About Petaluma's Downtown

 

 

 

 

The Petaluma lighted boat parade happens once a year, usually the first weekend in December.  It takes place in the turning basin on the Petaluma River near the D street draw bridge.  About 30-40 boats are decorated and people from all over line the banks to watch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the procession the boats dock and you’re welcome to take a closer look.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The best places to watch the parade is at Graffiti restaurant and the Apple Box on 2^nd street, at Dempsey’s in the Golden Eagle shopping center, and at the River House on Weller Street. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Be prepared to get there an hour or so ahead of time to get a good view and if you’re on Weller most people bring their own tables, chairs, and food; it’s a great time and perfect for families.   

 

 

Petaluma, CA: Downtown Holiday Events Schedule 2011

Each year, the holiday season in Petaluma builds through a series of events which are an annual tradition in this wonderful town.

The 2011 season is officially kicked off by Santa's Riverboat Arrival on Saturday, November 26th at the Golden Eagle Shopping Center at 2-80 E. Washington Street, Petaluma. Bring the kids to meet Mr & Mrs. Claus. Festivities will begin at 11:00 AM.

On Friday, December 2nd at 7:00 PM, the 25th Annual Light Up A Life tree lighting ceremony is held at Center Park in front of McNear's, 23 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma. Hosted by Hospice of Petaluma, each light symbolizes the life of a loved one. For a $10 donation, a light can be dedicated in their memory.

On Saturday, December 3rd, from 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM, is the Petaluma Downtown Holiday Merchant's Open House. The Theater District comes alive with Holiday merriment. Bring the family down for this free holiday event.

Another fabulous and free family event on Saturday, December 3rd, is Holiday Lighted Boat Parade sponsored by the Petaluma Downtown Association. Festivities begin at 5:30, when the flotilla of beautifully lit boats begin their journey from the Marina to the turning basin downtown where they remain docked on display for the remainder of this festive evening.

The holiday season in is quickly approaching, and I am proud to say that Petaluma, CA puts on quite a show and sets the mood wonderfully with these and other celebrations.

In this episode of the Sonoma County Business Spotlight we feature a great downtown Petaluma restaurant, Taps. I talk with the owner, Eric, about what sets his restaurant apart from others in downtown and I give you a quick tour of the inside including the keg room. With 35+ beers on tap including hard cider you'll definitely be able to find something to soothe those thirsty taste buds at Taps Restaurant and Tasting Room in Petaluma.

~ Petaluma's Rivertown Rooster on a Speechless Sunday in Sonoma County ~

This unflappable guy is both ironic and iconic. The irony lies in his metal composition. I mean how many steel chickens leave you with a warm appreciation for a town? This one does when you know that it's an aging icon of a town once called the "Chicken Capital of the World." Just take a look a this photo from an old Montgomery Wards catalogue at the so-called Petaluma Poultry Train loaded with chickens headed to what was also once called "Chick-aluna"...and "P-town."

Agriculture is still a big part of Petaluma's identity and economy although chicken production has become a smaller part of it. Perhaps you've heard of Rockey Free Range Chicken? It's some of the best chicken that can be found---in any town.

In episode 1 of The Sartori Team's Sonoma County Business Spotlight we learn more about the Evermay Garden Center in downtown Petaluma. This full service nursery can help you with all of your garden needs from purchasing a few potted plants to landscaping consultation.

Tim Sartori is a Buyer Specialist with The Sartori Team of Keller Williams Realty. Phone: 707-583-7007 Email: tim@thesartoriteam.com