Foot-tapping time

Williams residents were grinning Thursday, while the Pineridge Bluegrass Band was picking.

The first of two concerts to be held at the Sacramento Valley Museum this summer drew a large crowd.

Good music and good food on a cool August evening is how most of the 80 to 100 people sprawled out on blankets or seated in lawn chairs described the event.

"This was great idea," said former Colusa County Supervisor Jerry Maltby. "It gives us one more thing to do in Williams."

Williams officials are following through with plans to bring more events to city residents, according to Councilwoman Pat Ash, who organized Thursday's concert.

The city has been without an organized recreation department for more than a decade and is in the process of hiring a new recreation supervisor to jump start fall programs. The person city officials select will be in charge of supervising all parks and recreation program activities and use of public recreation facilities, officials said.

"We have quite a few applications," added Ash. "Hopefully, we will be making a decision soon."

Meanwhile, Ash organized and raised the funds on her own to start the summer concert program, similar to the Concerts in the Park program organized by the Colusa Recreation Department.

"I'm hoping the city will take it over next year," she said.

The Pineridge Band, who entertained the crowd with a variety of bluegrass, gospel, original and old-time music, is a well-known local band comprised of mostly Stonyford and Maxwell musicians that have been playing throughout Northern California for years.

The concert also provided several non-profit organization an opportunity to raise money while providing refreshments.

The Williams "kick ash" firefighters, fired up the grill for tri-tip sandwiches, while Citizens for a Better Williams, Williams High School Cheerleaders and the Williams Yellow Jackets Ladies Basketball team provided beverages and dessert.

The Williams Community Center Association also participated.

The second concert in the series will be held at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 26, and will feature the 1950s genre band, "The Hod Rods."

The concerts are held on the front lawn of the Sacramento Valley Museum, located at 1491 E St., Williams.

Contact Susan Meeker at 458-2121 or smeeker@tcnpress.com.

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