I must say we had higher expectations, even though we went on an impulse. You can still smell the smoke from the fires, but if you keep breathing to a minimum, you can be outside for awhile without feeling it too much. So, we thought we'd get out of the house for awhile on Sunday.There's a wide spot in the road about 5 minutes west of Grass Valley called Rough and Ready. Named by guys, obviously, in 1849. It was quite the little boom town, then--all about the gold, of course. Now it's a ragtag cluster of old-ish buildings, almost none dating back to that time (building sturdy structures was a definite low priority in those days).
Back in 1850, they were hacked that the US feds taxed the gold they'd dug up, so they thought they'd pull a fast one and secede from the Union (would it surprise you to know that they concocted this plan in a saloon?). They figured that'd show 'em (urp). They sent the secession documents (quite official, I'm sure) to Washington, by--I don't know--rickshaw. Meanwhile, they set about being a country. There are two stories as to why, three months later (and before the "official documents" even arrived in Washington), they decided to join back up. One is that the 4th of July was looming and they wanted back in on the party (what, no fireworks?) The other is that neighboring areas wouldn't sell liquor to the "foreigners" (what, no firewater?). I have a guess as to the more likely scenario.
Anyhoo, every year, about now, the residents in the area hold a festival called "Secession Day". I read about it even before we moved up here. Thought it was a big deal. A local gem in a Gold Country setting. The reality was more like a chipped rhinestone in a tin--oh, you know what I mean. That the event was underwhelming would be an understatement.
The centerpiece of the festivities each year is the reenactment, but there's also supposed to be music and food, crafts and other stuff...the usual. The skit (or "reenactment") was comprised of about 15 folks in costume on a rickety little stage under the oaks, reading or reciting lines that were supposed to rhyme (I think). In some third-grader's mind, perhaps. We couldn't watch, out of respect, so as not to increase their (assumed) embarrassment. Meanwhile, the four booths were folks selling those scarves that keep your neck cool, some jewelry and sno-cones. We were pretty glad we hadn't seen the notice in the Bee and hauled buns up the hill from Sacramento to join a full-on rockin' jubilee. They probably already know.
There was a bright spot. There were a few small temporary corrals set up in the shade. One held a baby emu (very cute!) and some turkeys. In another, were a couple of goats and a few sheep. But our favorite was the enclosure where the miniature mare and her extra-miniature colt were milling around. I was so happy! The little guys was three weeks old, and only knee-high. It was worth the drive over there just to see them. Yes.
We lasted about 40 minutes at the festival, mostly gawking at the horses. Then we drove back to Grass Valley, picked up some sandwiches and ate them at a picnic table along side Wolf Creek and the old Northstar Mine powerhouse. Very nice. Here's a shot of Tom munching away.
So, if you ever come for a visit before the Fourth of July, we will do you a favor and drag you around to the State Park or fairgrounds or the covered bridge, but you won't have to attend Secession Day in Rough and Ready. You're welcome.
