Holidays

So now we round the turn at July 4 and head into weeks of summer heat, the straightaway that runs deep into September. But before we leave July 4, let's take one last look at the smiling faces of the day.  Rancho Murieta gives us a lot to smile about every day, and that's even truer about July 4. These are the best smiles we found in our travels.  See photos »

By some measures, it was Rancho Murieta's biggest July 4 ever -- biggest parade participation, biggest number of spectators, biggest Fun Run and, yes, the best fireworks finale ever. Click inside for 300-plus photos from the day.

Minor fire erupts on Laguna Joaquin after fireworks

Like every July 4 in Rancho Murieta, this year's had a familiar recipe -- barbecue smoke, family and friends, the boom of fireworks, pancakes for breakfast, candy tossed from golf carts, sun, water, hot dogs and snow cones.  It just seemed this July 4 had more of everything.  Read more »

Murieta Townhouses Inc. weighs in with the first event of July 4, 2010 -- the Townhouse Decorating Contest.  There are three winners, as outlined in this note from Bobbie Fite:  Read more »

Last year fireworks caused a fire at a home and some residents had pets run off when they were frightened by fireworks.  Let’s look forward to a safe Fourth of July holiday by taking the lessons of the past and adding some timely advice from the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District and the Humane Society. Feel free to add your own tips.  Read more »

Golf carts won't be the only things decked out in red, white and blue for the July 4 holiday. Townhouses are getting into the Independence Day spirit with a decorating contest sponsored by the Murieta Townhouses Inc. Social Committee.  Read more »

July 4 is Rancho Murieta's biggest holiday, and many people think it's the community's best day -- food, fun and fireworks from dawn until well after dark.  We've got the schedule and some tips to make a better day for you.  Read more »

As bagpiper Chuck Jamison played “Amazing Grace,” Boy Scouts retired a flag Monday evening in honor of Sgt. 1st Class Bryan E. Hall, an Elk Grove native who died in Iraq last year.  His parents, John and Betty Hall, were in attendance.  More than 75 flags were retired in the Memorial Day ceremony, held annually at Lake Calero.  Read more »

The retirement of tattered and faded American flags will take place 7 p.m. Memorial Day, May 31, at Lake Calero. Boy Scout Troop 633 will conduct the ceremony to dispose of the flags with dignity and to honor those who have served in the armed forces. Residents who have flags to be retired can drop them off at the Rancho Murieta Association Building, Rancho Murieta Business Center in the Plaza, 15231 Medella Circle or 15004 Rio Circle.

Pony rides were a new attraction at this year's Easter Egg Hunt, held Saturday afternoon at Stonehouse Park.  The event, staged by the Kiwanis Club and volunteers, attracted hundreds of children and their families.  They had the usual Easter fun, enjoyed the goods at a bake sale and were entertained by dancers, balloon artists and face painters.  The Sheriff's Department offered fingerprinting, and the SPCA was there with dogs.  Read more »