March News
March is a beautiful month in El Dorado County. The February rains have brought fresh, green grass. The trees are showing bud and daffodils splash patches of yellow on the hillsides, while the snow still carpets the Sierras. Many vines have been pruned, and new vineyards are being staked out, bringing the sight of freshly turned earth and neat, straight vineyard rows. At the higher elevations, opportunities abound for all forms of skiing and snow fun. Drives through the lower elevations bring sightings of newborn foals, baby deer, geese and turkeys. Take care driving as wildlife may venture onto the roads.

Meanwhile, small businesses are on show, brides-to-be are thinking about, or planning, their spring and summer weddings, and city folks are heading to the small foothills towns-such as Placerville and Diamond Springs-to shop for clothes, books and antiques as well as unique art and crafts. This is a good time to visit the area wineries, which offer a variety of interesting gift items for sale as well as their premium wines. Look for new wineries, such as Cedarville Vineyards and Fleur de Lys in Fairplay, Holly Hill in Pleasant Valley or Sogno in Shingle Springs. But don't miss some of your old favorites. Over twenty wineries await your visit. Maps of the wine areas, and other tourist information, can be picked up at the wineries themselves or at the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce at 542, Main Street in Placerville.

The weekend of March 16-17 is the busiest on the county's March calendar. All kinds of events are available, for all kinds of interests. See below for specifics:

Wineries
The El Dorado County Winery Association has informed us that passports for the April 6-7 and 13-14 "Passport Weekends" are sold out. This is all the more reason for those of us who didn't obtain passports to visit the wineries in March, when they should be less crowded.

A special event is "Fondue Weekend" March 16-17 at Stover Oaks Vineyard & Winery. Besides tasting their wines, you'll enjoy delicious cheese, chili cheese and chocolate fondues. Be sure to visit www.stoveroaks.com for more information.

Showcase of Local Businesses
From accordion instruction to viper control, from brake inspection to pre-cut buildings, El Dorado County's small businesses are as varied as our foothills landscape. Small businesses are at the heart of our local economy, employing many and contributing much to the county's prosperity.

Honoring our local businesses, the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with supporting small businesses from the public and private sector, has designated March 11-17 as Small Business Week. "Expo 2002", the culmination of the week's events, will be held in the Main Building of the El Dorado County Fairgrounds on Saturday, March 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This popular business exposition, now in its fourth year, is a public event that showcases our county's wide range of business products and services. This year's "Expo 2002" has two extra attractions. The first is for the eager and hungry. The first 500 attendees at the show will receive a free All-American lunch, presented by The El Dorado Chamber of Commerce and graciously sponsored by COSTCO. The second attraction, a Bridal Show, is for the romantic. This show also runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes a Fashion Show from 1-2 p.m. Entrance to "Expo 2002" is free. Contact: Jeanne Hall, 626-8735

The Bridal Show
Couples planning their wedding have a million questions. Wedding and event coordinators "It's One Fine Day" and Bob Darling Photography, the sponsors of the March 16 Bridal Show at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, have many of the answers, all in one easily-reached place.

The show runs concurrently with the Chamber of Commerce's annual Business Expo, opening at 10 a.m. and closing at 3 p.m. A fashion show will be featured from 1-2 p.m. Commenting on the fashions is Margaret Renfro, owner of Renfros, a bridal boutique on Placerville's Main Street. Ladies' fashions are by Renfros, menswear by Combellack's. Dynamic Images, a Placerville salon and day spa, is generously donating the hair styling and makeup. Choreography is by Kristen of Dance 10 and the DJ by Absolute Entertainment, while limousine service is provided by All Dorado Luxury Car Services. And on this day, the "brides" will not have a hair out of place!

The people at "It's One Fine Day" have created an engagement story contest. While it's too late to enter (the entry deadline was March 1), it's not too late to find out who the lucky winners are. Winners will be announced just before the fashion show begins.

For all your questions about the Bridal Show, consult the following website: www.itsonefineday.com or call Janine at (530) 620-2786.

A reminder: Its gorgeous foothills scenery with the Sierras for backdrop and summer months without rain make El Dorado County a perfect wedding location. Ask Janine or Cindy for suggestions for your wedding.

After a fine day at the Bridal Show, brides-to-be with nostalgia for the old times can get further inspiration at "The Voices of Women" celebration of "Coloma Weddings 1847-1920" on March 23-24 in Coloma. Call (530) 295-2170 or (530) 622-3470 for information.

Art Lovers' Stroll
Every day is a good day to wander up and down Placerville's historic Main Street and drop in at the art galleries to see superb examples of local art and crafts. An evening stroll, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. is extra-special on the third Saturday of every month. In March, the third Saturday is March 16. Take part in the Third Saturday Nitelife Art Walk, sponsored by local galleries and merchants. Drop in at the galleries to sample wine and hors d'oeuvres, demonstrations and entertainment along with the art. Then try a meal at a Main Street restaurant.

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