Monterey County Fair Seeking Home Goods, Art, Crafts, Livestock Entries to be Judged and Exhibited at 2019 Monterey County Fair, Aug. 29-Sept. 2

Are you a creative amateur photographer, love to bake, are an accomplished gardener, make your own wine or beer, sew your own clothes, adept at arts and crafts or raise livestock?

Monterey, CA, May 14, 2019 — Are you a creative amateur photographer, love to bake, are an accomplished gardener, make your own wine or beer, sew your own clothes, adept at arts and crafts or raise livestock? Then the Monterey County Fair is inviting you to enter your products or projects for judging and display at this year’s Fair, Aug. 29-Sept. 2, 2019.

The Fair’s exhibit program is an excellent way for you to show off your talents, earn bragging rights and, above all, have fun. A 2019 Entry Guide Book, which has all the information you need to enter, such as due dates, deadlines, rules and regulations, local rules and entry forms, is available at www.montereycountyfair.com starting May 24.

Printed entry guidebooks will be available in the Fair Administration Office at 2004 Fairground Road in Monterey, starting Monday, May 13 and at all Monterey County libraries. If you have questions, you can call the Entry Office at (831) 372-5863.

All of the divisions and classes will be judged under the American system and/or the Danish system. The American judging process ranks exhibits against one another and awards one first place, one second, etc. The Danish judging process compares each exhibit on its own merits against the scorecard or recognized standard and awards as many first places, etc. as merited.

All entries must be submitted to the Fair, either online, by mail or in person at Fair Administration office at 2004 Fairground Road in Monterey, with entry fees, by the due date.

New this year, 4-H and FFA non-livestock entries will win cash prizes.

The Monterey County Fair will run from Thursday, Aug. 29-Monday, Sept. 2, 2019, at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road, in Monterey. The theme of the 2019 fair is “High Tides and Carnival Rides.”

About the Monterey County Fair & Event Center
The Monterey County Fair & Event Center is a premier event center set on 22 oak-studded acres with ample parking. It is a state-owned multi-use facility that features four large banquet rooms, two outdoor concert venues, and a variety of outdoor and indoor cost-effective sites ideal for all types of events. It is home of the annual award-winning Monterey County Fair, host to many major and private events on the Central Coast, and the site of the Monterey Bay Race Place, a Satellite Wagering Facility.

For more information, contact the Fair Administration Office, at 2004 Fairground Road in Monterey, by calling (831) 372-5863 or go to www.montereycountyfair.com for more information.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.montereycountyfair.com

Central Coast YMCA Gears Up for Summer with Two Big Fitness Events in May and June, 2019

Central Coast YMCA is gearing up for summer by hosting two events, National Employee Health & Fitness Day on May 15, 2019, and the “World’s Largest Swimming Lesson,” on June 20, 2019.

Salinas, CA, May 12, 2019 — Central Coast YMCA is gearing up for summer by hosting two events, National Employee Health & Fitness Day on May 15, 2019, and the “World’s Largest Swimming Lesson,” on June 20, 2019.

National Employee Health and Fitness Day will be celebrated from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, at Salinas YMCA Family Center, 117 Clay St., in Salinas.

National Employee Health and Fitness Day was created to promote the benefits of physical activity for individuals through their work site health partnerships.

The Salinas YMCA will hold a health fair with vendors offering health information, free screenings, and exercise classes for all employees. Get a free guest pass and enter the raffle to win an on-site lunch & learn session for your company.

Free exhibits include:

Blood Pressure Screening
Lung Screening
Vision & Hearing Screenings
Dental Care Information
Nutritional Taste Testing
Body Composition Testing
Shoe Samples
Healthy Recipes
Freebies and Raffles

Free classes include:

7:30 a.m. Pilates
9:15 a.m. Zumba
12:10 p.m. Strength Train Together
4:00 p.m. Strength & Stretch Yoga
5:30 p.m. Cardio Pump
6:35 p.m. Zumba

The YMCA is teaming up with World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ (WLSL) to offer free swimming lessons on a large scale at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 20, 2019, at Salinas Aquatic Center, 1 East Bernal Derive, Salinas.

TEAM WLSL™ will celebrate its 10th anniversary by sending the message that swimming lessons save lives to millions of kids and adults. WLSL™ events will take place at hundreds of locations in more than 20 countries on five continents over the course of 24 hours.

The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™, created by the World Waterpark Association in 2010, is a global public relations event supported by aquatic facilities, waterparks, pools, swim schools, YMCAs, among others. The WLSL™ event serves as a platform to help the global aquatics industry work together to build awareness about the fundamental importance of teaching children to swim to prevent drowning.

For more information on the swim event, contact Joey Barrera at 831-758-7301 or by email at jbarrera@ymcacentralcoast.org.

For more information, call the Central Coast YMCA at 831-758-3811 or go to www.centralcoastymca.org. CCYMCA is located at 500 Lincoln Ave. in Salinas.

About the Central Coast YMCA
Formed in 1989, the Central Coast YMCA began with the merger of two independent YMCAs; the Salinas Community YMCA (founded in 1921) and the Watsonville Family YMCA (founded in 1898). Originally a USO built in 1941, with the purpose of supporting American troops during World War II, the YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula joined the association in 1990. In 1998 the South County YMCA became the fourth branch in the association, extending its service area to the residents of south Monterey County. The YMCA of San Benito County became the fifth and most recent addition to the association in 1999.

CCYMCA is an independent, private, nonprofit corporation, a part of the YMCA of the USA, but responsible for its own policies, programs, and budgets. It employs 27 full-time employees, about 225 part-time employees, and 120 volunteers who impact approximately 40,000 people in Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.centralcoastymca.org

Mission San Antonio de Padua Fiesta, June 9, 2019

Historic Mission San Antonio is holding its annual Fiesta on Sunday June 9th.

Jolon, CA, May 12, 2019 - Historic Mission San Antonio is holding its annual Fiesta on Sunday June 9th. The Fiesta was originally held in the 1800s and the tradition continues today. Come early, at 9:00 AM, for the Catholic Mass in honor of the Mission’s patron saint, St. Anthony de Padua. The Fiesta starts after Mass and lasts until 3:00 PM.

This will be a fun-filled day for all! There will be a DJ and a live band. We will be serving barbecued chicken meals ($12/meal presale or $15.00/meal at the Fiesta) in the comfortable, shaded fiesta grounds adjacent to Mission Creek. Homemade desserts, beer, wine, soft drinks, and snow cones will be available for purchase. Presale tickets are available by contacting the Mission Gift Shop at (831) 385-4478 ext. 17.

This year we are pleased to announce that Edie Littlefield Sundby, the Author of The Mission Walker, will be our honored guest at the Fiesta to make a presentation on her story and will be available for a book signing. After losing her right lung, Edie undertook a healing 1,600-mile walk along the El Camino Real de las Californias mission trail through the mountain wilderness of Baja California’s Sonoran Desert and in California from San Diego to Sonoma. https://themissionwalker.com/

A presentation on the history of the Mission and a tour of the grounds, including the recently renovated Mission museum, will be offered at 10:30 AM. Local artisans will be present to display their wares in the beautiful Padres Garden. This event is a Mission fundraiser – please no personal coolers permitted.

For those interested in staying the night in the Mission Retreat Center call ahead for reservations and price information.

Mission San Antonio de Padua, the third oldest Spanish mission in California, was founded by Junipero Serra in 1771. The Mission is located in the pristine Valley of the Oaks in southern Monterey County and is a historical landmark. The Mission remains an active Catholic parish and retreat center. Mission San Antonio is surrounded by Fort Hunter Liggett, and is conveniently reached by publicly accessible roads. Please follow all posted speed limits. The Mission’s address is 1 Mission Road in Jolon. More information may be obtained by calling the Mission Gift Shop at (831) 385-4478, ext. 17, or go to http://missionsanantonio.net/.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://missionsanantonio.net/

The 60th Annual Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival Gives Back to the Community through its 12 Charity Partners

The Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival not only provides the community with a wealth of fun and learning every year, it gives back to the community through its dozen charity partners.

Castroville, CA, May 09, 2019 — The Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival not only provides the community with a wealth of fun and learning every year, it gives back to the community through its dozen charity partners.

The 60th annual festival takes place June 1-2, 2019 at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center in Monterey and continues the legacy of celebrating the iconic artichoke and region known as the “Artichoke Center of the World.”

For almost six decades, the Artichoke Festival has been dedicated to informing and exciting festival attendees about the unique qualities of artichokes including farming, harvest, and preparation to demonstrate how the artichoke industry has influenced the history of Monterey County. And now, as a 501c3 organization, the purpose remains the same with an emphasis on giving back to the local community.

“We look forward to the Artichoke Festival each year because the event paints a clear picture of how this community comes together to support one another,” said Diana McClean, senior director of marketing at Ocean Mist Farms and board member for the Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival. “The purpose of this organization aligns directly with Ocean Mist Farms’ values, which is part of the reason we enjoy sponsoring this annual event.”

Proceeds from the festival are used to support 501c3 community organizations and activities that align with the festival’s mission. The following are the 2019 Artichoke Food & Wine Festival Donation Recipient Organizations:

>Ashleigh Nicole Swain Memorial Scholarship Fund
This scholarship fund was set up in the memory of Castroville’s Ashleigh Nicole Swain, 16, a junior at North Monterey County High School, who died in a tragic car accident on Nov. 4, 2011. She was born January 18, 1995 in Salinas, to Jeremiah and Tobi Swain. She was a member of PAL at NMC, was talented in stained glass and jewelry making, and hoped to pursue a career in nursing. A page on Facebook was set up for her, In Loving Memory of Ashleigh Swain. https://www.facebook.com/In-Loving-Memory-of-Ashleigh-Swain-218362504897879/

>Bikers for Bikes
Founded in 2008 by motorcyclist Rick Jenkins and members of the West Coast/Monterey Bay Harley Davidson Owner’s Group, Bikers for Bikes provides 20-30 new bicycles a year to underprivileged youth. The group is also involved in a Turkey Trot to raise funds and buy turkeys for holiday meals, donates toys to kids during Christmas and participates in other charitable events. This is their third year with the festival. To donate to Bikers for Bikes, contact Rick Jenkins at 831-320-2956.

>North Monterey County High School Baseball
North County High School Baseball is heading in the right direction of its old traditions. NMC Baseball teaches young teens the core values of life through the game of baseball while pursuing greatness, sportsmanship and respect. North County has a rich tradition of athletes, who can play at the highest levels of baseball if given the opportunity and financial help they deserve. nmcusd.org

>North Monterey County High School Golf
Head Coach Tim Bearden heads the 2019 Condor Golf Team in Monterey Bay League action. nmcusd.org

>Marina Lions Club
The Marina Lions Club, established in 1984, is a small, but active club, part of Lions Clubs International, the world's largest service club organization with more than 1.4 million members in approximately 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the world. One hundred percent of funds raised by the club goes back to the community. http://e-clubhouse.org/sites/marina_lionsca/

>Ord Terrace Elementary School
Ord Terrace Elementary School in Seaside provides a positive learning environment, establishes high expectations, and worsk collaboratively with each other, families, and the community to ensure all students achieve academic success and demonstrate social responsibility. https://ote-mpusd-ca.schoolloop.com/

>Agricultural History Project
The Agricultural History Project (AHP) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization founded in 1986, and opened its doors to the public in May 2004. Its mission is to honor and promote knowledge about agriculture on the Central California Coast, both past and present. It does this through exhibits and interactive activities that help visitors experience daily life on farms and ranches on the Central Coast during the 1800’s and early 1900’s. http://aghistoryproject.org

>Peacock Acres
Peacock Acres in Salinas provides supportive housing, intense case management, and life coaching for foster children and young adults who have been separated from their families. With high character and resolve, Peacock Acres youth are steered towards opportunities for healing and growth as they continue their journey toward a fulfilling, productive life. peacockacres.org.

>North County Bulldogs
The North County Bulldogs play in the 12-team Monterey Bay Youth Football League in Midgets, Pee Wee and Jr. Pee Wee divisions. The league’s mission is to provide a positive outlet for the youth around the Monterey Bay and tri-county areas. The league strives to teach kids the sport of football and cheer and how to be productive citizens who are proud of their teams and the MBYFL.

http://montereybayyouthfootball.com/football/teams/north-county-bulldogs/

>North County Recreation & Park District
NCRPD is a Local Government Agency (Special District) providing recreation and parks services to the North Monterey County area, including the communities of Castroville, Moss Landing, Oak Hills and parts of Elkhorn and Prunedale, along with the surrounding rural community. NCRPD operates the North County Recreation Center, Cato-Phillips Park, Crane Street Park, Japanese School Park, Rancho Moro Cojo Park and the Moro Cojo Nature Trails. ncrpd.org

>Hope Horses & Kids
Hope, Horses & Kids serves as a resource for families, organizations and schools that utilizes authentic learning experiences to foster positive character and leadership development. HHK, a non-profit organization, is committed to positively impact the emotional, mental, behavioral and social challenges of individuals that are underserved or have special needs. www.hopehorseskids.org

>North Monterey County Middle School Library
The library has been partnering with the festival for the past 26 years. Funds are used to buy books, computers, and whatever is needed for the library. And from time to time, funds have been used to gift students who are unable to afford graduation. nmcusd.org

About the Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival
The Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival began in 1959 and has since developed to become a harvest festival to celebrate the iconic artichoke and region known as the “Artichoke Center of the World.” The festival features family-fun events for all ages and has been a primary source of funding for local non-profit groups for many years.

Festival attendees enjoy several fresh artichoke food delicacies, a beer, wine and spirits garden, chef demos, live entertainment, field tours and more during the two-day festival. To support these events, the Artichoke Festival is encouraging individuals and organizations to volunteer their time to ensure another successful year.

For more information about giving back to the community through volunteering, please visit http://artichokefestival.org/general-info/volunteers/. For general information, visit http://artichokefestival.org/.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://artichokefestival.org/

The 60th Annual Artichoke Food & Wine Festival June 1-2, 2019, Will Showcase Talents of Some of the Top Chefs in Monterey County

Some of the best chefs in Monterey County will be showcasing their culinary talents at the 60th annual Artichoke Food & Wine Festival.

Castroville, CA, May 07, 2019 — Some of the best chefs in Monterey County will be showcasing their culinary talents at the 60th annual Artichoke Food & Wine Festival, set for Saturday and Sunday June 1-2, 2019, at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center.

All chef demonstrations will be held on the Chef Demo Stage at the festival and are free with admission to the festival.

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

11:00 a.m. Pat Hopper, Artichoke ABC’s, Artichoke Advisory Board

12:15 p.m. Chef Dan Elinan, Hyatt Regency Monterey

1:30 p.m. Chef Chris Vacca, Hyatt Carmel Highlands

2:30 p.m. Chef Tony Baker, Baker’s Bacon/Montrio Bistro

SUNDAY, JUNE 2

10:15 a.m. Pat Hopper, Artichoke ABC’s, Artichoke Advisory Board

12:15 p.m. Chef Luz, Main Street Bakery & Cafe

1:30 p.m. Chef Chris Vacca, Hyatt Carmel Highlands

2:30 p.m. Chef Tony Baker, Baker’s Bacon/Montrio Bistro

3:30 p.m. Chef Giuseppe Panzuto, Il Tegamino

In addition to the chef demos, festival attendees will enjoy fresh artichoke food delicacies, a beer, wine and spirits garden, live entertainment, field tours and more during the two-day event. The Monterey County Fair & Event Center is located at 2004 Fairground Road in Monterey.

About the Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival
The Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival began in 1959 and has since developed to become a harvest festival to celebrate the iconic artichoke and region known as the “Artichoke Center of the World.” The festival features family-fun events for all ages and has been a primary source of funding for local non-profit groups for many years. For more information, visit http://artichokefestival.org/.

Links:

https://artichokefestival.org/general-info/media/

https://artichokefestival.org/blog/castroville-celebrates-the-60th-annual-artichoke-food-wine-festival-in-june-2019/

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://artichokefestival.org/

Month-Long Vacation Rentals Offer Many Advantages to the Discerning Traveler

Anyone who has stayed in a short-term vacation rental is well aware of the advantages of staying in a private home rather than traditional traveler lodging

Monterey, CA, May 06, 2019 — Anyone who has stayed in a short-term vacation rental is well aware of the advantages of staying in a private home rather than traditional traveler lodging — better price, more flexibility, more space, more choices, and so forth.

Those advantages are still applicable when one opts for a longer-term vacation rental, such as a one-month rental. Thirty days may seem a like a long time, but when you vacation in an area such as the Monterey Peninsula, a few days is certainly not enough to see and experience all the area has to offer.

The Vacation rental professionals at Monterey-based Sanctuary Vacation Rentals, which was founded more than 11 years ago and represents almost 100 homes across the Monterey Peninsula, specializes in both short-term and long-term rentals and have surveyed both renters and owners about the advantages and disadvantages of both.

“A quote from Annee or Josh could go here.”

Here are seven reasons to rent a one-month vacation rental:

1. You have a home base. It’s your home away from home. You can sleep in, go on an outing, shopping, sightseeing or whatever you want to do. There’s no check-out times. There’s no getting awakened by housekeeping knocking on the door. If you’re not feeling well, you can stay in for a day and rest and recuperate and not feel you’re missing out.

2. You only need to unpack and pack once. You can unpack everything you brought with you without having to worry about packing up in a day or two, giving you more leisure time. And you’re not living out of your suitcase.

3. You have more room and more time to use it. Vacation rentals have much more space than the average hotel room. There’s more room to stretch out, relax and use areas of the home you may not use if you’re only there a day or two. Plus, there’s usually more bathrooms and areas where you can get away from everyone else and have some quiet alone time.

4. You can choose the type of property with the amenities and comforts you want. Unlike many hotels, you can pick a home that has a hot tub, Jacuzzi or even a pool or one that comes furnished with outdoor swings, fire pits, and gas barbecue grills. Some homes even come equipped with beach toys, bicycles, surfboards and other recreational equipment.

5. You can save money. By grocery shopping and cooking your own meals “at home,” you can save money and use it on excursions and sightseeing instead of eating out every night. And if you want to eat out, you still have that option too.

6. You have more flexibility. You can plan longer excursions or short trips or do them in stages, knowing you have more than a day or two to experience them all. You can invite family and friends to visit on weekends or for a couple of days.

7. Finally, you can do all of the above in the location of your dreams. Vacation rentals give you more options than a hotel room, whether it’s a quaint Carmel cottage or a multi-room Pebble Beach mansion with an expansive view, you’ll be able to find something that fits your dream perfectly.

For more information on one-month vacation rentals and all the options available to you, go to https://www.sanctuaryvacationrentals.com

or call Sanctuary toll-free at 1-(800) 614-6706.

About Sanctuary Vacation Rentals
Founded in 2008 by Annee Martin, Sanctuary Vacation Rentals boasts a team of 20 professionals and represents almost 100 homes across the Monterey Peninsula, including Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel proper, Carmel Highlands, Big Sur, Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove, Monterey, Marina, Seaside, Carmel Valley and the Highway 68 corridor near the airport and Laguna Seca.

Sanctuary’s roster of homes includes everything from cozy two-bedroom cottages in Carmel and Pacific Grove to larger four- to six-bedroom homes that can accommodate up to 12 people and luxurious Pebble Beach homes with ocean views. Many of the homes are within walking distance to the area’s beaches, restaurants, shopping and tourist attractions.

Sanctuary homes all invoke a sense of peace and harmony, allowing guests to relax, revitalize their lives, reconnect with one another, and above all, have fun. Sanctuary’s goal is to provide guests with a sanctuary from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its vision is to inspire and nurture the hearts and souls of guests with the beauty and magic of the Monterey Peninsula while staying in one of its vacation homes.

Sanctuary Vacation Rentals
888 Munras Ave., Suite 100
Monterey, CA 93940
Phone: (831) 233-6340
Toll-Free: (800) 614-6706
https://www.sanctuaryvacationrentals.com

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://www.sanctuaryvacationrentals.com

Palo Alto’s Luxury All-Inclusive Hotel, Clement Palo Alto May Be the Perfect Getaway for Your Next ‘Staycation’

With soaring gas prices, long lines and frustrating delays at airports, savvy travelers are opting more and more for less-hassle, less-expensive and less-stressful “staycations” to get away from it all.

Palo Alto, CA, May 03, 2019 — With soaring gas prices, long lines and frustrating delays at airports, savvy travelers are opting more and more for less-hassle, less-expensive and less-stressful “staycations” to get away from it all.

And The Clement Palo Alto All-Inclusive Luxury Hotel in Palo Alto, California, may be just the ticket for those wanting to stay closer to home, but still experience the luxury, comfort and indulgence of a vacation far from home.

The Clement is rated the #1 hotel of 27 hotels in Palo Alto by Trip Advisor, garnering 5-star reviews across the board for location, cleanliness, service and value. One reviewer said The Clement has the “best customer service in the world.” Another remarked “Nothing however can top the care and professionalism of the staff. They thought of things I 'needed' before I knew I needed them!”

And now, just in time for summer, and a wonderful new way to enjoy the weekends at The Clement, is the hotel’s delicious barbecue for guests, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday from Memorial Day through Labor Day on the Rooftop Pool Deck. Favorite menu items include Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes, Roasted Yukon Gold Potato Salad, Grilled Bratwurst, All-Natural Angus Burger on a Brioche Bun, Lemon & Thyme Marinated Mary's Chicken and more!

The Clement’s expert Guest Experience Specialists can help you plan your staycation and any excursions, shopping trips or adventures you may want to indulge in.

To book a room, contact Joseph Stafford, our Guest Experience Specialist, Joseph Stafford jstafford@theclementpaloalto.com, at Monday through Friday or call (650) 322-7111.

About The Clement Palo Alto
While unparalleled service is key to any great luxury hotel, The Clement Palo Alto takes its impeccable service to another level with an all-inclusive concept, including personalized concierge services, breakfast, lunch and dinner in an on-premise location of the guest's choice.

All wine, beer and cocktails, in-room mini-refrigerator (stocked with the guest's favorites), and fully-stocked Guest Pantry available around the clock, are just a few of the amenities included in this all-inclusive experience.

In fact, The Clement Palo Alto is more than all-inclusive, it is all-exclusive, catering exclusively to the guest's personal tastes and desires.

The Clement Palo Alto is ideally located across from Stanford University and next to downtown Palo Alto, with its award-winning restaurants, world-class shopping and upscale spas. It is just 45 minutes south of San Francisco and only 30 minutes north of San Jose, not only making it convenient, but easily accessible to the world-famous sights and myriad activities of both cities.

Overall, The Clement Palo Alto offers a unique, one-of-a-kind 6-star experience in the heart of Silicon Valley with unparalleled personal service, all-inclusive luxury and privacy in a warm, inviting and luxurious residential environment.

The Clement Palo Alto
711 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, California 94301
650.322.7111
www.theclementpaloalto.com

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.theclementpaloalto.com