Empire Mine to celebrate Mother’s Day

Empire Mine in Grass Valley is hosting a Mother’s Day Springtime Event, celebrating all of the special women who enrich the lives of their family and friends.

The event, from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sunday, includes live music, entertainment for children, docents in late 1900s costume and the Tea Garden with its complimentary cups of tea and cookies. The mine is at 10791 E. Empire St.. Admission is $7 for ages 17 years and over; and $3 for ages 6 to 16 years. Grandmothers, and children under 6 years, are admitted free of charge.

Children’s activities feature basic juggling lessons, a Potting Bench, where youngsters can make little, living gifts and cards, and musical duo Plinky and Plunky.

Musical performers include Forever Young Chorus, guitar duo Backyard Swing, guitarist George Souza, country band Stepside, barbershop quartet Forte Miners and Fire in the Kitchen.

The public is invited to bring lunch, blankets and chairs to picnic on the grounds. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

More than 1,500 people took part in last year’s celebration, said Empire Mine Park Association event chair Bob Jennings.

Empire Mine, open from 1850 until 1956, ranked as one of the oldest, largest, and most prosperous hard-rock gold mines in North America.