It really is summer -- even if the sun doesn't always come out on the coast. Head east just a little way and it should be shining bright for the Third Annual Mad River Summerfest this Saturday, July 9. The sun always comes out for this free, family-friendly event, a labor of love for prime organizer Scott Carlson and his crew.

Things to do? You can shred on the skate ramp. Par Infinity has their disc golf course. New this year, a mechanical bull from North Coast Adventure Centers, and the kids from Blue Lake 4-H are setting up a straw maze and petting zoo. Or you could just take a walk along the Mad, skip some rocks and watch the river flow.

You could bring a picnic, or get food there from Bless My Soul, Pachanga, Humboldt Brews, Humboldt Hot Dogs, the O-Fest award winning Sushi Spot, or check out the debut of Journal food columnist Jada Brotman's West Indian specialty, Queen Doubles. There will be beer from seven different mostly local breweries and various nonalcoholic beverages.

Adding to the festival atmosphere: a collection of arts and crafts vendors, and booths from local nonprofits including Baykeeper, Surfrider, Roshni Centre for Women, Ink People/Factory Girl, Democracy Unlimited, Richardson Grove Action Now and event beneficiaries Friends of Annie and Mary Rails to Trails.

Of course the main draw is the music, all local, in many genres, this year on two stages, and dancers in what's known as The Bowl.

Specifically:

10:30 a.m. - Jim Silva (songwriter) Acoustic Stage (A)

11 a.m. - Sierra Rose Band (alt. folk) Main Stage (M)

11:45 a.m. - Sarah Torres (folk) A

Noon - Kulica (groove rock) M

1 p.m. - Gingko Daester (silk aerial dancer) in The Bowl (B)

1:15 p.m. - Speakeasy Saints (soul/blues) M

2:15 p.m. - Ya Habibi Dance Company (bellydance) B

2:45 p.m. - Moo-Got-2 (electro-funk) M

4:15 p.m. - Kindred Spirits (bluegrass) A

4:45 p.m. - The Miracle Show (Dead tunes) M

6:15 p.m. - Samba da Alegria (Brazilian drums/dance) B

6:45 p.m. - Ishi Dube (reggae) M (Miracle and Ishi may swap.)

The Third Annual Mad River Summerfest takes place all day Saturday, July 9, at Pump Station No. 1 on West End Road outside of Arcata on the way to Blue Lake. Since parking at the Pump Station is limited, free shuttles will depart regularly from Arcata Transit Center at 9th and F Sts. and in Aldergrove at West End Road and Ericson Way. For further details go to eruptionproductionz.com.