How do you enjoy nature? Do you go to the beach? Do you walk the trails at the mission? Do you ride your bike on our country roads or around our beautiful city? Or maybe you enjoy star gazing at night in our unpolluted, pristine and dark sky?

Well, there are plenty of ways to enjoy nature here in Lompoc. This week’s theme, Nature’s Wonders, at the Olde Towne Market, should remind all of us what a wonderful place we live in to enjoy nature in Lompoc.

This Friday night at the OTM, we feature organizations that are devoted to the enjoyment of nature in and around our fair city. The Vandenberg Amateur Astronomical Association will have a program in the gazebo in Centennial Park. It will be providing programs on astronomy with some perspective on our planet and our place in the universe. The gazebo will be covered for darkness, so be prepared to crawl inside to see the program. The show will run continuously from 5 to

7 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to find out more about the community you live in.

The La Purisima Audubon Society will provide information about the Santa Ynez River wetlands, or estuary, near Surf Beach. If you want to know more about the health of the area, learn more about the birds and wildlife that make it their home, you will want to talk with this informative group.

Representatives from two great places not that far from here will also be present — Cachuma Lake Nature Center and the Guadalupe Dunes Center. Those groups will have some great information on these two areas. There will be other groups providing information, so come down and learn more about the place where we live. You won’t go wrong if you join us Friday night.

Vientos Del Sur, a local jazz band, will provide musical entertainment. Its is earthy and exciting. I guarantee you will enjoy the music. At 6 p.m. members will take a break as Denise Donlon’s Lompoc School of Dance performs classical dances. I am sure you will be inspired with the grace and beauty that these students portray. Come early so you can share in the joy of dance.

Advertisement

Also at 6 p.m., Cindy McCall and her Urban Forestry Team will plant a replacement tree for the tree that was recently removed from Centennial Park. We will have a planting ceremony, with Mayor Dick DeWees reciting a poem appropriate for the occasion.

We continue to be pleased with the turnout at the Olde Towne Market, which is held from 5 to 7 p.m. each Friday in the 100 block of South H Street. Last week’s turnout was outstanding! Please continue to join us so we can continue this wonderful family event.

Our food offerings continue to expand. Last week, I tried the Knights of Columbus chicken sandwich. You won’t find a better chicken sandwich anywhere. A friend had the chocolate brownie with strawberries and whipped cream. It looked mighty tasty — a definite must on your food selection menu. If you would like to sponsor a food booth, call the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce at 736-4567. This is a great opportunity to earn some money for your organization at a minimal cost.

Each week our vendor participation continues to grow. This is a great way to make contacts with a variety of vendors and save time in making contacts if you are planning an event. If you want to reserve a booth, again, call the chamber. It’s a good way to advertise your business.

The kids continue to enjoy the Jump House, which is behind the museum. Where do they get that energy? Also, there are game opportunities for the kids at the various booths. Gum Drop, the clown, will probably be there again to provide more entertainment for the young folks.

California Dodge Chrysler and Jeep continues as our main sponsor. We appreciate their support.

The Farmer’s Market is adjacent to the OTM on Cypress Avenue. This week I plan to make it a point to get my kettle corn early before they run out. Great stuff!

Next week’s theme is Public Safety and family Fun Dog Show. There will be several categories for the dog show. including look alike and best dressed. so plan to enter your favorite pooch. Don’t miss out on this fun evening. The Remnants will provide the musical entertainment.

Hope to see all of you this Friday at the Olde Towne

Market.

Alice Milligan is a member of the Olde Towne Market

Committee.

July 24, 2008