Murphys, CA…There was be something entertaining for each and every member of the family during the multi-faceted Murphys Homecoming Weekend centered around the cool environs of the Murphys Community Park. The park activities included the Murphys Old Timers Museum’s 70th Birthday Celebration on Friday, the traditional Murphys Homecoming on Saturday, and the Murphys School of Music’s Music Fest on Sunday. A few photos and a bit of video from Saturday at the event.

Friday, July 19
The Murphys Old Timers Museum threw a 70th Birthday Party on July 19 in the Murphys Community Park and offered free Musical entertainment from 5 to 9 p.m. by the Calaveras/Tuolumne All Star Jam. A BBQ dinner consisting of hamburgers, the museums famous hot dogs with all the fixings, beans and birthday cupcakes were available for purchase. This event was also the Museum’s summer fundraiser, and attendees were encouraged to purchase food and beverages from Helen’s Hut to assist in the Museum’s fundraising efforts. Dancing was encouraged.

The museum, which was the beneficiary of this park event, is located in the heart of town at 470 Main St. It celebrates the town’s gold rush history with many extensive exhibits and knowledgeable docents. It is open from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday and Monday holidays. There is no admission charge. It also conducts walking tours every Saturday at 10 a.m.

Saturday, July 20
The traditional Murphys Homecoming will take place for the 71st year on Saturday, July 20 starting at 11 a.m.
During the day there will be a wide variety of things to do for all ages including a water slide, dunk tank, cake walk, bounce house and a juggling clinic. A special feature will be the jailing of local celebrities in the ancient pokey and their efforts to seek bail.

From 11:30 to 1 p.m. rousing music provided by Mic Harper and the Calaveras Community Band will fill the air. Tracing its heritage to the gold rush days, the band plays a wide range of music from Sousa marches to popular show tunes. Its repertoire includes pieces for everyone’s musical taste.

Following the band concert, the ever-popular Jim Bailey and Plan B will take center stage and provide the music and public announcements until 4 p.m.

Throughout the morning, and well into the afternoon, Helen’s Hut will be the place to go to purchase barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs, ice cream, and a wide variety of beverages including beer and wine.

At 12 noon, a long-standing Homecoming tradition, the Old Timers Luncheon, sponsored by the Native Daughters of the Golden West and hosted by Murphys Senior Center, will be provided free of charge for any Murphys, Douglas Flat or Vallecito resident who has lived in the area for at least ten years and has reached the age of 70. This year the luncheon will be held at the Native Daughters Hall at 268 Main Street. Reservations are necessary and may be made by calling Sue Friedman at 728-8183. The cut off date for reservations is July 15.

In the park, at 1 p.m. the first of three much anticipated duck races will be held for the benefit of the Calaveras Youth Mentoring Foundation. Information on how to participate is available at CalaverasMentoringFoundation.org.

The day’s activities will conclude with the Third Annual Murphys Homecoming Bocce Ball Tournament starting at 6 pm. Organized by Jan Schulz and his Boccie Buddies, the tournament will feature 20 two-person teams that will descend on the recently improved bocce courts to vie for fame and prizes. “Commissioner” Schulz is taking reservations, and supplying information at 728-3753. Entry fee is $50 per team. The money raised will go to maintaining and improving the courts.

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.

Sunday, July 21
On Sunday, July 21 the Murphys School of Music will be presenting their second annual Music Fest from 12 noon to 9 p.m. A variety of local bands with a diversity of musical styles will be playing throughout the day.

The roster of bands includes Terra Manthorne & Keith Evans, Nick & Ras, Cool Beans, Plan B, Nate Nathan & The Control, Brian Jirka & The Cabby Band, Leilani & The Distractions, and Cantamos.

Each band will play a 45-minute set, except for the headliner, Cantamos, which will be on stage an hour and fifteen minutes. There will also be a student and teacher stage with mini performances in between the band set-ups.

Saxophonist and Murphys School of Music co-founder and board president Ras Beeken Dan plays sax in five out of the eight bands on this list and will be guest artist with the other three.

This is an important fundraiser for our nonprofit,” says Dan, “Proceeds will cover a lot of things: keeping our doors open, materials for the classroom and office, instruments and supplies for our Outreach Program, equipment for our new recital and performance space, and more!”

Beer, wine, and food will be available for purchase.
Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for children. Tickets may be purchased from the schools website www.murphysschoolofmusic.com and clicking on the events page. They will also be available at the event.

Murphys School of Music is a 501(c)(3) organization that believes the Performing Arts are essential to have in every community. Their mission is to keep the Arts alive by providing private lessons, classes, workshops, and live performances at their facility and on location wherever needed. It is located at 265 Tom Bell Rd. #E in Murphys

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 728-8093, or click on the Community Club link at visitmurphys.com.
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