Offbeat Festivals are the “Norm” in Santa Cruz County
Contact: Christina Glynn, Communications Director/Film Commissioner
Phone: 831-429-7281, ext. 112, email: cglynn@santacruz.org
February 24, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OFFBEAT FESTIVALS ARE THE “NORM” IN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA – Did you miss the Fungus Fair in January? Don’t despair, the Festival of the Cement Ship is still around the corner! And if the Mask Festival seems a bit too scary, there’s always the lively Musical Saw Festival or some Full Moon Madness to shake things up.
Events such as these may be found on any given month in this funky, eclectic coastal California town. Love wine? Then relax as you enter the pearly gates of Pinot Paradise and find yourself in wine heaven. Would you give your right arm to attend the Missing Arm of William Waddell hike? Are you too impatient to stand during an hours-long parade? Check out The World’s Shortest Parade that takes place each Independence Day in Aptos. This year, the Santa Cruz County Conference & Visitors Council is helping to make a vacation to the beach even more affordable than ever with these funky, fantastic, and always fun festivals (hint: many of them are also FREE!):
Pinot Paradise! March 28 – 29, 2009
A Celebration of Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir. Visit select Santa Cruz Mountains wineries for samples of latest pinots. Various wineries, Santa Cruz Mountains. Phone: 831.685.VINE (8463) www.scmwa.com
“Bug Day”, May 2, 2009
Go buggy while making new discoveries about a wide variety of bugs through interactive games, puppet shows, art projects, nature walks, and displays. Kids can earn a degree in “Bugology” as they find out about the diversity of wildlife found in this park. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton. 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Phone: 831.335.7077.
Festival at the Cement Ship, June 6, 2009
Celebrate the 1930s when the ship was the place to dance and dine. Enjoy music, dancing, a cakewalk, games. Seacliff State Beach, Aptos. 11 am – 4 pm. Phone: 831.685.6444 www.santacruzstateparks.org
Full Moon Madness Astronomy Night, June 6, 2009
Join a moonlit guided tour of the redwoods at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Felton, and moon gaze through telescopes from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. Activities include music, multi-media presentation about the park’s nocturnal critters, crafts for kids and refreshments. Phone: 831.335.7077.
Surf City Classic: Woodies on the Wharf, June 27, 2009
13th Annual Surf City Classic car show promises scenic views of the Monterey Bay and a celebration of the surf spirit! Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz. Phone: 831.420.5273 www.santacruzwharf.com
“World’s Shortest Parade”, July 4, 2009
Parade at 10 am, pancake breakfast before, party in the park afterwards. 7:30 am – 4:30 pm. Soquel Dr. & State Park Dr., Aptos Village. Phone: 831.688.1467 www.aptoschamber.com
Santa Cruz Mask Festival, October 24, 2007
The Santa Cruz Mask Festival has it all: dance, theater, storytellers. A fun filled day for the whole family. 12 – 5 pm. Santa Cruz Phone: 831.420.6177 www.nelsoncenter.com
The Missing Arm of William Waddell, October 24, 2009
Big Basin Redwoods State Historic Park is transformed into a forest decorated in the spirit of Halloween as the saga of the Missing Arm of William Waddell, an early pioneer, is told. This half-mile guided walk is slightly haunting and very silly! Music, storytelling and more begin at 7:00 p.m. Walks leave every 20 minutes. Log on to www.santacruzstateparks.org to find out more.
Surfin’ Santa, November 28, 2009
Santa & his reindeer surf into Capitola Beach, towel off, take Christmas requests and hand out candy canes! Starts at 12 pm. Capitola Beach, Capitola Village
Phone: 831.475.6522 www.capitolasoquelchamber.com
For a complete listing of 2009 events and festivals in Santa Cruz County, visit www.santacruzevents.travel, or call the Santa Cruz County Conference and Visitors Council at 800.833.3494.