There’s no sense trying to sugarcoat it—each day it becomes a little more challenging to be proud of America.
While creating a running checklist of issues plaguing Our Great Nation would not only be a total bummer, it would probably have 50 new entries by the time this paper goes to press.
Rather than spending the day slathered in jingoism and light beer, let’s try to find some fun things to do in and around Sonoma County that aren’t the standard BBQ and fireworks as America celebrates 250 years of existence. It’s been a good run.
Dawn Ranch in Guerneville, which is located at 16467 CA-116 and is California’s oldest resort, has quite a day planned on Saturday, July 4. Guests are of course invited to book a stay for the weekend. On the Fourth, they can partake in guided forest bathing sessions which are designed to foster mindfulness and connection among the towering redwoods. There’s also a yoga and sound bath session, with scent-making classes and art workshops further enhancing the sense of discovery.
“Glamping” at Dawn Ranch runs through October and offers a delightfully chill way to experience the property’s natural setting while keeping the comforts of a luxury visit. Glamping tents are outfitted with luxury finishes and personal firepits for marshmallow roasting and campfire sing-alongs with Fender guitars.
Also over in Guerneville, R3 Hotel (16390 4th St.) is keeping the Pride alive into July with an all-day queer celebration starting with the Guncle Sam Pool Party from noon to 6pm, July 4. This is a 21+ party with Los Angeles DJ Ryan Kenney, San Francisco drag icon Tila Pia, go-go dancers and poolside lounging. Following that, at 7:30pm, it’s fireWERK!, a subversive, adults-only LGBTQ+ burlesque show.
This might be a good place to mention that fireworks are illegal for folks to buy or use in every Sonoma County city except Cloverdale, which seems to be really into freedom of choice over fire safety. Yet, each city in Sonoma County has also stepped up their Independence Day community events with several parades, higher altitude fireworks shows and even some laser and drone shows. Please insert obligatory note that pets really, really don’t like fireworks here, and please be safe.
If this is getting a little too cranky for what has basically become a party weekend, one may hold their beer and head over to the Sonoma County Event Center at the Fairgrounds for a storied event that is back after a several year hiatus.
Yes, the “World Championship Pillow Fights” are back. And while no longer being held in Kenwood, the event is being done in conjunction with the Kenwood Fireman’s Association. If anyone is curious how World Champion level pillow fighting goes down, then they should buckle up.
Two competitors scootch out onto a long, metal pipe which is across a pit of mud. This same mud is often used to soak the contestants’ pillows in order for more clobbering capabilities. When the referee gives the signal, the two fighters engage, and the winner is the last person still sitting on the aforementioned pipe. The contest is tournament style, and the winner will be crowned World Champ. Boy, will their parents be proud.
OK, so, maybe pillow fighting over a mud pit is a little extreme for some. For the more chill at heart, Team Sugarloaf and Sonoma Ecology Center are teaming up for a nighttime Fourth of July hike to the summit of Bald Mountain (2605 Adobe Canyon Rd., Kenwood), one of Sonoma Valley’s tallest peaks.
Once they crest the peak, hikers will have a huge, panoramic vantage point where 16 different fireworks displays will be lighting up the Bay Area. The hike is moderately difficult at 6.5-miles roundtrip and more than 1,500 feet of elevation gain. Anyone who makes the journey will be greeted with a mountaintop reception featuring hearty snacks, sweets, refreshing lemonade and water. Also present will be folks from the Robert Ferguson Observatory, who will be waiting at the summit with a telescope, offering a special opportunity for stargazing.
For our friends in the next valley over, a comprehensive listing of Napa area events can be found at visitnapavalley.com.
