SLV Museum presents ‘Side Track’ exhibition in Felton
Opening on June 20 at the San Lorenzo Valley Museum’s Faye G. Belardi Memorial Gallery in Felton will be the exhibition “Side Track” featuring work by artist Jim Potterton.
In fall 2024, Potterton’s work was featured on the cover of Railroad Heritage Magazine along with a 10-page article on his paintings and rail trail advocacy entitled “Painting for a Cause” by Elrond Lawrence.
Potterton writes: “One of my favorite pastimes is to take the train. There I am mesmerized looking out the window at the backside of the passing American Landscape. Abandoned side tracks leading to broken-down warehouses and factories cause me to wonder what it was like when they boomed with industrial-life. These are our archaeological ruins turning to crumbling brick piles in a mere lifetime. What is it in these shadowy shapes that captures our imagination?”
Twelve of Potterton’s rail artworks will be on display in a variety of media; acrylic, oil and charcoal and graphite.
The exhibition will run from June 20 through Sept. 14, with an opening reception on Saturday, June 28, from 2-4pm. Light refreshments will be served. Admission is free.
Ben Lomond Village Alliance announces summer dance event
Ben Lomond Village Alliance will host a lively dance night at Park Hall Community Center on Sunday, June 22.
The event will feature square dance and honky-tonk music, performed by live bands Summoning Circle and Bois Rouge Cajun Band, along with a professional caller guiding dancers of all skill levels.
The evening begins at 7pm, with doors opening at 6:30pm. Summoning Circle will start the festivities with energetic old-time string music, followed by Bois Rouge Cajun Band delivering Cajun and two-step tunes to keep the dance floor busy. Attendees can purchase beer, wine, snacks and sodas.
Tickets can be purchased online. More information is available at benlomondvillage.org/event/square-dance-honky-tonk/.
Summer shuttle service returns to Big Basin Redwoods State Park
California State Parks and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks have announced the return of the free shuttle program at Big Basin Redwoods State Park for summer weekends and holidays in 2025.
Building on the success of the shuttle service pilot program during summer 2024, the program offers increased access to the park while the long-term facilities are redeveloped following the devastating 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire.
The free State Parks shuttle will operate in a loop from the interim overflow parking area at Saddle Mountain (located at the intersection of Highway 236 and Little Basin Road) to the main day-use area near the park’s historic core. This shuttle service supplements the limited reservation-based parking at the main day-use area.
The 14-passenger, ADA-accessible shuttle includes a bike rack for two bicycles and will operate from 11am-6pm on weekends and holidays now through Labor Day. When parking in the main day-use area reaches capacity, visitors will be directed to the Saddle Mountain parking lot, which is available on a first-come, first-served basis for a fee.
To guarantee parking in the main day-use area, visitors are encouraged to make reservations in advance online. All California State Parks day-use passes and entry programs are honored, with all fees supporting the park. Learn more and plan a visit at thatsmypark.org/bigbasin.
In addition to the shuttle, public transit access to the park is available through Santa Cruz METRO’s Route 35. The route has five daily scheduled stops that also operate on weekends and holidays. Riders can park for free at the Scotts Valley METRO Station and take the bus directly to the park. Bus fares still apply. Visitors arriving by METRO bus receive free entry and guaranteed access to the park.
Printed 2025 Fair Entry Guides now available
Residents of Santa Cruz County can now pick up a printed copy of the 2025 Fair Exhibitor’s Entry Guide. The guides are available at local libraries, feed stores across the county, and the Fair Office on East Lake Avenue in Watsonville.
The full list of distribution locations is online at santacruzcountyfair.com.
The Entry Guide is also accessible online for easy viewing. The guide highlights numerous divisions including Livestock, AgHort, Amateur Wine, Fine Arts, LEGO, Photography, Poultry, Floriculture, Collections, and Home Arts.
For questions about entering the Fair, contact the Fair Office at 831-724-5671. The 2025 Fair promises exciting displays showcasing the talents of community members.
