A&E

A chorus of oohs and aahs will be heard throughout the county and beyond come Fourth of July, when the nighttime sky becomes the backdrop for striking displays of bright, colorful lights. And while the fireworks shows may serve as the grand finale of the holiday, many area celebrations are about more than just the pyrotechnics.

The warm weather of February and March has given gardeners planting fever, and a few local farmers are planting out tomatoes in hopes of being the first to bring the precious fruit to market. But is it worth the risk for a backyard gardener to plant summer crops early?

Complied by Rollie Atkinson

Talented musicians have historically gathered in the Russian River Resort Area to play for enthusiastic crowds enjoying the region’s beaches.