Get out your calendars -- it's time to Party for the Parkway.

The San Joaquin River Parkway and Trust is distributing its annual catalog of fundraising parties. This is one of the community's most ingenious ideas. Seventy-one parties are offered by creative and generous Valley hosts -- and everyone's invited.

There is something for all ages and all budgets in this fundraiser. For example, for $28 a person, you can spend a morning learning the techniques of making mosaics with Tom Snyder, the popular teacher at Baird Middle School. A pizza lunch from Me & Ed's is included and children age 8 and older and encouraged to attend.

At the high end, you can take an overnight trip Sept. 25 and 26 exploring the Tuolumne River by canoe. There is an overnight campout at Turlock State Park and Parkway chefs will prepare dinner. Transportation, canoe outfitting and camping accommodations are provided. It's $275 a person or $250 for members.

My personal favorite is a "Clam and Lobster Bake a la Madeline Davidson." This event on Sept. 27 is being hosted by Madeline's family. Before she died, Madeline was an award-winning columnist for The Bee and her love of writing was only exceeded by her passion for great food. This party pays homage to her second home in Maine. The party will be held at the Willow Unit of the San Joaquin Ecological Reserve. The meal includes lobsters, clams, salad. It's $72 a person. What a great idea. She would love it.

Appropriately, there is a kickoff party for the parties March 6 at 5:30 p.m., Regency Palace, 1600 Willow Ave., Clovis. Reservations, at $35 a person, can be made online at www.riverparkway.org or by calling 248-8476. By mail, send payment, indicating number of guests, to Parties for the Parkway, 1550 E. Shaw Ave., Suite 114, Fresno, CA 39710. This includes winetasting, appetizers, dessert from an assortment of local restaurants, live and silent auction of fine art from more than 80 Valley artists. Music will be provided by Rosetree Celtic Music, Carl and Kathryn Johnson and the River Bottom Band. That's a good deal for an evening of fun.

The first opportunity to make reservations for the season's parties is at the kickoff. Reservations will be accepted for remaining spots beginning March 7.

To see all the parties in advance, go to the Web site by clicking here.