Hi, folks! I'm Willy, the store mascot, and I've landed the prestigious job of keeping you informed as to upcoming sales and events here at Mr. Ryder & Company, and in the town of Graton. Scout (my mom's other dog) always tries to command center stage, but sometimes I, too, manage to claim my 15 minutes of fame. Last summer I proudly sported a collection of vintage doll hats in an impromptu fashion show at our shop. Here are some photos from this noteworthy event. It was loads of fun, and the customers adored me - but I must admit, those high-heeled golden slippers were murder on my back!

                   

Anyway, enough about me.
Here are some news bites and dates of importance for Mr. Ryder & Company:

Good news! Our store was featured in the August '08 issue of Martha Stewart Living!
We were also featured in a segment for Channel 5's "Eye on the Bay."

Our annual GRATON DAY FESTIVAL took place on Saturday September 24, 2011. One of the highlights of this grand brouhaha was MR. RYDER'S ANNUAL PET PARADE. All pets were welcome to join the festivities, and whimsical costumes were highly encouraged. Awards were given for the most creative costumes.

Entry fee was only $10 per family, and all proceeds were donated to All Aboard Animal Search and Rescue, a local nonprofit agency assisting in locating lost pets and relocating abused and abandoned animals.

Back this year by popular demand was West County's own radical guerilla grassroots marching band, The Hubbub Club (a cross between a Fellini movie and a New Orleans street band). There was also a late afternoon/early evening street dance on Bowen Street featuring the Grey Street Band (R & B, soul, blues and Motown).

Other fun activities included pie and zucchini contests, a raffle, horseshoes, good food, and lots of community fun.

Participants in Mr. Ryder's previous pet parades included Mirabel, an ancient tortoise who rode in style in a straw-filled wagon. Also gracing Main Street were kinetic sculptures - a gorilla and a lizard - from the Burning Man festival. Awards are given for the most creative costumes.

Mr. Ryder's 2007 Graton Day Pet Parade commandeers Main Street......

Check back with us often for news of other store events and sales.
There's always something going on at Mr. Ryder Antiques & Art!