“Secret Summer” Season Begins in Santa Cruz County
Contact: Christina Glynn, Communications Director/Film Commissioner
Phone: 831-429-7281, ext. 112, email: cglynn@santacruz.org
August 31, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA – Fall in Santa Cruz County is the best-kept secret among locals. Although barbecue grills and bathing suits will be put into storage following Labor Day Weekend until next season, summer continues for visitors in-the-know. Citing fewer crowds and some of the year’s best weather, the autumn months are hailed as Santa Cruz County’s “Secret Summer”. And this fall, the Santa Cruz County Conference & Visitors Council (CVC) encourages visitors to take a peek at the fall festivals that are lined up this season:
Watsonville Fly-In and Airshow
September 3 – 5, 2010
Classic, homebuilt, military and experimental aircraft on display. Air show performers, fireworks and much more. Fri. 12 – 10pm, Sat. & Sun. 9am – 5pm.
Location: Watsonville Airport, 100 Aviation Way, Watsonville
Phone: 831.763.5600 www.watsonvilleflyin.org
Capitola Begonia Festival
September 3-6, 2010
58th annual event includes a Nautical Parade, Sand Sculpture Competition, movies, concerts & many more free family events.
Location: Main Beach and Soquel Creek, Capitola Village Phone: 831.476.3566 www.begoniafestival.com
28th Annual Capitola Art & Wine Festival
September 11-12, 2010
Fine art, wine tasting, gourmet food, eclectic music and children’s art area in Capitola Village by the Beach. 10am – 6pm.
Location: Capitola Village, Capitola Phone: 831.475.6522 www.capitolachamber.com
115th Annual Santa Cruz County Fair
September 14-19, 2010
Six days of fun and festivities, including a large carnival. Safe, fun and affordable. Noon – 11pm daily.
Location: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds (2601 East Lake Ave., off Hwy. 152), Watsonville Phone: 831.724.5671 www.santacruzcountyfair.com
Watsonville’s Monterey Bay Birding Festival
September 23-26, 2010
Come see 200 species of birds in one of the world’s most picturesque areas of California on the Monterey Bay. Thurs. – Sat. 6:30am – 9pm, Sun. 6:30am – 3pm.
Location: Watsonville Civic Plaza, 275 Main Street, Watsonville Phone: 831.724.3900 www.montereybaybirding.org
13th Annual Thunderbirds on the Santa Cruz Wharf
September 25, 2010
A collection of classic (1955-57) & vintage (1958-66) Thunderbirds displayed by owners from central & northern California. 9am.
Location: Santa Cruz Wharf, Santa Cruz www.montereytbirds.com
Santa Cruz County Open Studios Art Tour
October 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 2010
Meet local artists in their studios, see processes, purchase art! Artist Guide/Calendar has artist info & detailed map. 11am – 6pm.
Location: Various locations, Santa Cruz County Phone: 831.475.9600 www.ccscc.org
Monte Fireworks Extravaganza!
October 8, 2010
A wonderful family event featuring over 50 game and food booths, live entertainment and a fireworks display.
Location: Seacliff State Beach, Aptos Phone: 831.685.3317 www.monte-foundation.com
1st Annual Chili Cookoff at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk!
October 23, 2010
Bring your appetite & join the fun as both professional & amateur chefs compete! Time: 10-4pm, Tasting starts at 1pm
Location: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz; Phone: 831.423.5590
www.beachboardwalk.com
Roaring Camp Ghost Train
October 22-23, 2010
Ride a steam train to Bear Mtn. through a haunted redwood forest as you relive “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”. Trains at 6, 6:30, 8, 8:30pm.
Location: Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton Phone: 888.35.EVENT www.roaringcamp.com
Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Passport Program
November 20, 2010
Your chance to visit wineries of the Santa Cruz Mountains not normally open to the public. Taste wine & have a great time. 11am – 5pm.
Location: Various wineries, Santa Cruz Mountains Phone: 831.685.VINE (8463) www.scmwa.com
Capitola’s Surfing Santa
November 27, 2010
Santa & his reindeer ride into Capitola Beach. Bring your Christmas list to review with Santa. Candy Canes for everyone! Noon.
Location: Capitola Beach, Capitola Village Phone: 831.475.6522 www.capitolachamber.com
For more information events taking place during Santa Cruz County’s “Secret Summer”, visit www.santacruzevents.travel or call 800.833.3494.
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