There’s a couple of old guys sitting on a bench in front of the bakery. Neither of them is talking, they’re just sitting there. Sometimes a group of women will walk by and the two gentlemen wordlessly watch. Other times it’s a group of tourists, speaking a language neither of the men understands. The men turn to each other, shrug and go back to what they came downtown to do – people watching. Time spent on Main Street in downtown Placerville can be as simple as sitting on a bench or as interesting as touring many of the antique shops that line both sides of the street. It can be a cup of coffee in the Fountain Plaza beside walls of brick that are covered with ivy. It can be boutique hopping, discovering items that you just don’t find in the malls.

Downtown Placerville, putting it simply, is charming. The little shops, the cafés, the unique shops that make up the town bring tourists from all over the world. Creating a town that “has it all” takes the efforts of a united group of merchants – the Placerville Downtown Association. Whether you’re there for people watching or a day of shopping, the PDA has worked hard to make your day a special one.

Every third Saturday, the merchants and galleries host the Third Saturday Nite Life art show. There are many, many talented artists living in El Dorado County and their work will be on display throughout the town. The merchants stay open late for this event. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m.

This April through August, the community commemorates John M. Studebaker and the invention of the wheelbarrow. After the discovery of gold in 1848, Studebaker recognized a need for a portable vehicle that would help in the mining. Today, his business is still celebrated by events such as the John M. Studebaker Wheelbarrow races during the county’s Fair. This year, local artists have been asked to decorate a wheelbarrow and participate in a creative "Wheelbarrow on Parade" display on Main Street and some outlying areas. Maps to find and view the creations will be provided at many of the stores on Main Street.

In May the city celebrates Founders’ Day. The event is held to celebrate when the city of Placerville was founded. Placerville became a city over 150 year ago when the rush for gold began in this area after the precious ore was first discovered in Coloma, about eight miles from Placerville. For the Founders' Day event, Historic Main Street in Placerville closes to vehicle traffic and hosts living history exhibits, demonstrations, gold-panning, period games, contests, music, stagecoach rides, a working saloon, model A cars and more. The street faire is held in the afternoon and the street dance with live music is held near the Bell Tower in the evening.

Another popular annual event is the Bell Tower Brewfest held in June. Once again the street will close to vehicle traffic and live music will fill the air. Tickets must be purchased to take part in the micro-brew tasting, where over 30 different microbrews will be featured. This event sells out. Purchase tickets beginning in May for $25 at River City Bank and The Winesmith in Placerville. Credit card purchases may be made by calling 530-672-3436.

In August Main Street will once again close to traffic and will be the site of the annual Craft Faire. Admission and parking are free. Expect to spend the afternoon strolling through the booths of over 100 artists and crafters.

Halloween on Main Street is always a howl with the PDA merchants opening their doors to trick-or-treaters (while supplies last). It wouldn’t be Halloween without a costume contest, a parade and a carnival. With help from the Placerville Rotary and the Placerville Lions Club the event, which is held from 4 to 6 p.m., offers a safe environment for little trick-or-treaters.

The day after Thanksgiving, the Placerville Downtown Association hosts one of El Dorado County’s most treasured events – the Festival of the Lights. The street is closed to vehicles and the town will offer up an old fashioned Dickens kind of holiday with merchants staying open late. The Chamber coordinates the volunteers who create Christmas Tree Lane. Main Street is always decorated for the season and the lighting of the big tree in front of the courthouse will be done at 6 p.m. Live music, entertainment, the Holly Jolly Trolley and the season’s first sighting of Santa Claus make the Festival of the Lights a family tradition. The merchants will have extended business hours.

In early December, the city will host its annual Christmas Parade on Historic Main Street. Rain or shine, folks will line upper Broadway as well as Main Street to view this colorful parade. To find out how to become part of the parade, call the EDC Chamber at 530-621-5885.

For more information about events on Main Street in Placerville, call the Placerville Downtown Association at 530- 672-3436. For information on events countywide, call the EDC Chamber of Commerce at 800-457-6279.