Get out your calendars; May looks to be big fun for Moraga. A new energy centered on outdoors and playfulness is filling the little town that's nestled in the hills. In June, music returns to the Commons when the Summer Concert Series begins on June 17th.

Moraga Beautiful Week
May 1st
Traditionally in Moraga, the month of May starts with volunteers working together to make the town look even better. "Moraga Beautiful Week" will start with staff staining all of the wooden play structures at Rancho Laguna Park from 9 a.m. to noon. Volunteers are welcome; wear clothing and shoes that won't mind a bit of paint (the splattered look is "in" right now). Gloves and brushes will be provided.

Through the Garden Gate
May 1st
The Moraga Junior Women's Club annual garden tour, benefitting Farm 2 Kids (proceeds will support the purchase and distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables to low income school children in Contra Costa and Solano counties). Tickets are on sale at Across the Way (Moraga), McDonnell Nursery (Orinda), Orchard Nursery (Lafayette).

Moraga Celebrates the Gaels
May 2nd, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Still basking in the glory of the SMC men's basketball team's journey to the Sweet Sixteen, the town will celebrate the Gaels at the Moraga Commons Park. Coach Bennett and the team will be there. They will sign autographs and play fun basketball games with the kids. "I'm coming out of retirement!" commented Council Member Dave Trotter when the event was announcement at the last Town Council meeting. The Hacienda Foundation will be serving hot dogs, chips and drinks. Fans of all ages are welcome.

Cinco de Mayo
May 5th, 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Come to the Hacienda de las Flores (2100 Donald Drive) for the best Cinco de Mayo celebration in the area. This second annual event will follow in the footstep of last year's great success. The fiesta will feature live Mariachi music and authentic Mexican food and drinks, available for a nominal charge. Activities for children of all ages include tortilla making, pi§atas and other games. Campolindo High School students will present a brief program about the origins and significance of Cinco de Mayo in Mexican history. Visitors can park at the 5A parking lot on Moraga Road and board the free shuttle. The Cinco de Mayo fiesta is sponsored by the Hacienda Foundation of Moraga, the Town of Moraga and the Park and Recreation Department of the Town of Moraga.

Moraga Community Faire
May 8, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
The 4th annual Community Faire will be held at the Rheem Center with some 80 booths representing businesses and artists from Moraga. Ongoing activities will include wine tasting, a classic car show, an art show, a climbing wall, and various children's activities. A diverse program of entertainment will be offered to the community including the Saint Mary's and Campolindo jazz bands. A wide variety of food will be available for purchase, participating restaurants include: Little Hearty Noodle, Terzetto Cuisine, Pennini's Ristorante, plus munchies such as cotton candy, pop corn, hot dogs and hamburgers.

Open House at the New Town Maintenance Yard
May 16th, noon - 4:00 p.m.
Moraga's Public Works staff is opening the doors of the new location at 331 Rheem Blvd. and invites residents to drop by and meet staff, see the new building and get information on a number of topics such as drought tolerant plants, sudden oak death and the new clean water requirements. Isabella Mercurio, 4th grader and daughter of Public Work Director Jill Mercurio, will distribute information about recycling while conducting a "garbology" research project for the science fair at her school. The young student will encourage visitors to sort any trash they might generate at the event as either recyclable, food waste, liquid or other trash. She will then measure and graph the results, while the waste will be properly disposed off through the Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority.

MEF Showcase
May 20th, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
The community is invited to attend the Moraga Education Foundation (MEF) Showcase, at the Moraga Commons Park. MEF will showcase student accomplishments and celebrate the community's commitment to quality education.

Summer Concert Series
June 17th-August 19th, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
The 2010 Summer Concert Series begins on June 17th. Bring your picnic blanket or lawn chairs to the grassy hillside in front of the band shell at the Moraga Commons Park. Enjoy the music while your children enjoy the park. The volunteers of the Moraga Park and Recreation Foundation will even cook dinner for you; the Snack Bar opens at 6:00 pm.
2010 Concert Schedule
June 17 Big Rain - Country & Western
June 24 Plastic Onion - Beatles tribute band
July 8 Juke Joint - Local blues band
July 15 Moonalice - Early rock band, 2010 Grammy award nominee
July 22 Motor Dude Zydeco - Cajun
July 29 Pladdohg - Celtic Rock
August 5 Kickin' the Mule - Blue & Soul
August 12 littledog2 - Local R&R Band
August 19 La Ventana - Santana tribute band

Copyright Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA