Back to the Old Sac

Here's a descriptionof a typical idyllic Sacramento summer day of my youth:

head to a River Cats game in West Sacramento, cross the Tower Bridge, and then hang out and grab dessert in Old Sacramento. These were the simple things I often missed when I moved away to attend college in Southern California, especially since my memories associated with these activities went way back and seemed so innocent. Adding to the nostalgia, Old Sacramento goes back even further with its Time Travel Weekends (which recur throughout the summer) followed by Gold Rush Days (which happens Labor Day weekend, and features tons of dirt and hay dumped onto the streets).

The fourth annual season of the Time Travel Weekends street-theater program begins this weekend. On the bill are street-theater performances harkening back to the gold-rush era, craft activities for kids, musical performances and Old West stage shows at the Eagle Theatre (921 Front Street). Basically, expect to roam around and see the streets filled with jugglers, performers and costumed characters chatting you up about bandits and back-alley gambling.

OK, these weekends might be a bit cow townish and not as glamorous or modern as Southern California's copious free outdoor summer activities, but at least they've got character. Victorian clothing optional.

Time Travel Weekends are free and happen from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, June 29 through August 25. For more information, call (916) 808-7059, or visit www.historicoldsac.org/timetravel.