Sonoma throws itself a City Party

Not too many cities throw their own parties, but Sonoma is a party kind of city, and the City Party is Friday, Aug. 18.|

Not too many cities throw their own parties, but Sonoma is a party kind of city.

The Plaza saw the Napa-to-Sonoma Half Marathon and Hit the Road Jack finish lines earlier this summer, Plein Air is coming up, and the Red and White Ball is next weekend.

Of course some say there’s a party in the Plaza every Tuesday night (though organizers insist it’s really a farmers market). The City Party – now in its 21st year – was originally on a Tuesday, and some die-hards still think it should be. Last year it was on a Thursday in July. This year’s Friday date comes at the end of the first week of school, all the better to have a little more fun without the need to rise and shine for work or school the next day.

Former city council member Ken Brown was there at the beginning, when the first City Party was held as part of the city’s Bear Flag Sesquicentennial in 1996.

“The City provided the Plaza and I raised the money, and we had the event,” he remembers. Two years later he was elected to his first term on the City Council, and the party tradition continued, often with Brown again taking the lead.

In the mid-2000s the obligation became too much for the City, and the Sonoma Community Center took it on. For several years it was held in front of the Sonoma Cheese Factory on Spain Street, often with Richard Olson’s Big Band Society providing the swing.

The City again started producing the event in 2016, with social events manager Lisa Janson directing.

“My goal is to make these events spectacular for all the nonprofits out there,” Janson said.

Whether they’ve run it or SCC, the City of Sonoma has helped pay for the costs of the party, and this year is no different – as about $14,000 comes out of the budget’s Community Services and Environment Commission funds. Other support comes from sponsors Sonoma Valley Inn, Sonoma Chevrolet, Redwood Credit Union, Black Bear Diner and Sonoma Raceway.

The rules are that no “early set-ups” will be allowed for picnickers, so don’t bring your picnic blankets, folding camp tables and chairs or other picnic supplies until 3 p.m. at the earliest, and stay with them to make sure they’re not carted away.

The event officially begins with Fernanda Alvarez, the 12-year-old Altimira student who last year debuted at the La Luz “Noche” fundraiser where she brought the crowd to their feet with a song from the Hannah Montana movie. This year she’ll go for the high notes and stirring patriotism of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” to kick off the party at 5:30 p.m.

Following introductions and welcomes from Mayor Rachel Hundley, the music begins on stage with N’Rumba, a Bay Area “modern salsa” band, who’ll get the blood flowing and the feet moving for an hour-long set.

Distributed around the Plaza, nonprofits have been assembled to provide foods – healthy and otherwise – including sausage with grilled onions from St. Andrews Presbyterian, sweets from Soroptimists, a fruit cup from Nuestra Voz, chocolate-dipped pretzels from the Sonoma Valley Woman’s Club, tamales and cupcakes (not necessarily in that order) from Sonoma Valley Youth Soccer, and authentic ethnic food from El Brinquito and E-Saan Thai House.

Should a thirst ensue, beverages from Native Sons of the Golden West and AMVETS will be available, including brews and wines from Lagunitas, Gloria Ferrer, Highway 12 and Leese-Fitch.

Once again Art Escape will be coordinating the Kids Zone, located on the east side of City Hall this year, with interactive art projects and face painting. Look for the Art Van Gough mobile play-station.

As the evening cools, local harmonica hot-shot Junior Boogie will take the stage with his all-star Friends, featuring Codi Binkley of the Whiskey Thieves on vocals. Big Brothers (or perhaps they’re the Holding Company) Peter Albin and Dave Getz accompany, along with guitarist Rich Kirch of John Lee Hooker’s band. That sounds like the ingredients for a serious case of rock and blues.

Sometime before 9 p.m. expect to hear the Rip-Tides play hit radio rockers from the Rolling Stones to Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie to Journey, and more. The high-octane Rip-Tides is a much-in-demand party band, so headlining the annual Sonoma City Party fits right in.

The City Party is co-sponsored by the City of Sonoma to bring the community together to celebrate the history, residents, businesses and non-profits of Sonoma. For more information visit www.sonomacityparty.com.

Email Christian at christian.kallen@sonomanews.com.

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