The group will meet from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 14130 Lakeshore Dr. Clearlake. Snacks will be provided.

Come be a part of learning how to run a youth board and have your say in what they plan this summer.

For more information call 707-994-5486.

The hide ride is an exciting event for both the gymkhana on Sunday, June 19, and the Ranch Rodeo on Saturday, June 18, 2011. The 50th anniversary celebration of Middletown Days on June 18 and 19 features bronc riding and a music jam in addition to the usual parade, barbecue, dance, rodeo and gymkhana. Courtesy photo.

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The 50th annual Middletown Days celebration on June 18 and 19 includes some new events in addition to the traditional parade, barbecue, dance and gymkhana.

The Ranch Rodeo after the parade on Saturday, June 18, includes bronc riding and steer riding in addition to events for kids. Sunday's events include a Mountain Jam music festival in addition to the gymkhana.

The parade starts at 10 a.m. Saturday in downtown Middletown, and spectators should get to town by 9:30 a.m. to avoid getting caught in the detour traffic. Parking is available on all streets east of Highway 29.

Parade entry forms are available by calling Martha Webster at 707-987-0470 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

After the parade the fun moves to the park for a tri-tip and chicken barbecue with all the trimmings.

The rodeo starts at 1 p.m., with mutton bustin' and dummy roping for the little cowpokes, and real rodeo events for the big guys.

Vendors selling crafts, clothing, food, and more will be in the park all day, along with a jumpy house for the kids and a karaoke contest.

Dance under the stars to the original Silver Creek Band beginning at 9 p.m. at the park. Cost is $25 per couple, $15 for singles, and $10 for ages 12-17, and free under 12.

Sunday's events include the Father's Day Breakfast cooked up by the Middletown Lioness Club from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by a Mountain Jam music festival in the park with several bands participating.

The gymkhana starts at 11 a.m. (signups at 10 a.m.) with lots of great prizes. Cost is $30 for five events. Contact Johanna Snell for information on the rodeo or gymkhana at 707-355-1276.

The 50th anniversary of Middletown Days is fun for the whole family. Proceeds help maintain the park and arena open year round to the community.

Tours depart at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. from the Geothermal Visitors Center, 15500 Central Park Road in Middletown.

Reservations are required. Please call 707-987-4270.

Hours will be from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Households can bring up to 15 gallons of toxic items free of charge.

Fees will be charged for amounts over 15 gallons. Items that are accepted include paint, solvents, fuels, five-gallon propane tanks, pool chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, batteries, fluorescent light tubes (up to 60 linear foot), and other toxic materials that cannot be put in the trash.

Items that cannot be accepted include televisions, computer monitors, ammunition, explosives, radioactive materials or infectious wastes.

To learn how and where to properly dispose these items, please visit www.recycling.co.lake.ca.us or contact the Recycling Hotline at 707-263-1980.

HazMobile services are provided to residential households by the Integrated Waste Management Division of the Lake County Public Services Department and the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, (CalRecycle).

Businesses also are welcome to use this convenient service to properly dispose of hazardous waste and protect our environment, however, businesses must pay for this taxpayer-funded service and first make an appointment.

Business appointments can be made by calling the Mendocino County Solid Waste Authority, the contracted agency that provides this service in Lake County at 707-468-9786.

Free recycling options for residents and businesses:

– Recycled paint is available to both residents and businesses at Lake County Waste Solutions on first-come, first-served basis in five gallon containers. Colors include tan, brown, gray and pink.

– Used cooking oil can be dropped-off by businesses and residents, which will be recycled into BioDiesel by Yokayo BioFuels. Drop-off at Lake County Waste Solutions, South Lake Refuse & Recycling Center, and the North Shore Fire Protection District station at 6257 Seventh Ave. in Lucerne.

– Used motor oil can be dropped-off by residents for recycling year round at a number of sites in the county. Visit www.recycling.co.lake.ca.us for locations.

– Electronics (E-Waste) can be dropped-off at Lake County Waste Solutions, South Lake Refuse & Recycling Center, and monthly at the Goodwill E-Waste collection held in Lakeport.

The winning creation will encourage bathroom patrons to take special care of their new facility.

“This is not the city’s bathroom, it’s your bathroom,” said Lyons. “Your tax dollars were spent to make the facility clean, light and pleasant. I hope you are as proud of it as I am and will treat it like it’s your own investment, which it is.”

Contest entries are due by June 30 (the mayor’s birthday) and can be submitted to the Lakeport Main Street Association (LMSA) by mail at P.O. Box 1032, Lakeport 95453; in person at the LMSA desk in the lobby of City Hall or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Two winners will be selected – one for a message directed at English speakers and another that speaks to the Hispanic community.

Clever, creative and even humorous entries are particularly encouraged.