May's First Weekend Boasts a Wealth of Spring Events

Cinco de Mayo isn’t necessarily a "real" holiday anywhere in the U.S., but everyone and their brother is doing something this weekend. From rose garden tours to baseball, May Poles to mud runs, the first weekend in May is so busy we need a Weekend Planner.

To get started on Friday and/or Saturday, check out the Spring Flea Market at The Healdsburg School. These usually sport a diverse array of stuff at reasonable prices, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Proceeds benefit THS.

Saturday, May 4:

The first Healdsburg Farmer's Market is today, Saturday, starting at 9 a.m. in the same place as last year, the parking lot at North and Vine. It runs until noon, and is always a good place to buy fresh, local and organic. Check out their Facebook page. The Saturday Farmer's Market runs weeklly into October.

The Rummage Sale at Good Shepherd Lutheran is another treasure hunt for “pickers” with furniture, baby toys, desks, decorations, furnishings, even appliances. It’s behind the gates at Good Shepherd Lutheran on University St, near the Hospital, from 9 a.m.

Great Russian River Race (GR3) is in its third and biggest year so far, with world-class paddlers tackling the 15 mile run starting at Alexander Valley Bridge, and less ambitious canoeists and kayakers starting at Rio Lindo for a 5 mile run. Both finish at Memorial Beach, where the free party (with food, wine, beer, environmental exhibiters) goes from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The new May Day Floral Garden Frolic is also Saturday, with the Upside Dance Company and public participation to help weave colorful ribbons around a lovely spring May Pole. Add to this the scents and sights of 650 varieties of roses, and 150 varieties of irises at the Russian River Rose Co. on Magnolia, plus it’s free, from 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.

Cinco de Mayo in the Plaza – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church moves their alcohol-free annual  to the Healdsburg Plaza this year, with two Ballet Folklorico groups (from Windsor and Geyserville), plus other Mexican cultural representatives. Food, raffle, business representation and a general festive atmosphere, from 11 a.m.  to 3:00 p.m.

At 5:30 p.m., there's the annual "Home Run Tri-Tip Dinner" fundraiser to benefit the Healdsburg Prune Packers baseball team. It will be at The American Legion Hall at $35 per person donation with no host bar with tips to club.

Sunday May 5:

The Russian River Mud Run at Rio Lindo Academy gives athletes who like to get down and dirty a chance to race not just against the elements, but in them. Over 1500 runners have already signed up but registration is still open, $70 for the 5K course and $80 for the full 10K.

Also Sunday, the annual Healdsburg Historic Homes Tour, a self-guided walking tour to seven private homes in the downtown area opened to visitors this one day. Sponsored by AAUW, from 9:30 until 4 p.m. Still a few tickets available, $40 the day of the event - meet at the Healdsburg Museum for maps and wrist bands.

Geyserville May Day Celebration starts at noon Sunday (not Saturday), complete with crowing of the May Day Queen at 1:30, and at 2 p.m. a May Pole dance, performed by the GES third graders. Plus live music including a performance by the Ballet Folklorico, kid’s activities, Kiwanis rib cook off, beer, wine and more. Sponsored by the Geyserville Chamber of Commerce.

Sunday May 5: Great Gatsby at Madrona Manor, 2 – 5 p.m.  This so-called “soiree” includes special Gatsby-inspired menu from Chef Jesse Mallgren, two varieties of vintage cocktails, live dance jazz, games and the experience of living the good life, for three hours at least, on a sunny Healdsburg afternoon. here are still tickets available online for $65/person.

Is this ALL that's going on this weekend in Healdsburg, or do you know of something else? Tell us in the Comments!