Monte Rio Festival

An Early Post-Pandemic Festivals/Events along the Russian River The Friends of Monte Rio [FOMR] thought long and hard about scheduling an event within the whirlwind of chaotic mandates, as to social distance, masks, vaccinations, and dogs on leashes.

The will of the public brought it together and kept them going. The Russian River residents wanted a social outlet: residential, mostly homeowning, mostly Vax’d and Masked. The MRRPD Amphitheater provided the necessary social distancing. West County Community Services [WCCS] supported the idea and were a prime booth attraction. Half a dozen of the other booths were local businesses, Chamber there too, plus other non-profits, like the local theater. The Russian River Library supported the kids “Area”, back of the stage with MRRPD managing readings and games, including free ice-cones and popcorn. A continuous stage show, eatery delicacies: Ice cream, BBQs, and Indian Curries. It all kept you going: Music, Booths, Food, Kids, and camaraderie with your Russian River residents. The attractive poster brought in others and the gate [free] swelled to 700. They were three crowds: (1) walking locals were the first early 300; poster-attracted visitors – another 300 mid-day; the night crowd – a free concert – the stage-side swelled from 100-early, to 200-midafternoon, to 300-late. Will there be Supper Club for 2021/22, the question is open.

A Different July 4th

A Different July 4^th this past 2021

It was refreshing to cut back our usual “Fireworks with thousands attending” this past year along the Russian River.  No communal gatherings in large groups along the River beaches – and to my knowledge, there were no deaths by downing along the River.

Most did BBQs at home: my little unofficial “D-Street” block club in Monte Rio held an afternoon wine & chips party.  We’re all residents, mostly older, and all vaccinated – still outdoors, with a stiff 4 pm ocean breeze cooling us.

It was a time to get acquainted with new homeowners, also time to find out what’s up around the block(s).  It was a very relaxing event, so different than the fireworks events.  D-Street did this in 2020 as well, and hopefully, even after the Pandemic has passed.  It brought us together, rather than defending our parking spaces, a don’t drive ban, and scaring our pets.It was refreshing to cut back our usual “Fireworks with thousands attending” this past year along the Russian River.  No communal gatherings in large groups along the River beaches – and to my knowledge, there were no deaths by downing along the River.

Most did BBQs at home: my little unofficial “D-Street” block club in Monte Rio held an afternoon wine & chips party.  We’re all residents, mostly older, and all vaccinated – still outdoors, with a stiff 4 pm ocean breeze cooling us.

It was a time to get acquainted with new homeowners, also time to find out what’s up around the block(s).  It was a very relaxing event, so different than the fireworks events.  D-Street did this in 2020 as well, and hopefully, even after the Pandemic has passed.  It brought us together, rather than defending our parking spaces, a don’t drive ban, and scaring our pets.

Lines at the RIO ?

 

Yes, there was a gathering Sunday at noon.

30-40 people came to here from the new owners about what was soon to be going on at the Rio.

 

 Money’s changed hands, and each of the five on stage talked about aspects of renovation and innovation coming this Fall.

The detail questions were answered by the three on the left,

 others

 by the two on the right.

 

The WEB site has much more detail,

https://www.MonteRioTheater.com