Murphys, CA…A cross section of Murphys “celebrities” will be carted off to jail and will have to rely on the generosity of others to gain their release as part of the newly reconstituted Murphys Homecoming, Saturday, July 16.
It has been a long time since the Gold Rush era Pokey, the historic building adjacent to the Community Park, has had an occupant. This will all change when the 68th Homecoming is staged.

Starting at 11 a.m., each half hour an officer of the law will “arrest” two local notables, escort them to the pokey, and lock them in. Each “prisoner” will have 30 minutes to raise $200 bail from friends, neighbors, and other sympathetic folks to secure their release. All money raised will go to maintaining and improving the heavily used park.

The list of Homecoming “criminals” runs the gamut of public officials, educators, business owners, and other community leaders. County Supervisor Mike Oliveira, Superintendents Mike Chimente and Kathy Northington will take their turn. Gold Electric’s Jim Heryford, Sierra Hills Market’s Mike Croshaw, Murphys Hotel owner Brian Goss, realtor Leanne Smith, and Sierra Nevada Adventure Company’s Suki Tuthill will all serve time.

Included in the list of “perps” will be Murphys Business Association president Steve Gonzales, Murphys Community Club president Sue Friedman, and Murphys Area Community Tennis Association president Dave Bowman. Jim Bailey will serve a dual role as emcee and participant. Jenny Baxter will be at the pokey to collect money and to make sure nobody escapes.

“This is the first time we have tried this, so we can’t be certain how it will all work out,” says Sue Friedman. “We are very pleased that these civic minded women and men are willing to take part on behalf of the park. I am sure there will be a number of surprises, but we expect it to be a lot of fun.”

This is just one of the many activities that will be taking place in the Murphys Community Park on this special day. Others include the Firecracker Five run/walk, Calaveras Community Band concert, Old Timers Luncheon, the Calaveras Youth Mentoring Foundation duck races, and a Bocce Ball Tournament. There will be games and activities for all members of the family.

There is no admission charge for Murphys Homecoming and ample free parking is available nearby. Donations to help maintain the park are always gratefully received.

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, or click on the Community Club link at visitmurphys.com.