Disneyland in Anaheim, CA feels pretty patriotic on the 4th of July.
Photo by W. Honea
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Archive for the ‘Holidays & Festivals’ Category
Moonlit Fireworks - photo by Laura Charon
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Boston Pops and Fourth of JUly
If you find yourself in Boston for the Fourth of July weekend, it is incumbent upon you to take in the spectacular yearly celebration at The Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade. Founded in 1974 by Boston-area businessman and philanthropist, David Mugar, the event was designed to breathe new life into the dying Esplanade concert series. Mugar approached famed Boston Pops conductor, Arthur Fiedler, and suggested that the Pops perform Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” with “a few added extras.” Howitzer cannons, church bells and fireworks were added to the concert “so that, in Arthur Fiedler’s own words, “All hell could break loose.”"
Now in its 36th year, the performance and fireworks welcome over 500,000 visitors from around the world and another seven million+ who view an hour-long special on CBS. This year, Grammy-award winning singer, Neil Diamond will perform some of his hits with the Boston Pops and, for the third year in a row, the live broadcast will be hosted by late night television host, Craig Ferguson.
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(photo - Wm Crovo)
The first weekend in May was the 2009 Annual Clayton Art & Wine festival; the 14thyear for this local crowd-pleaser.
As is typical with these events, the weather is great in the days preceding, but on the scheduled weekend, in roll the rain clouds.
If there’s one thing I hate, it’s Art and Rain. I don’t like my art soggy. Wine and rain I can handle, however this time around I opted for the Beer and Art. Which brings up a question; why is it that we never see “Beer and Art” festivals? Beer drinkers can appreciate art as much as those sommelier types. Well I could I suppose, if I knew what actually constitutes “art.”
Every festival involving “art” puts me into a state of confusion. I’ve discovered that, try as I might, I just don’t understand art. Be it a nude woman fashioned from wrought iron, or a life-size likeness of Paris Hilton made of rabbit droppings, what is it that that constitutes something as “art”? Why is it that some things are considered “works of art” while others are works of crap?
I’ll tell you the difference; if someone is willing to pay for it, it can be called art. If no one is willing to pay for it, it’s crap.
But of course that’s why booze is always served at these festivals. Promoters know that after John and Jane Public down a couple of pints, or a carafe of some local hooch, that wine rack made of papier-mâchéd toilet paper rolls is suddenly going to look a whole lot more appealing.
My but I’ve digressed.
So the rain had pretty much subsided by Sunday, so the boy and I took a couple of hours late in the afternoon to check things out. Ten dollars granted me a commemorative pint glass and one (1) beer ticket. Wow. Fortunately, being a local, I “know” people, and more importantly they know me. And by “know” I mean that they gave me free beer.
I’m not much of a shopper but I love walking around these types of festivals. They’re a great place to people watch, take the dog for a walk, and frankly just get a little fresh air and exercise. Free beer doesn’t hurt either. There are plenty of food vendors offering everything from chicken teriyaki to bratwurst and burgers. The boy opted for the fried calamari. He’s got class. If you’ve got young ones there’s a very over-priced kiddie area, with a rock-climbing wall, a few bounce structures and some games. You’re better off taking them over to The Grove Park and letting them play for free.
Incorporated in 1964, Clayton is “nestled at the bucolic base of picturesque Mt. Diablo.” A community of just over 10,000 residents, Clayton has retained its small town charm while managing to become something of a destination city. Its old-West downtown boasts many great little eateries, including Skipolini’s Pizza, a local favorite since 1974 and the workplace of a certain blogger circa 1982. There’s also Ed’s Mudville Grill, a sports bar serving great pub grub, Ed’s more upscale steak joint Moresi’s Chophouse and a nice little Italian restaurant, La Viranda Café. You’ll also find the Cup O’ Jo coffee house, and of course the famous/ infamous, Clayton Club.
(Photo - Pete Laurence)
The only thing missing from Clayton is a nice Bed & Breakfast. Seems it would go nicely with the small town’s “bucolic” atmosphere. But then I’ve never been much of a fan of the B&B, preferring to enjoy my B&B in private. At most B&B’s there’s always some chatterbox who wants to tell you their life story over coffee and a scone.
Sorry, I’ve digressed again. But a B&B really would be a nice touch and something Clayton should seriously consider. If you do happen to attend this event and need a place to crash, there’s always the Holiday Inn Express just up the road. Or you can have my couch. I’ll even make you breakfast and tell you my life story. (photo - Clayton Historical Society)
In any event, at next year’s Art & Wine festival I’m planning to display my “Rocks Reclining with Pigment and Adhesive” sculptures. And, as much as they may appear to just be rocks glued together and spray painted, once some drunken art lover hands me some scrilla, they will magically transform into “works of art;” may you be that art lover.
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ONE:
The newly renovated Camelback Inn in Scottsdale is holding a Mother’s Day champagne brunch. The Inn’s incredible food is surpassed only by their phenomenal service. Take Mom here for Mother’s Day, and you’ll be raking in the brownie points for YEARS. ($69 per adult, $20 per child)
TWO:
Schedule your mother for a spa weekend at Canyon Ranch in Tucson. Canyon Ranch’s all-inclusive programs are famous for their nourishment of the body, soul, and spirit. Very high end, VERY pricey, but a gift that your mother or wife will never, ever forget. (Rates can be found here.)
THREE:
Take Mom on a day trip to Sedona. It’s just a ninety-minute drive from the Phoenix area, the views are breathtaking, and there are excellent dining and shopping opportunities (I highly recommend a stroll through Tlaquepaque - pronounced Tel-AH-ko-PAH-kee).
FOUR:
Get Mom tickets to a cultural event. The Phoenix Symphony’s spring calendar includes “A Salute to Rodgers and Hammerstein”, “Legends and Heroes”, and “007: Bond and Beyond”. The ASU Gammage Auditorium is featuring numerous performances over the next several months, including “Stomp!”, “Rent”, and “A Chorus Line”.
FIVE:
For the Rockin’ Mom, Cricket Pavilion is gearing up its summer concert series. Among many other performers and bands, Jimmy Buffet will be performing on 5/14, No Doubt is holding a show on 5/23, Aerosmith is landing on 7/27, and Def Leppard (with Poison! and Cheap Trick!) is performing on 8/29. I recommend the lawn tickets, which are generally only around $20, and you can kick back on a blanket and gaze at the stars overhead.
What I’m getting at is, don’t just get Mom the same old flowers, candies, and dinner. Kick it up a little and truly surprise her! Trust me, you’ll get all the value in the world out of your thoughtfulness.
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According to TV every mom wants a bunch of flowers for Mother’s Day. Also, jewelry, but let’s stick with the practical.
You can buy flowers anywhere- the flower shop, obviously, but also any farmers market, supermarket or kid on the corner. Flowers are a dime a dozen. Well, a lot of dimes a dozen, but you get the idea- they’re everywhere.
Instead of killing plants to enjoy them why not visit them in their natural habitat (and kill them with smog and our dependence on foreign oil- sorry, it’s an equal time thing)?
Botanical Garden - Tucson
Botanical Gardens: Most bigger towns and cities have a botanical garden. A botanical garden is a great place to stop and smell the flowers and/or butterflies.
Botanical Garden Butterfly Exhibit - Tucson
Reflection/Meditation/Self-Realization Garden: Many spiritual and religious groups have quiet sanctuaries where you can walk and enjoy various types of flowers and ponds. It’s very tranquil and usually very free. In some towns you may find similar gardens as part of a local park.
Self-Realization Temple in Encinitas, CA
Koi in Pond at Self-Realization Temple, Encinitas
Flower in the Temple
Wildflowers: It’s springtime and the wildflowers are in bloom. A quick look in a local paper or website will easily guide you to what’s blooming in the area. Generally speaking, these are called wildflowers for a reason and there may be a bit of a drive involved, but hey, gas is cheap (relatively).
These are but a few options that are available in most markets, whether they be home or just a stop along the journey. All of them involve a bit more time than a dozen roses from Safeway, but here’s something that the TV doesn’t want you to know- time is the real gift. Flowers just make it smell better.
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by Eric Carle
If your travels find you in the Los Angeles area this weekend then you need to do yourself a favor and visit the annual Festival of Books on the UCLA campus.
The festival is sponsored by the Los Angeles Times and runs Saturday (10-6) and Sunday (10-5) with free admission (and $9 parking).
Among the offerings are over 100 author panels, numerous readings and hundreds of book signings - including celebrities from Michael J. Fox to Tori Spelling (also, actual writers). There will be tons of other events, including cultural and musical presentations and some pretty good eats.
There are two areas for children which feature storytelling, crafts and more. According to the L.A. Times, DJ Lance Rock and Brobee from “Yo Gabba Gabba!” will be present, which excites me more than it probably should.
Things to know before you go:
It is supposed to be quite cool, relatively speaking, with highs in upper 60’s/lower 70’s, which means dress in layers or bring a sweater, but this is L.A. and plenty of water and sunscreen are still good bets.
Bring cash. There are ATMs available, but not readily.
Directions to the UCLA campus from where you are! Yes, I see you.
Allow for distance and lines:
- Parking - Chances are you’re going to be a decent walk from the festival. Shuttle available.
- Lines - Hard as it is to believe, you may not be the only person interested in meeting your favorite author. Get to panels and signings early and be prepared to stand in line. They can get ridiculous, but the front of the line is much more fun than the back.
- Overall area - The festival is HUGE and there is literally much ground to cover. You will be walking. A lot.
It’s definitely a good way to spend the day, expand your personal library and meet some of your favorite authors (if you see me, say hi!). Support the arts, people!
While you’re out and about in the Los Angeles area check out the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival or get some exercise for a good cause with the March of Dimes (not just in L.A.).
Happy reading!
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Sometimes Fireworks Are Scary