by Jachdeja on Flickr

Coaches and players from the AAA Champion River Cats will be making some public appearances this weekend to sign autographs and share the love.

Members of the 2008 Triple-A and Pacific Coast League Champion Sacramento River Cats will say “thank you” to the Sacramento community for their passionate support during the team’s championship run with the River Cats Championship Caravan, Oct. 16-18. River Cats players and coaches, including manager Todd Steverson, team MVP Casey Rogowski and team home run leader Brooks Conrad, and Voice of the River Cats Johnny Doskow, will visit River Cats fans throughout the community and will be available to all media outlets for interview throughout the three days.

The first event is this evening from 5:30-6:30 pm at Raley’s in Natomas (4650 Natomas Blvd.) Autographs, raffle and free cupcakes! Then tonight at 7 pm join players and coaches at Palm Street Pub & Grill in Carmichael (6416 Fair Oaks Blvd) to watch the Red Sox take on the Rays in game 5 of the ALCS.

Continue reading “River Cats Championship Caravan coming” »

Maybe it is a love story?

Starting Saturday, the venerable B Street Theatre will be producing “Go, Dog. Go!”, based on the kids’ book by PD Eastman. This is a favorite book at our house, but I’m not sure how it translates to the stage.

The book is not without tension; there is a central question of just where it is these dogs are going which is dramatically resolved in the final act as being a giant dog party atop a tree. Perhaps this is presented as an allegory of our nation in these troubled times? Continue reading “Go, Dog. Go! at B Street” »

That’s it, fight back, kids!

The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus takes to the rings at Arco Arena Thursday. Tickets are actually pretty cheap, lower level tickets are going for $11.50 and kids under 2 are free.

Though the real circus did away with the freak show long ago, this weekend midtown will also be home to the “2nd Annual Circus Show & Other Atrocities,” an art show “juxtaposing the dark, painful lives of performing animals with the fun, amusing atmosphere of a carnival.” Here are some photos from last year’s event. (Is that Hellboy himself Ron Perlman? I know it’s not, but that would be a sweet get, bigger than Dan Piraro, creator of comic strip Bizarro, who’ll be headlining this year. Although that is a pretty neat get.)

Continue reading “The Circus is in town!” »

Here’s an e-mail request you don’t see too often — this went to all volunteers on the Sacramento SPCA mailing list:

A woman called who is putting on a production of Annie. They would like to have two dogs (double casting) that weigh between 50-70 pounds and are a “Sandy” color (as this is the name of the dog!), but breed/mix doesn’t matter.

Continue reading “Leapin’ Lizards!” »

I snapped a shot of the sign at the pony rides at Land Park, because I thought it would make a great logic puzzle to get our brains buzzing this fine Monday morning…

Continue reading “Sign Sudoku - Land Park Pony Rides” »

With the heat wave ushering in the summer ‘08 season, Sam McManis has a timely article on staying hydrated.*

Being an avid ultramarathoner on the trails, I have a lot of experience with two issues that can easily ruin a perfectly awesome day: blisters and poison oak. Here are some of my tips for making your outdoor adventures more comfortable, whether you’re a trail veteran or considering making your debut out on one of our region’s many recreational treasures.

Continue reading “RunnerGirl’s Quick Tips for Outdoor Adventures, Summer ‘08 Edition” »

Attention parents in the south and east areas: the play structure at Coloma School, pictured below, now sports a massive tent. This plus its manageable size, the low fence, and the cuteness and seclusion of Coloma the makes it a great overlooked spot — especially when the heat comes. Those of you without tots might not appreciate what a coup it is to score a shaded play structure. Of course, a mention on The Sac Rag means you can soon expect to see massive crowds…

Coloma School
47th Street at T Street

Everyone’s favorite hardware store is celebrating its 100th anniversary this weekend.

Being in California, things that are “old” to us are usually strip malls that were built in the ’70s so it’s meaningful when a local business reaches the venerable century mark (especially one in Sacramento proper, as most of our region’s oldest businesses are in the Mother Lode towns like Placerville and Auburn.)

Sac-eats will be pleased to know that The Banjo Ramblers will be part of Saturday’s entertainment, in addition to the jazz bands of local high schools.

I personally will be there for the cotton candy and to get my face painted.

Dinger will be an even cooler cat with the Rivercats’ acquisition of the Merlino’s Freeze empire.

Given this new business development, what new flavors do you propose for a frosty treat?