Calaveras Grape Stomp, Street Faire return to Murphys

• What: Calaveras Grape Stomp and Gold Rush Street Faire

• When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1

• Where: Downtown Murphys

• cost: Free admission

• info: www.calaveraswines.org

Gold Rush Day gives everyone the rare pleasure of getting un-serious in a serious world.

Every first Saturday in October, the historic town of Murphys transforms into a frenzy of activity with two renowned events — the Calaveras Grape Stomp and the Gold Rush Street Faire.

Both events run simultaneously between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, and benefit Feeney Community Park on Highway 4 in Murphys.

At the Grape Stomp, teams of two — a Swabber (sometimes called a Mucker) and a Stomper — compete to extract the most juice out of measured amounts of wine grapes. The juice is precisely measured, and prizes are awarded to all the winners, with special prizes for the top finishers in the Championship Stomp.

Teams are encouraged to appear in costume, or not, and prizes are awarded for costumes based on originality, design, and effort.

Anyone who would like to compete in the Grape Stomp can register online at www.calaveraswines.org.

Proceeds from the Grape Stomp support local community groups.

Admission is free to watch the stomp and $80 per team of two to compete.

For more information, call the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance at (209) 728-9467.