Events canceled, postponed as Sonoma County braces for rain

A storm expected to bring unseasonably wet and cool weather beginning Wednesday has canceled and postponed several planned events throughout Sonoma County.

Among them is the first Santa Rosa Wednesday Night Market of the year, which organizers canceled in advance of an anticipated half-inch to 1½ inches of rain expected to fall on Wednesday.

Entering its 31st season, the weekly market at Santa Rosa's Old Courthouse Square brings food vendors, farmers and live music to as many as 10,000 attendees, said Todd Morrow, an organizer.

“Unfortunately we can't control Mother Nature and we felt it was in the best interest for everyone involved,” Morrow said of the decision to cancel the event. “We'll be back next week.”

The rain is expected to continue on and off for several days, prompting the postponement of Saturday's Healthcare Affair fundraiser, organized by the Healthcare Foundation of Northern Sonoma County. The nonprofit, which raises money to support health care organizations and programs, hoped to draw between 300 to 350 people to the event, said Rudy Campos, the foundation's marketing director.

The fundraiser typically generates hundreds of thousands of dollars for the nonprofit every year, he said.

No date has been set for the rescheduled event, Campos said. Tickets already purchased will be honored, though the nonprofit is offering refunds as well, he said.

Local sports games may also be impacted by the storm.

Nine North Coast Section baseball and softball playoff games are scheduled for Wednesday, including a baseball game between crosstown rivals Casa Grande and Petaluma. The No. 1-seeded Rancho Cotate softball team also is preparing for its opening game of the playoffs on Wednesday.

Saturday's Luther Burbank Rose Parade & Festival will continue as planned, rain or shine, said parade manager Judy Groverman Walker.

The festival begins at 9 a.m., and the parade will kickoff an hour later.

You can reach Staff Writer Nashelly Chavez at 707-521-5203 or nashelly.chavez@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @nashellytweets.