Amador County – Mother Lode Harvest plans an open house 9 a.m. to noon Sunday, July 1 at Randall's Corner, 4340 Hollis Lane in Fiddletown. Mother Lode Harvest, is a local foods and farm products association and plans its summer quarter Open House at the farm of one of its member growers.

Mother Lode Harvest member Michelle Grondin said members and local residents who would like to learn about local foods, the association, and local sustainable farming, are invited to tour the farm to see the garden, apple orchard, greenhouse, apiary, and backyard chicken flock. Kathy Randall will discuss organic orchard and gardening techniques, preserving garden harvests, care of chickens and bees, how to get the most out of a small greenhouse, how to start a worm bin, and other topics. Children are welcome.

Other participating growers will also be on hand to meet and talk to attendees. Refreshments made with local ingredients will be served. The open house will be preceded by a work party for association members from 7:30 to 9 am. For more information, call Kathy Randall at (209)217-7373.

Also this weekend, Volcano plans its annual good old fashioned Fourth of July Parade and celebration starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 30. Organizers said people can attend or participate. Parade entrants can check in at 9 a.m. at the Country Store. The famous Cannonball Run Car Show will follow the parade with more than 75 entries, food vendors and more.

Also, the Pine Grove Community Park is the site of a BBQ Blast starting at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 30, with hot dogs, hamburgers, salad and beans and classic tunes from local band, Route 88. The BBQ Blast is sponsored by Pine Grove Civic Improvement Club, and profits will be used for insulation in the historic Pine Grove Town Hall.

Tickets are $20. Bring chairs, blankets and shade canopies for a family friendly event. Cotton candy, soda, water, beer, and wine will be for sale. Parking will be available in the Volcano Telephone lot.

Get tickets at Upcountry Hardware in Pine Grove, the Country Store in Volcano, or online at HighSierraTickets.com A limited number of tickets will be available at the Cannonball Run classic car show in Volcano on June 30, but there will be no at-door tickets. For more information call Lynda at (209)296-3795.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.