SUMMER SIZZLES IN MENDOCINO COUNTY!
Events & Festivals Along the Coast & Inland Make Mendocino County Ideal Vacation Destination

MENDOCINO COUNTY, CA -- (May 22, 2008) -- In addition to wine, waves, and wilderness, Mendocino County is known for its many unique festivals and events, particularly during the busy summertime months. Most events are kid-friendly, so bring the whole family along and experience the local culture and lore that make Mendocino County so unique!

Here’s a sampling of some of the events taking place this summer through September:

JUNE

CORO Release Winemaker’s Dinner
Little River Inn - Little River, CA
Saturday, June 28, 2008 - 6:00 p.m.
This is by far Mendocino County’s best party for winemakers and oenophiles alike. “Coro” means “chorus” in Italian and Spanish, and is reflective of the collaborative spirit of the ten winemakers whose distinctive voices are heard in harmony together. Coro Wines are made entirely in Mendocino County and exclusively from Mendocino County fruit. This class of ultra-premium wines is made to showcase the rich heritage and unique characteristics of Mendocino County. $480 per couple includes a complete set of release wines (a $480 value on its own). Please call early for reservations - this promises to be an amazing evening. http://www.littleriverinn.com/events.html, 1-888-INN-LOVE.

JULY

Willits Frontier Days
Wilits, CA
July 4th Weekend
Willits Frontier Days is California’s oldest continuous rodeo and a weeklong celebration July 4th weekend. This year's theme is “Roping A Star” and there is something for everyone – rodeos, horseshows, a parade, a cowboy breakfast and street dances. For the second year, your little cowboy or cowgirl ages 4-5 or 6-8 can take part in the Cutest Little Cowboy and Cowgirl competition. www.willitsfrontierdays.com, 707-459-6330.

Point Arena Centennial Birthday Party and Independence Day Celebration
Point Arena, CA
July 4th Weekend
Come to the fabulously historical City of Point Arena and wish the city a happy birthday all July 4th weekend. Point Arena was incorporated July 11, 1908 and plans to mark the centennial with a parade, street fair, fireworks, a party at their lighthouse (one of tallest you can climb in North America), a family picnic, tours, dances, and more. http://www.cityofpointarena.com, 707-882-2122.

Ukiah’s All American Fourth of July
Redwood Empire Fairgrounds - Ukiah, CA
July 4th
The Greater Ukiah Chamber of Commerce presents fireworks and more on July 4th, starting at 6 p.m. The pyrotechnic delights are only one aspect of the festivities, however, which also include the first annual Golf Tournament on the Ukiah Municipal Course from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and performances by Il Big, Paulina Logan and Miss Mendocino later at the fairgrounds. Doors open at the fairgrounds at 6 p.m. Fireworks start at dusk. Admission: Adults $10.00, Children (ages 5 to 12) $6.00. Parking free with admission. Redwood Empire Fairgrounds, 1055 No. State Street, Ukiah. http://www.ukiahchamber.com/july4.html, 707-462-4705.

Mendocino Hotel and Garden Suites Firecracker Special
Mendocino Hotel - Mendocino, CA
July 3rd through July 7th, 2008
Stay 3 nights in a Deluxe Garden Room with a fireplace and king or two double sized beds and get a complimentary ice cream cone for each child, each day of your stay. and preferred seating for Fourth of July Parade on the Hotel Balcony. Complimentary hot dogs, hamburgers and soda for the entire family will be provided during the parade. $983.00 includes taxes and gratuities. www.mendocinohotel.com, 800-548-0513.

World’s Largest Salmon BBQ
Noyo Harbor – Fort Bragg, CA
July 5, 2008
Join the fun at this annual event, sponsored by the Salmon Restoration Association to raise money to take positive action to restore salmon to our rivers and streams. This year for the first time ever, Living Light Institute is going to be offering a vegan, raw food salmon alternative! 11 a.m to 6 p.m. Adults are $25 and kids are $10. www.salmonrestoration.com, 707-962-0548.

The Mendocino Music Festival
Mendocino, CA
July 12th – July 26th, 2008
Established in 1986 as the dream of two local musicians, the festival is now in its 22nd year, and continues to delight audiences with a wide breadth of talent and a multitude of musical styles. Evenings include breathtaking concerts featuring the glorious Festival Orchestra, the popular Big Band concert, chamber music ensembles, dance, blues, jazz, world, and folk music. Days include lecture/recitals at the Piano Series, a children's matinee, performances by the Young Musicians, and chamber concerts at beautiful venues throughout Mendocino Village. www.mendocinomusic.com, 707-937-2044.

Woolgrower's BBQ and Sheep Dog Trials
Mendocino County Fairgrounds – Boonville, CA
July 27th, 2008
This event always draws huge crowds! With its barbecued lamb feast, sheepdog competitions, and sheep-weight-guessing contest, this 45-year-old event epitomizes the laid-back, unpretentious, yet fun vibe of Anderson Valley. 14400 Highway 128. 707-895-3011.

AUGUST

17th Annual Art in the Gardens
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens – Fort Bragg, CA
August 9th, 2008
Hailed by many as the best garden party on California's North Coast, Art in the Gardens takes place when many of the horticultural displays are at their peak. Over 70 talented artists, a dozen of the finest Mendocino County wineries, local culinary treats, and fabulous musicians all come together to create a dynamic event. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., August 9th, Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 the day of. 18220 N. Highway One, Fort Bragg, CA. www.gardenbythesea.org, 707-964-4352 ext. 24.

Yorkville Highlands Wine Festival
Meyer Family Cellars - Yorkville, CA
August 16th, 2008
This lovely part of Southern Mendocino County received formal recognition as an American Viticultural Area (AVA) effective June 8, 1998 and they celebrate their appellation’s birthday each year with a festival, each year at a different local winery. Advance tickets are $50 each. There are a limited number of tickets available, so purchase early! Admission includes food, wine tasting of over 30 local wines, games (including a grape stomp!), silent auction, and winery tour. Meyer Family Cellars, 19750 Highway 128, Yorkville, CA. (707) 894-9177, www.yorkvillehighlands.org/festival.html

SolFest XIII
Solar Living Center – Hopland, CA
August 16-17, 2008
SolFest is the world’s premier two-day celebration of renewable energy and sustainable living. Since SolFest was born in 1996, over 100,000 people have learned how to change the world while having fun. Each summer SolFest transforms the rural hamlet of Hopland, California, into the global epicenter of green living, with workshops for musicians, artists, performers, and much more! Price for a two-day pass is $45; Saturday-only pass is $30 and includes the evening's Moondance; Sunday-only pass is $25. Solar Living Institute, 13771 S. Hwy. 101, Hopland, CA. http://www.solarliving.org, 707-744-2017.

Pure Mendocino
Ukiah, CA
August 22-24, 2008
As the “greenest” county in California, Mendocino Co. is proud to host three days dedicated to sharing information about organic and sustainable living. Exclusive organic dinner and wine and food tasting will benefit the Cancer Resource Center of Mendocino County.
Pure Mendocino Organic Dinner, Friday, August 22nd, 5-9 p.m.
Tickets are $135 per person or $1250 for a table of eight.
Pure Mendocino Organic Food & Wine Tasting, Saturday, August 23rd, 4-7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $40 per person.
Pure Mendocino Certified Organic Farm Tour Picnic, Sunday, August 24, 12p.m.
Farm Tours beginning at 10am are FREE. Picnic 12-2pm: meal tickets $15, purchase at event.
http://puremendocino.org, 800-449-6483.

SEPTEMBER

Paul Bunyan Days
Fort Bragg, CA
Labor Day weekend
This festival celebrates the logging heritage of Mendocino County, with over $10,000 being awarded to those who show off their skills with in axe throw, chain saw, hand chop, and pole climb competitions. Also features a Labor Day Parade, a beer fest, and the ever-popular ugly dog contest. http://www.paulbunyandays.com, 707-964-8687.


The 16th Studio Discovery Tour
Gualala, CA and along the coast
August 30 – September 1; September 6 – 7, 2008
A free, self-guided artist studio tour along a 60-mile stretch of Highway 1 from Stewarts Point to Little River. Enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery that the Northern California Coast has to offer while visiting the private studios of more than 40 of the area’s most unique and talented artists. Gualala Arts Center, 46501 Gualala Rd, Gualala, CA. http://www.gualalaarts.org, 707-884-1138

For more information about these and other events taking place this summer in Mendocino County, or to make a reservation at any one of our romantic bed and breakfasts, quaint country inns, luxurious 4-star resorts, relaxing retreat centers, or charming hotels and motels, call (866) 782-9636 (866 STAY-MENDO) or visit: http://www.gomendo.com.


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