FIDDLETOWN — Before the days of TV, cell phones and computers, townsfolk used to sit around the grocery store and play their fiddlers on idle afternoons.

On Saturday, Sept. 19, fiddlers from near and far will once again gather for Fiddletown’s 17th Annual Fiddlers’ Jam and Contest.

The main street in Fiddletown will be closed and the entire town will become a stage to some of the best fiddlin’ music around.

Fiddletown is nestled in the Sierra foothills 40 miles east of Sacramento and 6 miles east of Plymouth. It is also located adjacent to the Shenandoah Valley, home to many award winning wineries.

Admission to the event is free. A free shuttle is provided to and from the parking area. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Musician sign-ups begin at 9 a.m.

In addition to the fiddling music and a contest with cash prizes, entertainment will also be provided by Sidetracked. Many crafters will be selling their wares at this family friendly event. On top of all this you can spend some time enjoying a walk through town looking at the town’s Gold Rush era buildings. There is also a huge raffle. All proceeds benefit the Fiddletown Community Center.

Available again his year will be the delicious food from Incalhoots BBQ. Tri-tip sandwiches, hot dogs and ribs are some of the mouth-watering entrees for sale. As Fiddletown is known for growing grapes that produce distinctive award winning wines the public is invited to taste flights of wine or buy wine by the glass in addition to beer and other assorted beverages and snacks.

For directions, information on becoming a vendor, or participating as a musician please call Dan Slater at (209) 296-0918 or check our website at www.fiddletownca.org.

ARNOLD — The 37th Annual Cedar Center Arts & Crafts Festival takes place Labor Day weekend, Sept. 5 and 6, on Highway 4 in downtown Arnold.

Fine handmade arts & crafts, gourmet foods, and face painting are featured at this popular event. Live country/swing music by “Homegrown” from Modesto and juggling by “Bonzai” Bunnell from San Francisco takes place each day as does continuous entertainment.

The Ebbett’s Pass Lion’s Club serves a pancake breakfast from 7:30 to 11 a.m. each day. The Ebbett’s Pass Volunteer Department offers local beers for sale. Hours of the festival are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Free admission and parking.

For further information, please call Kim or Mark at (209) 625-0537.

Cub Scouts Pack 423 is hosting a car wash on Sunday, Aug. 23.

The fundraiser will be held at Golden West School, 1031 N. Main St., from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Proceeds will benefit the local scouts and their upcoming endeavors.

Donations will be accepted.

For more information, call 740-3435.