Community Events & News
12th Annual BIG RED BARN Event
Saturday, September 15 @ 5:30 PM
With the BIG RED BARN as the back drop, Rancho Arroyo Seco and Newman Minerals will host its 12th annual community fundraiser on Saturday, September 15th. This year, proceeds from the event will go to the restoration of the historic Ione Train Depot and the build out of a new park.
The historic Ione Train Depot was built by the Central Pacific Railroad in 1876 and was completed in 1877. The Depot was the hub for trains and buggies delivering supplies for the gold rush era and beyond. It served as the supply center and warehouse for the entire region. Today the depot has been relocated on City of Ione land, and railroad enthusiasts and historians have partnered with the City to restore and bring new life to the historic depot and build a beautiful park for residents and visitors to the area.
So, to continue this process, the BIG RED BARN fundraiser has set a goal to raise $25,000-30,000 or more. Rancho Arroyo Seco will once again match up to $7,500. The City has applied for a $25,000 grant from the Union Pacific Foundation to be awarded in September of this year, there is also $10,000 in matching funds for the project at the Amador Historic Foundation, and the Rotary Club of Ione will direct their community project in support of the restoration in the amount of $4,000. With these funds and more, it is the goal to resume the project in late fall or early spring. This will be a multi-phased project over the next two years.
Here’s how you can help…Plan to join us on September 15th at the BIG RED BARN located on Hwy 104 across from the Mule Creek State Prison. A tri-tip dinner will be prepared by Amador Catering. There will be a live auction called by Seth Seever, silent auction and raffle. Tickets are $35 each and can be purchased at City Hall, online at traindepotpark.eventbrite.com, or call 274-2777 or 274-2541 and your order will be placed for will call. If you cannot attend and would like to donate any amount, checks are made payable to BIG RED BARN 2018 and mailed to Rancho Arroyo Seco, P.O. Box 1730, Ione, CA 95640. All donations are tax deductible through the Amador Community Foundation, Tax ID# 68-0447992. Over the years, this event has raised and donated over $350,000 to local organizations and projects. Plan to attend and help restore the history that is Ione.
Summer Piano Camp Classes in Ione will be offered at Robyn’s Piano Room located in downtown Ione. If you are looking for summer fun activities for your children, this is a great time to try piano lessons. Beginning in June, Robyn will be offering discounted beginner piano boot camps and buddy courses along with private lessons for students ages 6 years through adult. For class details, call Robyn at 209-588-6641.
Preston Castle Tours for 2018 will open to the public beginning Saturday, April 7th through August 18th, from 10 AM to 1 PM. Trained historic docents will be ready to take visitors on a guided tour of the historic Castle. Volunteers are also needed. The Preston Castle is looking for volunteers from tour guides to cashiers, and several positions in between. Annual training will be held on March 24th. Check the website at prestoncastle.com if you are interested, need more information, or to sign up. Or, email Sybil Griffith at sg4pcf@yahoo.com.
Ione Pool is Open for Summer The Amador County Recreation Agency (ACRA) is offering swimming lessons and recreational swimming at the Ione swimming pool. The pool is located on the Ione Jr. High School campus. Certified Red Cross swim instructors and lifeguards will give lessons and teach safe recreational swimming. Lessons are offered from July 9-13 and July 16-20. In addition, recreational swimming will be available until August 26th. Two-week standard swim lessons are $45 each, half session $25. Daily admission is $3 and $4, season family passes are available for residents for $135, and monthly family pass for $75. Non-resident passes are an additional $10. An individual season pass is $50 and $60, and monthly $35 and $45. For more information, contact ACRA at 209-223-6349 or www.goacra.org.
Happenings at Preston Castle
Wine Tasting & Tour – August 25th There is a new date and time for this year’s annual Preston Castle Wine Tasting & Tour. You will taste the fine wines of Amador County and tour the historic Preston Castle, and experience the history of Preston and feel the sensation of the past. Attendees will sample fine wines from commemorative Preston Castle wine glasses and enjoy tasty foods while listening to live music. Ticket are $45 each and available online at www.prestoncastle.com. This event is always a sellout so plan ahead.
Ione Flea Market will be held at the VFW parking lot on Saturday, August 11th from 9 AM to 4 PM. The event is being held to assist VFW and Cadet Fire Firefighter needs. Back to school clothing and household items are needed. An estimated 50 booths will be set up and selling merchandise. Booth cost is $20, and a donation of $3 for attendee parking. Set up will be from 8-9 AM on August 11. To reserve space, contact Mike at 209-304-3144. Vendors should bring tables, chairs and pop-ups, or set up in the back of a vehicle. Firehouse BBQ hot dogs and burgers will be on sale from 10:30 – 2:30. This event is sponsored by the VFW, Ione Fire Fighters Association, Disabled Veterans, and Ione Memorial District.
