Library prepares for May Surprise

Saturday's forecast calls for, well, a bluebird day.

It is the kind of day the May Surprise organizers hope will inspire folks to come out to the Senior Center Garden Area and enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting, art and a variety of other activities.

"The wine tasting started eight years ago; that was the first element," said Cynthia White, who is heading the wine tasting for the Friends of the Library.

It is the biggest fundraising event of the year for the group, which is hoping to raise $10,000 in support of the county library system.

Last year, the community pitched in for $9,500, White said.

In addition to five wineries, two private winemakers — including Mike Daugherty of Arbuckle — will have their wines available for tasting.

A silent auction, with prizes such as a "Shop Around the County" and "Eat Around the County" baskets, available to the highest bidder.

Each basket has a number of gift certificates from various businesses in the county.

Additionally, Recology has put up a large dumpster, a $500, to be auctioned off to the highest bidder.

The wine tasting is $15 per ticket. The center is located at 901 Parkhill St.

The annual May Surprise gets under way with the Garden Club of Colusa County's plant sale at 9 a.m. on Saturday.

It continues to 4 p.m. at The Pavillion at 10th and Parkhill streets.

The wine tasting runs from 1-4 p.m., as does the Arts Council of Colusa County's "Spring Art Show," which will be held inside the senior center.

The Pacific Flyway Quilters will have information about its organization available during the event as well.

At 2 p.m., the Colusa Historical Preservation Commission will present its third annual Merit Awards at Ninth and Parkhill.

"It is a letter of acknowledgment and a plaque that goes to someone who has gone above and beyond to restore or maintain what is considered a heritage site in town," White said.