Our Neighbors: Point Richmond puts best foot forward for spring

By Chris Treadway
Contra Costa Times
Posted: 05/03/2010 07:24:01 PM PDT
Updated: 05/03/2010 07:24:01 PM PDT

THERE is a strong case of spring fever going on around Point Richmond, the historic waterfront district that will be bustling with activity all month.
Masquers Playhouse, the Point's beloved community theater company, turns from stage productions to dance, music and comedy for two days this week with a benefit event described as "The Kingston Trio meet 'Dancing with the Stars.'"
The show, at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, will feature the banjo and guitar folk song group Sierra Gold along with Point Richmond residents Suzie Hardt and Todd Marsden, who as the dance team A Tall Order are the reigning U.S. amateur champions in the over-35 division.
Music will include hits from The Kingston Trio, The Eagles and Crosby, Stills & Nash, while Hardt and Marsden will show their award-winning talents in ballroom and Latin dance, and the Masquers promise plenty of corny jokes in the bargain, inviting everyone to "Kick off your shoes, have a drink and some refreshments and laugh like you haven't laughed in ages."
Tickets are $25 in advance, available by calling 510-232-4031 or going online to www.masquers.org, or $30 at the door at the playhouse, 105 Park Place.
·  The Point Richmond shoreline is where the second annual Bob Peckham Fun Run will be held May 15. The 5K run honors the late Peckham, a retired Richmond police officer who achieved something approaching legendary status in Point Richmond.
Peckham, who moved to the Point in 1956 and owned the Santa Fe Market, was known for his wit, determination, community involvement and devotion to self-betterment, including being an avid runner.
The fun run — or walk, or crawl, as organizers say — is a tribute to Peckam, who was 70 when he died in 2006, and all proceeds benefit the Richmond Police Activities League.
The run starts at 10 a.m. on a course through Miller Knox Regional Shoreline.
The cost is $20 for advance registration or $25 on the day of the race (check in by 9:30 a.m. Registration and pledge forms are available at the Point Richmond Mechanics Bank branch, 4 Richmond Ave.; Feagley Realtors, 36 Railroad Ave.; and the Hotel Mac, 50 Washington Ave.; or online at www.bobpeckham.org.
For more details, visit the website or call Kevin Pacotti at 510-367-1685.
·  Back in beautiful downtown Point Richmond, the seasonal farmers market resumes with a grand opening from 4 to 8 p.m. May 12, the same day and time as the district's biggest event, the Point Richmond Stroll. That means lots of food, fun and entertainment, with Point Richmond's own youth oldies band Crunchy Frog performing.
City Manager Bill Lindsay will cut the ribbon for the farmers market at 6 p.m.
·  The downtown district is also gearing up for its summer concert series and is seeking designs for this year's series T-shirt. Designs can include up to four colors, and designers are advised that the ongoing theme of the series is "The Point is Music."
Beyond that, "think music, people, fun, dance "... have fun," advises Pam deWitt of deWitt gallery. This isn't a high-stakes competition — the creator of the chosen design will receive recognition at the concert series along with some of the finished shirts.
For more details, call deWitt at 510-236-1401. Designs should be e-mailed to pam@jimdewitt.com before the selection of the winning art May 15.