We kicked off last week with a real treat: Safari Davis, the young woman our club sponsored to attend RYLA, joined us at our social with her mom to share her experience. It was wonderful to hear how the leadership skills she built at camp helped her forge friendships that may well last a lifetime. Safari, thank you for sharing your story. You make us proud to invest in our young people.
Now, on to the main event: Pumpkins Palooza is almost here, and this community is in for a treat. Picture a festive evening of good food, good company, and good causes, with hot dogs sizzling on the grill courtesy of our friends at the Nevada City Police Department, a face painter for the kids, and small pumpkins for little hands to paint and take home. Grown-ups, don't think we forgot you: there's a restaurant raffle, a silent auction packed with great finds, and a paddle raise supporting Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Nevada County, which keeps free books flowing to local kids. Bring your family, bring your friends, and come ready to have fun for a great cause.
Rotarians, this next part is for you. This week's lunch meeting is the one we need you at. We'll be walking through the final details and the full game plan for Pumpkins Palooza, and this is where you'll find out where we need volunteers, what your role will be, and how to feel confident and prepared on the day. An event this big only runs smoothly when everyone knows their part, and we can't fill in the gaps if you're not in the room. If you've been meaning to sign up to help, this is your moment. Please make every effort to be there and bring your enthusiasm with you.
Here's to a great week ahead, and to making this Pumpkins Palooza our best one yet.
For our Pumpkins Palooza Family Celebration, we are bringing back our popular Taste of the Town Restaurant Raffle! Chances to win just multiplied! Grand prize is 10 local $100 restaurant certificates ~ a $1,000 value! Plus, drawings for smaller packages offer more chances to win!
Checkout the 19 participating restaurants: Lola's, Cirino's at Main Street, Sushi in the Raw, Sushi Q, Taste of Thai, Sopa Thai, Three Forks Bakery and Brewing, Toffanelli's, Golden Gate Saloon, Deer Creek Bar & Grill, Jernigan's, The River, Friar Tucks, Katmandu Hippie, Port of Subs Catering, Tuscany Gardens, Heartwood, Miner Moe’s Pizza, Pepe's Cafe and more to come...
We continue to collect $100 certificates from favorite local restaurants. Contact Tom Ryan if you can help solicit. The Rotarian who comes up with the most $100 certificates wins a free raffle ticket!
Tickets are on sale by Nevada City Rotary Club members and, if not sold out in advance, will be available at the event.
Please return raffle contact stubs to either Tom Ryan or Robin. Tickets are selling fast! If you have tickets you don’t sell, they must be turned in by 5pm before the event opens October 15. Any not turned in will be considered sold.
2nd ANNUAL PUMPKINS PALOOZA FAMILY CELEBRATION and PAINTED PUMPKINS SCAVENGER HUNT
What does a ghost serve for dessert on Halloween? Find the answer on a painted pumpkin in the Painted Pumpkins Scavenger Hunt October 1 - 15. Take a friend along to scout the town for your favorite pumpkins ~ and then come prepared to bid on it at ourPumpkins Palooza Family Celebration October 15! Twenty or more businesses are participating … a few to look for:
… I-scream and Boo-berry pie
PUMPKINS PALOOZA FAMILY CELEBRATION
When: October 15, 5:30-8:00pm Where: Miners Foundry Cultural Center Admission: $10 per adult at the door; students and children are free. Includes free grilled hot dogs and treats! Attire: Costumes are highly encouraged but not required.
We are in full gear up mode for Pumpkins Palooza Family Celebration and Auction at 5:30 PM on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the Miners Foundry. The evening will feature a family-friendly atmosphere, the auction of the painted pumpkins, and plenty of Halloween fun. And of course we will be drawing for our Taste of the Town Restaurant Raffles.
Board Meetings are held on the second Monday of the month. Our next Board meeting is October 12 at 5:30pm via Zoom with President Andrea leading us.
Not a Board member but want to join us? Contact Robin or reply to this Rotario for instructions. All club members are encouraged to attend a meeting. Location/schedule is subject to change, please ask.
Now, on to the main event: Pumpkins Palooza is almost here, and this community is in for a treat. Picture a festive evening of good food, good company, and good causes, with hot dogs sizzling on the grill courtesy of our friends at the Nevada City Police Department, a face painter for the kids, and small pumpkins for little hands to paint and take home. Grown-ups, don't think we forgot you: there's a restaurant raffle, a silent auction packed with great finds, and a paddle raise supporting Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Nevada County, which keeps free books flowing to local kids. Bring your family, bring your friends, and come ready to have fun for a great cause.
An added thought — bring along something to share.
Bodhi-Hive
