Email: sales@cyber-times.com www.tpgonlinedaily.com 9601 Soquel Drive Aptos, CA 95003 The Official Capitola Summer Festivals Program 2024
offer a variety of camps including Anime, Cartoon Clay, Wizarding World, Portraiture & more. Students learn a range of mediums, such as clay, pastels,
41st Annual Capitola Art & Wine Festival September 14 & 15, 2024 In Capitola Village
Art, wine, music, dance, and good vibes…all in the enchanting beach-side setting of Capitola Village … summer’s last hurrah, and truly a weekend in paradise! Stroll the Festival sipping exceptional wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains while admiring the artistic talents of over 140 fine artists. Sway to the powerful rock n roll sounds of James Durbin and The Lost Boys, energetic funk from Extra Large, stompin’ bluegrass from Dirty Cello, and Americana soul from Cement Ship.
Enjoy specialties from local food trucks, handcrafted creations in the Local Artisans Marketplace, and be entertained by local dance groups and sleight-of-hand illusions from the Surfing Magician. The event is hosted by the Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce. Admission is free. Park and ride the free shuttle from the Capitola Mall. Free bike valet parking at the festival. More info at capitolaartandwine.com. Poster art “Venetian Mermaid” by Sabrina Aramburu.
Art, wine, music, and gourmet cuisine in the enchanting beach-side setting of Capitola Village, summer’s last hurrah, and truly a weekend in paradise!
Festival Admission is FREE – Festival Hours:
Saturday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm & Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wine Tasting:
Must be 21+. Wine tasting requires puchase of 2024 Festival Glass ($15) and Tasting Tokens ($1 each). Wine tasting requires 2-4 tokens per tasting, depending on the wine of choice.
Beach and Village Parking Lots on Capitola Avenue:
The City of Capitola offers a free beach shuttle from the Beach and Village Parking Lots located behind City Hall at 420 Capitola Avenue. Free shuttle operates 10 AM – 8 PM weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through mid-September and drops off in Capitola Village. Parking costs $0.50 an hour for up to 12 hours. Pay stations accept cash, debit cards and credit cards. Meters operate every day from 8 AM to 8 PM.
FREE Valet Bike Parking:
Forgo parking hassles and ride your bike to the Festival. Staffed by Harbor High Leadership students, bike valet parking is located in the David Lyng Real Estate parking lot across from the Festival entrance at the corner of Capitola & Stockton Avenues.
Capitola Mall Parking and Shuttle:
Park at the Capitola Mall on 41st Avenue and ride the FREE shuttle to the Festival. Shuttle runs approximately every 20 minutes and drops off at the Festival entrance. Operates Saturday, September 14: 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM; and Sunday, September 15: 9:30 AM to 7 PM. Visit www.capitolartandwine.com or for more information.
ART & WINE POSTER ARTIST
Poster Artist, Sabrina Aramburu
Born and raised in Santa Cruz, California, 27-year-old artist Sabrina Elle Aramburu is best known for her drawings and paintings inspired by nature, surf spots, and coastal landscapes around the world.
She was born into a supportive, artistic family who lives and breathes the ocean lifestyle. Her earliest memories and dreams formed while exploring beach coves, banyan trees and playing in the sand and surf. As a young artist, her first drawings were a collection of mermaids, waves, palm trees, and plumerias.
By high school, Sabrina started painting on her friend’s surfboards and drawing scenes of her favorite surf destinations as memories and gifts for her friends and family. While working towards her BA in Visual Communications Design from San
Francisco State University, she started her small business Studio Sea Design and began to sell illustrated tiny cards and art prints to local boutiques and surf shops. The business name came from her initials S.E.A., and her favorite little studio by the beach that she was living in at the time.
Her local beach scenes quickly became a favorite request from friends and family and have evolved into a staple of the Studio Sea art collection today. After graduating and trotting the globe, she moved back to Santa Cruz and has recently opened an art studio on the west side, where she has been working on new art collections, large-scale canvas art, custom commissions, hand-drawn logos and designs, jewelry, and ceramic designs.
“I am forever grateful and appreciative for the continued inspiration and support of my customers, teachers, fellow artists, friends, and family. I would not be where I am today without you all, you’re the heart of my art.” -Sabrina For inquiries about Sabrina’s art visit her website studioseadesign.com and follow her on Instagram@studioseadesign
LET THE WINE TASTING BEGIN
Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah - whatever your pleasure, you can sip and stroll your way through the Festival. Peruse beautiful works of art and listen to great music while enjoying the exceptional wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains. With 22 exceptional wineries in one location, deciding which to taste is your only challenge.
Purchase a 2024 Festival Wine Glass ($15) from one of the six Glass & Token Booths conveniently located throughout the Festival. Tasting tokens are $1 each, with wine tastings varying between 2-4 tokens, depending on the wine of choosing. Must be 21+ years of age to purchase glass, tokens, and to wine taste.
Cheers to the Mermaid
A bit of history ... a mermaid graced the very first Festival glass back in 1987, however swam away shortly after. Local artist Maia Negre recreated the festival logo in 2017 for the 35th anniversary glass, bringing the mermaid back to life and returning her to her place of honor. Wine tasting requires the purchase of a 2024 Festival Glass ($15) and Tasting Tokens ($1 each) available at Glass & Token booths throughout the festival. Tastings vary from 2-4 tokens. Must be 21+ years of age to purchase glass, tokens, and to wine taste.
This year's participating wineries:
37th Parallel Martin Ranch Winery
Armitage Wines
Bargetto Winery
Beauregard Vineyards
Bottle Jack Winery
Burrell School Vineyards & Winery
Chaucer’s
El Vaquero Winery
Hallcrest Vineyards
Kissed By An Angel Wines
Left Bend Winery
Martin Ranch Winery
Naumann Vineyards
Roudon-Smith Winery
Santa Cruz Scrumpy Cider
Ser Winery
Silver Mountain Vineyards
Sones Cellars
Soquel Vineyards
Stockwell Cellars
Storrs Winery & Vineyards
Wargin Wines
Wright’s Station Winery
Gourmet cuisine & artisan marketplace
Capitola Mercantile Parking Lot
Visit the Artisan Marketplace where you will find locally handcrafted creations including handwoven baskets, candles, ecofriendly goods, reclaimed wood crafts, olive oils, balsamic vinegars, baked goods, chocolates, confections, and more.
You’re sure to get hungry while exploring the Festival, and there are plenty of tasty options to tempt your palate! Capitola Village is filled with fabulous restaurants to satisfy every taste, and the Festival Food Court features specialties from local food trucks. When hunger strikes, there’s something satisfying for everyone!
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entertainment schedule
On the bandstand at Esplanade Park
Rock out to the powerhouse vocals of James Durbin and The Lost Boys playing classic 80’s party rock. Dirty Cello and Extra Large will get you grooving in the California sun with their high-energy funk and reggae beats. Sway to peaceful Americana soul from Cement Ship.
Saturday, September 14: Sunday September 15 :
11:00-11:30 – TBD
12:00-12:30 – Te Hau Nui Dance
1:00-1:30 – Pacific Arts Complex
2:30-4:00 – Dirty Cello
5:00-7:00 – James Durbin and The Lost Boys
10:30 - 11:00 – Dancenter
11:30 - 12:00 – Elaine’s Dance Studio
12:30 - 1:30 – Cirque Tumble Cheer
2:30 to 4:30 – Extra Large
Saturday, September 14: Sunday September 15
11:30-1:30 – Cement Ship
2:30-3:00 – The Surfing Magician
11:30- 1:30 – Cement Ship
2:30-3:00 – The Surfing Magician Street Performers – Intersection of Capitola & Monterey Avenues
Te Hau Nui dancers
Dancenter Cement Ship
James Durbin
summer festivities
Independence Day in Aptos Village – July 4 10am
Come enjoy the “World’s Shortest Parade” from 10:00am-12:00pm and then immediately afterward join us at the Aptos Village Park for the Party in the Park featuring James Durbin and Lost Boys, local vendors, food, and activities till 4:00pm. www.aptoschamber.com
Santa Cruz Firecracker Race – July 4
39 Years and Still Going Strong! The Rotary Club of Santa Cruz Sunrise is ecstatic to announce that our full Firecracker race is back for 2023. That means all three courses will be available - 10K, 5K, and a Kid’s 1K Fun Run will be hosted at Harvey West Park. The race is always held on July 4th in the morning! What a great way to kick off a holiday celebration of our nation’s Independence Day. https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/SantaCruz/SantaCruzFirecracker10Kand5K
Santa Cruz Shakespeare 2024 – July – September
This season, Santa Cruz Shakespeare will present As You Like It, The Taming of the Shrew, The Importance of Being Earnest, and The Glass Menagerie at our beautiful outdoor home in The Grove at DeLaveaga Park. Bring a low-back chair, picnic and a jacket. Order tickets at www.santacruzshakespeare.org. to view our fringe series and buy tickets.
Watsonville Strawberry Festival – August 2 – 4 Main
Street and E. Beach Street FREE
This multi-faceted celebration will serve up a menu of strawberry delights, non-stop entertainment, contests, and more. This free admission festival is located in historic downtown Watsonville around the City Plaza on Main, Peck, and Union Streets. For more information visit www.mbsf.com.
Thank You For Your Support!
The Capitola Art & Wine Festival is a community event, and the number one fundraiser supporting the Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce, a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, as well as the local nonprofit school and community groups that assist with set-up, recycling, break-down, and more. We are grateful to our faithful volunteers who help in more ways than we can count. It takes a village, and we are thankful for ours.
– Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce
Hop n’ Barley Beer Festival – July 13th – 11am – 5pm
Skypark, Scotts Valley
This family and dog friendly beer festival is celebrating fun in the sun with craft brews from far and wide! Come enjoy live music, food trucks, and lots of delicious brews! There is also a wide array of foods including BBQ, tacos, brick oven pizza, and many vegetarian options. Join the festivities once and you will always want to return. Bring the whole family and enjoy amazing live music, fantastic food, over 60 beers and ciders to taste and so much more!
32nd
Annual Day on the Bay Regatta
Sunday, August 11, 2024
The Santa Cruz Yacht Club sponsors the annual Day on the Monterey Bay Regatta in support of the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Santa Cruz County. Each year regatta participants, volunteers, and contributors come together to raise money for programming that supports and connects the community. Please visit the Santa Cruz Yacht Club website of the BBBS event page for more information.
15th Annual Music at Skypark Festival
Sun, Sep 24, 12 PM – 361 Kings Village Rd, Scotts Valley, CA
The “Music at Skypark” concert series in Scotts Valley returns for its 15th season on the last Sundays of August and September! Kiwanis and local businesses will offer food, wine, beer and other concessions for sale. Concerts run from 2:30 to 6:00.
Scotts Valley Art, Wine, and Beer Festival
August 17th and 18th – Saturday 10am – 6pm Sunday 10am – 5pm
Come enjoy the Scotts Valley Art Wine & Beer Festival! In addition to our wonderful artists, there will be food trucks and vendors with innovative cuisine, as well as live music. The Kids Fun Zone will be back and the area’s most prestigious wineries and award-winning micro-breweries pouring their best. The ever-popular Cops ‘N Rodders Car Show will be on Saturday and on Sunday, the fun-filled “Dog Day” will feature many canine contests and prizes! Visit svartfestival.com for more information.
Mid-Town Summer Block Party
1111 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz
Come celebrate all the vibrancy of Midtown at our Summer Block Party, happening every Friday! This summer series of free events will feature the talents of 30+ local bands. In addition to live music, event goers will enjoy a selection of local eats as well as the opportunity to check out the work of local artists and vendors. Midtown Fridays runs May 31 to August 30.
The Capitola Beach Festival returns September 28 and 29 to “Celebrate the Good Times”. With Capitola Village back in full swing and Capitola Wharf due to reopen in September, the festival team found plenty to celebrate after two tough winters.
No vendors, no food booths, just fun activities to draw you out to the beach and to celebrate the good times here in Capitola. Come run, sculpt, paddle, toss, draw, dance, scavenge, or just people watch.
Claim a space along the beach lagoon to watch the Saturday night Lighted Nautical Parade on Soquel Creek. There is still time to sign up to decorate a float.
Join the volunteers that help perpetuate festival traditions that have put a smile on thousands of faces for decades at Capitola Beach. Now that is something worth celebrating.
Capitolabeachfestival.com
The Capitola Beach Festival Sept. 28TH & 29TH
“Celebrate the Good Times!”
This year, the Capitola Beach Festival wants to Celebrate the many wonders that Capitola and what its amazing community has to offer by Celebrating the Past, the Present and the Future families and memory’s that we as Capitola community have come to know and love. The Beach Festival will be hosting traditional activities that Capitola has come to love, such as Sandcastle Competition, Horseshoe Competition, Scavenger Hunt, Children Art/Chalk Projects, Rowboat Races, Fishing Derby and some newcomers such as Cornhole Tournament and our Paddleboard Races. Be sure not to miss the Saturday early evening Band and to Celebrate the highlight of the weekend - the Lighted Nautical Parade on Soquel Creek! Come and Celebrate all the amazing floats as they parade down the creek and all the amazing teams that create these works of Fun and Art.
In my fifth year as President, it is my pleasure to again lead this amazing group of community spirited, energetic individuals who all volunteer their time and effort to make this event possible. I want to especially thank the Beach Festival Committee’s Board and all the Event Sponsors, especially our Grand Benefactor Sutter Health, for their contributions and efforts to help create this free, family friendly weekend.
(See the Capitola Beach Festival Event Schedule on page page 20.)
Come to the Beach, have fun, make new friends, and create lifelong memories for all generations. Check out our Capitola Beach Festival website for an updated calendar of events. And if you are looking for the Fountain of Youth, come and join us as a volunteer. Volunteering keeps you young, active, and connected to community. We are a very fun group of individuals, and we are always looking for more friends.
Come and Celebrate with us by signing up to build a float for the Nautical Parade - we provide the barge and the building site. You provide the creativity, inspiration, lighting, Good Times and the Memories! The winners of the Nautical Parade also received a donation to their favorite Charity.
We look forward to seeing you and your family at the Capitola Beach Festival to Celebrate fun, free, family-friendly entertainment and lots of new Memories.
Mary Beth Cahalen, President
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2024
Little Wharf 3 MILER Fun Run 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
The Wharf-to-Wharf Race Committee presents a 3 Mile fun run beginning at 8 a.m. in the East Cliff Shopping Center located on East Cliff Drive near 16th Avenue. The course will follow East Cliff Drive to 41st Avenue, onto Opal Cliff Drive to Cliff Drive, and then down Cliff Drive across the Stockton Avenue Bridge, onto Esplanade, with the run concluding near San Jose Avenue. Must preregister at wharftowharf.com. Shuttles available.
Sand Sculpture Contest 10:00 AM – 2:00; Awards at 2:30 PM
Registration on Capitola Beach starts at 10:00 AM day of event. Judging begins before 2:00 PM. Sponsored by Capitola Self Storage.
Corn Hole on the Beach – 11:00 AM to Finish.
Toss a few and maybe join the competition. Sponsored by Safe at Home.
Children’s Art 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Children pre-school age and above are welcome to create their own masterpiece in Esplanade Park for all to enjoy! Everything provided.
Scavenger Hunt 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Pick up your Scavenger Hunt Map in Esplanade Park and let the kids find each item as you enjoy your day in the village. Participation prizes awarded when map is returned completed.
Music at the Beach 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Enjoy music and dancing in Esplanade Park. Sponsored by Britannia Arms.
Lighted Nautical Parade on Soquel Creek. Approx. 7:00 PM-8:00 PM
Enjoy a parade of lighted barges as they travel down the creek to the lagoon. Float Teams who wish to light up a barge must preregister with Parade Chair at 831-428-9875 or capitolabeachfestival@gmail.com. There will be no access to the trestle during the Lighted Parade. Grand Benefactor: Sutter Health
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2024
Fishing Derby – Capitola Wharf. 7:00 am – 11 am.
Details available when Wharf reopens. Bring your own poles. Sponsored by Capitola Boat and Bait.
Paddle Board Race 8:00 am start on Capitola Main Beach
West-end. Open-class (any length board) prone and SUP race. Two-mile out and back course. Prone Paddleboard Sprints 150 yards, one buoy turn and back to the beach. Registration: www.eventbrite.com
Ukuleles at the Beach 10 AM – 11:30 AM
Enjoy the music and fun in Esplanade Park.
Horseshoes in the Sand 10:00 AM – Finish
Double’s tournament at Capitola Beach. Teams will be chosen by drawing names from a hat. Participants must pre-register at (831) 419-6399. Check-in time 9:00 - 10:00 am. Sponsored by Zeldas Restaurant.
Chalk Art on the Seawall 11:00 AM -2:00 PM
Children pre-school age and above are welcome to create their own masterpiece atop the seawall on the Esplanade for all to enjoy! Art chalk provided. Sponsored by Bay Federal Credit Union.
Rowboat Races 1:00 PM – Finish
Registration at the pathway by the Stockton Bridge from NOON until 1 PM. Timed heats on Soquel Creek with two people per boat - We supply the boats! Sponsored by the Craft Gallery.
CAPITOLA UKELELE GROUP
By Judie Block
For over 20 years, ukulele players have gathered for a Sunday serenade in Capitola’s Esplanade Park. At 10 am, rain or shine, 50-70 “ukers” of all ages gather to play and sing their favorite tunes from the 60’s-90’s.
The Capitola Uke Players are not only a fun group of musicians but also a community that doubles as a family. There’s Phyllis, who comes over Highway 17 from San Jose, with her husband, Bill, each weekend. Bill is 92 and Phyllis is 86. “This is what keeps us going,” Phyllis commented. “This is the perfect way to start our week.”
And always dressed in purple is Marge, who just celebrated her 95th birthday with the ukers. Marge began playing the ukulele when she was 90 and is now a regular every weekend. "I enjoy the music and the people watching.”
Pearl, the hula dancer, entertains the group with her lovely hula hands, and teaches the little ones how to dance. There’s Lou, dressed in tie-dyed clothes, who plays the kazoo and tall Pat playing the bass. It’s a stage full of musical merriment.
Everyone is welcome. Join in with your ukulele, sing, dance, hula hoop, or bench sit with your coffee and snack.
Photo by Martin Bell
CAPITOLA BEACH FESTIVAL POSTER ARTIST
Serene and ethereal, in layers of translucent color, Maia Negre’s artwork defines with emotion, the beauty of water and light.
Her work communicates a striking and eloquent comprehension of the ocean, drawing from compositional references of personal experience and memory. She is largely inspired by surfing and time spent in and around water throughout Hawaii and California.
Born of Chinese and French decent, Maia is a first generation American. She resides in Santa Cruz, California and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Painting and a minor in business from San Jose State University.
She is an active participant in the annual Capitola Art & Wine Festival, a licensed artist with Merge4socks, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and is one of Santa Cruz's most beloved and popular artists.In addition to the latest 2024 Beach Festival art, Maia’s work has graced a number of other Capitola events and local landmarks.
In 2010 she was the lead-assistant to John Ton on the Capitola Wharf Road mural, and later became an artist-partner on the mural’s lower extension in 2015. In 2015, Maia was the Capitola Art and Wine Festival Poster artist. In 2017, she redesigned the Mermaid Logo on the wine glass for the Capitola Art and Wine Festival, which is still used to this day.
The following year in 2018, she designed the very first 2018 Capitola Beach Festival Poster, and her art was featured again for the Capitola Beach Festival in 2023.
When she's not painting and running her art business, this gentle powerhouse can be found in the yoga studio, surfing, spending time with her family, or traveling to her favorite places.
Follow her upcoming shows, projects and inspirations on Instagram at @maianegre.
ScaVENGER HUNT
By Teresa Green
For the third year, the Capitola Beach Festival is presenting its Scavenger Hunt where participants will find out about Capitola’s historical landmarks, history, and points of interest. It will be held on Saturday, September 28th, from Noon to 4PM.
You will receive a map of the village with Waystations marked out and answer simple questions about what you find as you learn about the City of Capitola and the Capitola Beach Festival. There have been many changes in the village this year, so even those who have participated before will be able to discover new things. We are hopeful that the new wharf project will be completed so we can incorporate some of its elements into the hunt.
This event engages all age groups in actively exploring their surroundings. Younger children can join their parents, older kids and adults can team up with their friends, and husbands and wives may compete against each other to see who can finish first. Upon completion, and returning their maps, everyone will receive a small prize. It’s all in good fun!
CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT
In 2022 the Beach Festival set some decks on the beach, tossed out some beanbags, and the games began. Several players encouraged us to formalize the games into a tournament. Stop by after 11:00 am Saturday, September 28 on Capitola Beach.
Warm up – toss a few – and sign up for a bit of competition. We are still looking for some fun loving volunteers to help pull this one off. Visit our website for details and drop us a note. It’s fun and free. Sponsor: Safe At Home Senior Care
Celebrate THe Lighted Nautical Parade
This year we "Celebrate the Good Times" with a Lighted Nautical Parade on Saturday, September 28th
By Keith Cahalen, Parade Chair
After a fun filled day of festival activities, head over to Soquel Creek around dusk to enjoy the creativity of our Float builders. Visible from the lagoon, Stockton Bridge, and the creek path, these floating barges light up Capitola like none other. Add music and some theatrics and you have a parade!
Float builders compete not only for cash awards for their favorite charities, they claim bragging rights for competing in Capitola’s only floating parade!
Capitola’s floating parades started with the Begonia Festival, which ended its 65 year run in 2017 when the begonia fields closed. The next year a nighttime parade “lit up” Capitola – and the Capitola Beach Festival was born.
Community participation is important to the Beach Festival’s success. You too can decorate a float. A limited number of barges are available. Form your own group and join the fun. An experience not to be forgotten, join the locals who share their “float building” memories.”
Help us “Celebrate the Good Times”, past, present and future. Visit us at www:capitolabeachfestival.com
Drone photo by Don Campbell
Before ... ... and after.
beautiful Parade
By Laurie Hill
Emphasizing community resilience, the 2023 Lighted Nautical Parade “Beauty and the Beach” theme welcomed its return to Soquel Creek after creek conditions in 2022 forced a static “beached parade” on the sandy beach.
Entry #1 “Beauty and the Beat” Jessica Wallace Properties’ float represented the freedom to express oneself and to dance to your own beat. We caught a daylight photo of this fun loving and creative group before the start of the night time parade.
Jammin’ to Bob Marley, Entry #2 “A Cool Breeze” brought us a drifting island scene with a mountain, waterfall and palms.
Entry #3, “The Aqua Princess” by the Friends of Cork and Fork, celebrated Capitola’s reemergence from the storms. Claiming 3rd place in 2021, their imaginative lights and live musical performance received First Place this year.
Returning team, the Jewel Boxers, Entry #4 dazzled us again with their “Spirit of Capitola”. A huge programmable 1760 LED light screen offered scenes of Capitola before, during, and after the storms. Always a crowd pleaser, they received 2nd Place.
The Capitola Museum closed the parade with “Hotel Capitola”, a representation of the 1895 hotel that once stood at Esplanade Park. One side of the float showed an idyllic summer day complete with bathers. The opposite side, the fire that destroyed the hotel in 1929. This dramatic depiction won the team 3rd Place.
In addition to bragging rights, the First, Second and Third place winners each received a donation to their favorite charity.
Photos by Jessica Wallace Properties
Sand Sculpture Contest
By Laurie Hill
A Capitola tradition since 1971, the Sand Sculpture Contest takes place Saturday, September 28 at Capitola Beach. Sign up (before you start your sculpture) at Capitola Beach starting at 10 am. Judging begins before 2:00 with awards ceremony around 2:30 pm. You must be present to win.
Plaques are awarded in five categories: small group, large group, one adult one child, 9-14 and under 8 with one overall Grand Prize Winner.
Sculpture tips from Santa Cruz Sand: Family friendly subject matter. A site no larger than 20x20’. All sculpture objects must be natural materials found on the beach. Bring tools and buckets. Pour lots of water on the ground, make a pile of sand, add more water, and detail from the top down. Forms may be used but must be removed prior to judging. If the sand is not cooperating it is probably too dry. Build close to the surf, but plan for high tide!
Celebrate the Good Times – Form a team of friends, family and neighbors. Sponsor: Capitola Self Storage
Kick off the Festival on Saturday morning, September 28th, with with a point-to-point family fun run/ walk starting at the East Cliff Village Shopping Center and run three miles along the Santa Cruz coastline, before finishing in the Capitola Esplanade.
Produced by Wharf to Wharf Race, Inc, this event serves as a second fundraiser towards their mission to support youth sports in Santa Cruz County. All participants receive race day swag. The 3-mile run/ walk is limited to the first 4,000 registrants.
At the 2023 Little Wharf 3-Miler, participants came out to enjoy the race, with many walking or jogging together as a family or group. We encourage you to bring your friends and family out for the fun, and enjoy the final 3 miles of the Wharf to Wharf race course!
All levels, ages and abilities are welcome. Registration information is available online at www.wharftowharf.com.
ROWBOAT RACES FOR EVERYONE! Little wharf 3-miler
Course details: The net downhill, coastal three-mile race is a great opportunity to run fast and take in the beauty of the Santa Cruz & Capitola coastline. Early Fall presents some of the best weather in the county, so you are likely going to experience beautiful weather out on the course.
The Rowboat Races are a series of timed head-to-head races that go up and down Soquel Creek, between the bridge and trestle. Groups of two compete in races for the best time in their age group: • Youth 12 and under • Juniors 12-17 • Adults 18-30 • Masters 31 & Over
Catch the action on the creek. The rowboats races are unpredictable in the details but always enjoyable and a crowd favorite. No experience necessary – just life jackets.
There are always a few ringers in older groups seeking revenge from last year’s loss but the highlight is the Youth. Coaxed by parents and siblings into rowboats along with a passenger, the youngsters often take their first ride in a rowboat. The crowds cheer everyone and there are groans when the boats are rowed in circles or caught up in riverside plants.
“Passengers” are there to help the youngest rowers but depending on skill and relationship to the rower they have been described as captain, coach or just ballast. Once the rowers figure out they are pulling the oars to go backwards, they think it is easy, but just wait for that first turn! This is when many are glad they are only spectators.
Sign up is Noon – 1:00 Sunday, September 29 at Stockton Bridge! No late entries. Waivers are required, and parents need to sign up children. Races start at 1:00 pm. Free.
Special thanks to the folks that lend us the boats and paddles! And the Craft Gallery for their sponsorship.
Explore Soquel
The Chalk Art event has been a child and family favorite for years. Patti Bradley, event chair said “What a joy it is to see children of all ages work on their colorful creations. I am delighted to continue this well loved event for the Capitola Beach Festival.
From pre-schoolers to art school graduates, everyone has a great time illustrating what makes Capitola so special.”
We provide the chalk, a spot on the sea wall, and you provide the inspiration.
CAPITOLA fishing derby chalk art ON THE SEA WALL
The Capitola fishing derby on Capitola Wharf dates back to 1967. It began as part of the Begonia Festival and has continued to attract the interest and imagination of hundreds for decades and now as part of the Capitola Beach Festival.
With fingers crossed we await the reopening of the repaired wharf and the return of Capitola Boat and Bait and the derby!
The day begins in darkness as the crew arrives to set up the Derby and they are welcomed by many fishermen who are already prepared to reap the bounty of the deep! One of the great attractions of this event is that you don’t need a fishing license to participate!
Our excitement builds throughout the morning as fish, some large and some very small, are brought to the crew to be recorded, admired, and celebrated.
Join on the fishing on Sunday, September 29th at 7 AM until 11 AM Bring your poles, your kids, your bait, your smiles, and be ready to enjoy this free 55 year old classic. Sponsor: Capitola Boat and Bait.
PADDLEBOARD RACES
By Phil Segal, Event Chair
The Second Annual Capitola Beach Festival Paddleboard Race is set for an 8:00 am start on Sunday, Sept. 29 on Capitola Main Beach west-end. This is a fun, family-friendly open-class (any length board) prone and SUP race. The two-mile out and back course parallels the Capitola cliffs, making this a fantastic venue for spectators. Awards are presented to the top three male and female prone and SUP class finishers.
By popular request, we have added Prone Paddleboard Sprints. The sprint is 150 yards, one buoy turn and back to the beach. Awards will go to the top male and female finishers in all four age divisions. Come out and paddle as a family, or cheer for your favorite paddler from the beach or bluffs! The net proceeds of this event will be donated to the Capitola Jr. Lifeguard Program.
Registration: www.eventbrite.com (search 2024 Capitola Beach Festival Paddleboard Race)
Horseshoes In THe Sand Entering its 20TH year!
In 2023 the “Blue Shirts” returned with cheers, entertaining music, a sing along and Cesar Espinola and Lew Ruiz took home the big prize: First Place! And the trophy was huge! Whether you’re an old hand or a beginner, this free pro/am tournament is for all!
Come play or just watch the “shoes” fly. A little fun in the sun with friends and loved ones is just what we all need after the long wet winter.
Horseshoes In the Sand returns to Capitola Beach on Sunday September 29th, 9:00 – finish. Sponsor: Zeldas Restaurant. Space is limited.
Reservations: debbiedash64@gmail.com 831-419-6399
Keeping our community safe from sewage spills and keeping maintenance costs down are important. You can help by remembering this simple phrase:
Keeping our community safe from sewage spills and keeping maintenance costs down are important. You can help by remembering this simple phrase: ‘Think Before You Flush. ’ Put trash where it belongs…in the trash.
‘Think Before You Flush. ’ Put trash where it belongs… in the trash.
Flushable does not mean flushable!
Flushable does not mean flushable! Flushable wipes clog sewer pipes.
Flushable wipes clog sewer pipes. Wipes do not dissolve; even if you flush just one, wipes collect in pumps and valves causing clogs.
Wipes do not dissolve; even if you flush just one, wipes collect in pumps and valves causing clogs.
In Their Own Words: Camp Capitola’s First Visitors
By Deborah Osterberg
In 2024 we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Camp Capitola, “… the oldest camping ground on the Pacific Coast” and one of the earliest seaside resorts in California. The Capitola Historical Museum’s 2024 exhibition, “Little City Under Canvas,” traces the resort’s history and captures the feelings of its early campers.
Officially opened by farmer-turned-entrepreneur, Samuel Alonzo (S.A.) Hall, on June 18, 1874, Camp Capitola truly began as a little city under canvas.
S.A. Hall noticed that each summer farmers from sweltering inland towns pitched their tents adjacent to his farm at the base of Soquel Landing Wharf. Hall quickly recognized the lucrative opportunity occasioned by his summer visitors and began offering them services from meals to horse boarding. Hall continued to develop the resort by renting canvas tents and constructing the first simple, wooden beach cottages. Though the Hall family departed the resort in 1879, they left a lasting imprint upon the popular beach town, including its name, Capitola.
Initially Camp Capitola appealed most to those who enjoyed roughing it. The earliest camp visitors hailed from the Santa Clara Valley. According to the July 17, 1879, San Jose Weekly Mercury, “They sleep in wagons, in the straw, or under trees. They dress in their old clothes – the older the better.” Farmers from other inland towns like Stockton and Visalia soon followed. In 1880 the “Farm
House Chat” feature in the Pacific Rural Press noted that July and August brought “… the usual rush for the sea … [of] such plain people as do not care for luxurious surroundings. Whole wagon loads of farmers come there with wives and children to rest after harvesting …”
In the June 28, 1879, San Jose Herald, Laura Deforce Gordon happily described her visit to Camp Capitola.
We are not early risers, except those who go out for a morning’s fishing, or when the tide is low a hunt upon the beach for moss and shells. At eleven the tinkling of a bell calls the bathers together as well as those who resting on the beach watch their movements in the water … At two P.M. the actors and spectators of the morning exchange places. Besides there are sails upon the bay and boat rides up the creek or rambles over the hills … Evening brings camp-fires on the beach, or a concert in the spacious hotel dining room; the dances twice a week are jolly ones lasting until midnight …
Many campers preferred Camp Capitola over the nearby, larger Santa Cruz resort which was viewed as crowded and too conscious of societal constraints. The July 15, 1898, Sacramento Union declared that Camp Capitola was “… neither exclusively a rich man’s retreat nor wholly a poor man’s resting place. But admirably adapted to the comfort and pleasure of everybody.”
Another key to Camp Capitola’s success was its safety. Located within Monterey Bay with its gentle summer waves and virtually no undertow, Capitola’s shoreline was “… considered by bathers the safest on the Pacific Coast.” Despite that, most visitors did not go swimming. The most popular resort activity of the period was surf bathing, a doctor recommended “saltwater cure” of gently wading into the surf several times a day to invigorate the circulation.
In the 1880s, businessman Frederick Augustus (F.A.) Hihn transformed Camp Capitola into a sophisticated seaside retreat. Hihn, who purchased much of Rancho Soquel from the Castro family, built bathhouses and an array of amusements.
In 1895 Hihn directed construction of the Grand Hotel Capitola, a 160-room elegant Colonial Revival Queen Anne style building just feet from the surf. The Grand Hotel Capitola, which burned in 1929, was regarded on par with Monterey’s Del Monte Hotel and the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego. Appleton’s Illustrated Hand-book of American Summer Resorts even declared that “… the great camping-ground of Soquel (Camp Capitola), … is to the Pacific coast what Martha’s Vineyard is to the Atlantic coast …”
In addition to surf bathing, Camp Capitola became famous for its excellent ocean and creek fishing which drew sportsmen from around the state. The launches “Capitola” and “Bessie” were at the disposal of guests at the Hotel Capitola.
After a day’s battle royal with these game fish, what is more enjoyable than to have one of your catch served to your party at dinner, as only the chef of the Capitola knows how to prepare the toothsome denizens of the deep.
Western Field, (California Fish and Game Protective Association), October 1903
Continued on page 24 ...
Capitola’s reputation for fishing had a not-so-pleasant flipside. In December 1881, the Oakland Tribune described the camp as a “‘fishy’ sort of a place; everything seemed to be impregnated with that odor, up among the shanties and along ‘Bone Alley.’ Perhaps this was not the right name, but is fitting, for bones (fish bones), were painfully plentiful.” Camp Capitola was a lively place. Visitors enjoyed almost nightly dances at the huge combination Skating Rink and Dance Pavilion. Other favorite pastimes included sea moss and fern collecting, viewing steamers at the wharf loading lumber and paper from local mills and taking a stroll to China Cove just south of the camp (today’s New Brighton State Beach) to watch the Chinese fishermen haul in seine nets full of fish.
Seaside resorts were not without controversy. The new, shortskirted lady’s bathing costumes were seen by some as indecent. The Aug. 3, 1888, Evening Mail of Stockton noted that Camp Capitola “… presents an animated and attractive appearance – attractive especially to the male connoisseur of feminine beauty. The beach is almost an Eden to the student of nature …” Perhaps one of the most frequent camp activities was to indulge in gossip.
… those who do not bathe lie on the sand and ‘take in’ the bathers. The spectators ‘make no bones’ in commenting on dresses (or rather the lack of them), forms, etc. It is quite entertaining to get within hearing distance of a couple … and listen to their comments on the scantily-robed bathing procession … Evening Mail [Stockton], July 16, 1889
Since the time of Jane Austen, seaside resorts were the place of flirtation. According to the Sept. 1, 1892, Sacramento Union “[E]verybody flirts in Capitola, from the machine-like flirtation of the old campaigner to the gushing flirtations of the young folks just from school.”
Around 1888, F.A. Hihn fashioned a tree-lined path upon Depot Hill which followed Grand Avenue along the eastern bluff. The popular secluded walkway soon became known as Lovers’ Lane or Lovers’ Retreat. Unfortunately, years of cliff erosion wore away most of the tree-lined walk.
An early Camp Capitola devotee from Salinas, J.C. Simmons, recalled in 1894. Our first camp was pitched on the flat on which Capitola now stands. It was a treeless, houseless place then, and we could pitch our tent where we pleased. I could hardly realize this morning when I reached it that this is the same place. Every foot of the ground is now utilized for building purposes. In fact, the town is crowded up on the bluffs round about … crowds throng the beach while frolicking bathers throng the surf, laughing, swimming, diving, dashing water on each other, and having a good time generally.
Sounds like the Capitola we know and love today.
Deborah Osterberg is curator of the Capitola Historical Museum. “Little City Under Canvas – The 150th Anniversary of Camp Capitola” will be at the Capitola Historical Museum through December 2024. The admission-free museum is open every Friday through Sunday from noon until 4 p.m. The museum is at 410 Capitola Ave., next to Capitola City Hall. For more information, call 831-464-0322 or email capitolamuseum@gmail.com
52nd Anniversary Wharf to Wharf Race
Sunday,July 28 2024 – Start Time 8:30am
Each year, on the fourth Sunday in July, thousands of runners from across America and around the globe return to Santa Cruz, California for the annual six-mile race to Capitola-by-the-Sea. First run in 1973 by a handful of locals, the Wharf to Wharf Race today enjoys a gourmet reputation in running circles worldwide. Its scenic, seaside setting, perfect weather, and festive beach party atmosphere make it a favorite of casual joggers and elite athletes alike. Limited to 16,000 runners, the race sells out each of its registration windows in a mere few hours. Locals have 3,000 reserved spots; qualifying returning runners get priority. Runners are thrilled just to get in!
The 2024 Wharf to Wharf Race is offered as a live event OR virtual. While many come for sun, fun and fitness reasons, serious athletes run to test their mettle against the best. The race draws an elite, international field. Runners know that a good showing at Wharf to Wharf is a guaranteed boost to their running career. The roll of past champions includes a number of former Olympians.
Widely acclaimed “The best little road race in California,” Wharf to Wharf is the biggest summer event of its kind on the West Coast and a boon to local business, annually infusing more than $8 million into the Santa Cruz County economy. It receives broad media attention, and is highlighted in all running industry polls and publications as one of the top races in America each year.
RACE HISTORY
The first Wharf to Wharf Race was run Saturday morning July 28, 1973. It was not the main event of the day, just one of a
number of festivities scheduled by the City of Capitola’s Heritage Days Committee organized by Jim Reding and Wayne Fontes to celebrate the dedication of Camp Capitola’s Superintendent’s Office, as a California State Historical Landmark. Wayne Fontes chaired the Race Committee and Soquel High School track coach Ken Thomas served as Race Director. The $200 race budget was underwritten by the City of Capitola.
The race was a pretty casual affair starting at the Santa Cruz Wharf and winding its way through coastal neighborhoods to Capitola Village, some six miles to the south. It did not run without incident. As the race leaders approached the Village, they were inadvertently misdirected onto Capitola's Wharf, rather than to the Esplanade where the finish line was actually located. After some discussion, race officials declared Stanford’s Jack Bellah the winner and duly awarded him a classic plaque proclaiming him Champion of the “WARF TO WARF” Race! These misadventures notwithstanding, the race was considered a grand success by the 273 participants who ran.
When they clamored for a rerun the following year, the organizing committee obliged and the race began a life of its own. Through the '70s the race grew, riding the wave of the running boom that swept the nation. Numbers doubled each year into the '80s before peaking at around 3,700 runners in 1983. At that point the leadership took a more proactive role in its promotion and administration. In the fall of that year, race representatives were dispatched to the First Annual Roadrace Management Convention in Washington DC to see what they could learn. The knowledge they brought back led to many changes in the face and future of the race, not the least of which was introducing a commercial sponsorship pro-
Congratulations to the 2024 Wharf to Wharf Scholarship Recipients!
Wharf to Wharf Race Inc. annually awards four scholarships to distinguished local scholar-athletes who will complete in track or cross country at the collegiate level. The Howard Marcus scholarship, $3,000 a year for 4 years for students competing at a 4-year university, goes to two students who were named the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League Athlete of the Year.
Howard Marcus Memorial Scholarship:
Braylon Noble, Soquel High – UC Santa Barbara Ashlyn Boothby, Scotts Valley High – Stanford University
Braylon Noble won the Bob Enzweiler Award for earning the most points at the league Track and Field Championships, winning four events – long jump, pole vault, high jump and 400-meter run. His grade-point average is 4.05.
Ashlyn Boothby is one of Santa Cruz County’s most decorated runners. In cross country, she is a 4-time SCCAL individual champion and a 3-time Central Coast Section champion. In track and field, she is a 3-time SCCAL champion and a 2-time CCS champion.
The Otis Chandler scholarship is $3,000 a year for 2 years for students competing at a 2-year or 4-year university.
Otis Chandler Memorial Scholarship: Giancarlo Mendo, Watsonville High – Hartnell College Ella Shoemaker, Aptos High – CSU San Marcos
Giancarlo Mendo is an honor student and captain for the cross country and track and field team, where he dramatically improved his time in the 1600, finishing 3rd in the league championship. He is part of a dance group, Estellas de Esperanza.
Ella Shoemaker won four track events at the inaugural Santa Cruz County Meet of Champions, the 100- and 300-meter hurdles, and she was part of two winning relay teams, the 4×100 and the 4×400.
Ella Shoemaker
Braylon Noble
Ashlyn Boothby
Giancarlo Mendo
SUNDAY ART AT THE BEACH
2024 Dates: June 23, July 7 & 21, Aug. 4, 11 am – 5 pm
Location: Capitola Village, Esplanade Park
Presented by the City of Capitola & the Capitola Art & Cultural Commission
Get ready to have a blast at the Sunday Art at the Beach event in Capitola Village this summer! Join us at Esplanade Park, where you can soak up the stunning views of Monterey Bay while exploring an incredible collection of artwork. From beautiful paintings to captivating photography, unique sculptures to dazzling jewelry, and everything in between, you'll find it all here. Best of all, this family-friendly event is totally free and open to everyone. Need more information? www.cityofcapitola.org/acc/page/sunday-art-beach-3 Email: artatthebeach@ci.capitola.ca.us
food truck fridays
"Food Truck Fridays are back in the summer of 2024! Come to Monterey Ave. Park in Capitola to enjoy local centric food and entertainment in a fun, family friendly environment. Enjoy topnotch food from some of Santa Cruz County’s best food trucks while grooving to some of the most talented musicians, the central coast has to offer. There is plenty of open spaces as well as an adult only beer garden in the center of the action. Join us in celebrating Capitola at its best on select Fridays. Thank you to Best Western Capitola By -The-Sea Inn & Suites and Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz/Capitola for sponsorship of the music for this family friendly event!" www.cityofcapitola. org/recreation/page/food-truck-friday-1
2024 Dates:
June 14: TNT & the Explosions @tntandtheexplosion (on IG) Classic Rock, Oldies & Reggae
July 12: Tsunami www.Tsunami-rocks.com
Classic Rock, R&B & Dance
August 16: Digbeats Rock, Oldies R&B & Dance
September 13: Coffee Zombie Collective www.coffeezombiecollective.com Ad-libbed Sound Explosion
FREE MOVIES AT THE BEACH
The City of Capitola Art & Cultural Commission is proud to host the 2024 Movies at the Beach. These family friendly events are offered free thanks to the support from sponsors. Movies are shown on a large screen on the bandstand in Esplanade Park next to Capitola Beach. Movies start at dusk.
If you require other special accommodations or would like to request Closed Captioning, please contact Special Events Coordinator Kelly Barreto at least 48 hours in advance of the movie at (831) 475-7300 ext. 297 or kbarreto@ ci.capitola.ca.us
Attendees are encouraged to bring seating. Low back chairs and blankets are recommended. Considering bring a picnic dinner or dine locally at area restaurants. No alcohol or dogs on the beach.
Dates: (Fridays at 7:30 p.m.)
August 30: Grease
September 20: Shark Tale
2024 Twilight Concerts
Twilight Concerts: The City of Capitola's Arts and Cultural Commission presents on Wednesday evenings during the summer months. All concerts begin at 6 p.m. and take place at the Esplanade bandstand in Capitola Village. These free events are made possible by the generosity of sponsors. www.cityofcapitola.org/acc/page/twilight-concerts-2024
June 12
Spun
Funky Rock – www.spunsantacruz.com
June 19
Pacific Roots ➞ Reggae Rock – www.pacificrootsmusic.com
June 26
Ribsy’s Nickel Rock Reggae – www.reverbnation.com/ribsysnickel
July 3
Dirty Cello ➞ Blues & Rock – www.dirtycello.com
July 10
Mike Hammar & The Nails Contemporary Blues – www.mikehammarandthenails.com
July 17
Extra Large ➞ Original Pop – www.extra-large.net/
July 24
The Joint Chiefs R&B/Funk/Soul & Blues – www.thejointchiefsband.com
July 31
Dolce Old School ➞ R&B/Soul & American Roots – www.reverbnation.com/dolcemusica
August 7
Space Heate Funk/Dance/Jam – www.spaceheatersc.com
August 14
The Inciters Band ➞ '60s Style Original Soul – www.theinciters.com
The Alex Lucero Band ➞ Soul/Americana – www.alexluceroband.com
Wellness on Wheels
Promoting wellness education and bridging the gap in health care access throughout Santa Cruz County.
Dominican Hospital Foundation’s Wellness on Wheels Campaign will significantly expand and enhance the services offered by the Mobile Wellness Clinic. The bilingual, Spanish-speaking, clinic staff provide vital health services with dignity and respect across various sites in Santa Cruz County. This mobile service reduces the barriers to access of care such as location or cost, and improves the health of our community.
THE SANTA CRUZ COUNTY FAIR
The Santa Cruz County Fair is a magical thing… in a special place. In the shadow of California’s Silicon Valley, nestled in the agriculturally rich Pajaro Valley, it’s a destination event that perfectly combines farm charm and futuristic excitement!
That’s why we’re especially excited the theme of the 2024 Santa Cruz County Fair is “Pioneer Days to Modern Ways.”
For the first time ever, this year’s Fair will feature a drone show. Each night of the five-day Fair, “Skye Dreams” will amaze fairgoers with 200 drones dancing in the sky above the fairgrounds. It’s an artistic and high-tech experience!
Even as the Fair embraces “modern ways,” its agriculture roots are at the heart of the Fair. The Santa Cruz County Fair is known as one of the last old-fashioned community fairs. The annual event attracts some 65,000 people. Fairgoers flock to the sprawling, yet cozy, venue to experience the best of what their friends and neighbors have to offer in dozens of categories. Those categories include agriculture, horticulture, livestock, poultry, home arts, amateur wines, fine arts, LEGOs, poetry, youth displays, handspun/handwoven crafts, quilting, photography, floriculture, collections and more!
Live entertainment this year includes, Antsy McClain, RED – A Taylor Swift Tribute, Escaramuza El Centenario Charra Show with Lola Montes and Los Tiranos Del Norte.
The Fair also hosts a carnival midway, Monster Trucks and Motocross, magic shows, kids’ shows, a horse show, tractor parades and roving entertainment. Plus, all the savory and sweet fair treats you only get once a year… from funnel cakes and cinnamon rolls to fried artichokes and BBQ kabobs. In 2023, readers of the Santa Cruz Sentinel voted the Fair as the Best Annual Event in Santa Cruz County.
There wouldn’t be a Fair without the fairgrounds. And there wouldn’t be fairgrounds without the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation. The Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) charitable organization. It was founded in 2002 by a group of fair supporters who wanted to preserve the fairgrounds and the community-based activities that take place there. Its motto: Funding Our Fairgrounds’ Future.
With the help of our community, the Foundation funds capital improvements to ensure thecontinued vitality of the Santa Cruz County Fair. The Foundation has invested almost $4 million in the fairgrounds over the last 22 years. In addition to funding maintenance projectsfor buildings and grounds, the Foundation has created an RV Park, refurbished theMaintenance Building, Crosetti Building and Grandstands, built a new storage area andupgraded the fairgrounds’ water system. Currently, the Foundation is working to add a kitchen and restrooms to Heritage Hall.
“Our Fairgrounds brings us all together,” says Diane Porter Cooley.
Throughout the year, the fairgrounds offer a unique venue for some 350 events held by community groups, businesses, and families. It also serves as an emergency shelter in times of disaster and a campground for travelers. The fairgrounds feature full RV hookups, restrooms and a picnic area. The fairgrounds are also home to a 1/4-mile dirt racetrack facility, the historic Rodgers House and the Agricultural History Project. The Project is a nostalgic collection of equipment, tools, exhibits, tractors and buggies. Kids can drive a tractor and visitors can learn all about farming – both now in the olden days. In December, the fairgrounds’ bright and colorful Holiday Lights display has quickly become a must-see event of the holiday season.
For more information, please visit santacruzcountyfair.com.
We’ll see you at the 2024 Fair… where you’ll delight in Pioneer Days to Modern Ways!
Best Annual Event
in Santa Cruz County 2023
FAIR ENTERTAINMENT 2024 Skye Dreams Drone Show (Nightly) Monster Trucks & Freestyle Motocross (Wednesday & Thursday Evenings) Antsy McClain (Friday Evening) RED - A Taylor Swift Tribute (Saturday Evening) Escaramuza El Centenario Charra Show with Lola Montes (Sunday Afternoon) Los Tiranos Del Norte (Sunday Evening) ALSO AT THE FAIR
Horse Shows, Livestock Shows, Michael Mezmer DangerMagik & Trance-nosis, Los Moralitos Circus, All Alaskan Racing Pigs and others, Midway of Fun Carnival, Exhibits and delicious Fair Food
Photo Credit: Stephen Rider
WOODIES ON THE WHARF
The 28th Annual Woodies on the Wharf will be on Saturday, June 22, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The send off parade will begin at 3:00 p.m. sharp!
Make your way to the Santa Cruz Wharf on June 22 for Northern California’s largest woodie show, featuring more than 200 woodie cars.
This is the 27th annual Woodies on the Wharf. The show is 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Awards are presented at the conclusion, followed by the woodie parade. There will be music, woodie goodies, and prize drawings and plenty of beautiful woodies to check out. Santa Cruz Woodies merchandise (T-shirts, hats & posters) will be available for sale. Bike valet available but no dogs allowed.
Admission is free and no registration is required for your woodie to be in the show. Woodie owners should arrive early Saturday morning to secure their parking spot on the wharf. It all began in 1994, when Santa Cruz Woodies was a fledgling chapter of the National Woodie Club. Many club members had participated in events with their woodies at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the cars were always met with enthusiasm. When it was decided to put on an event of our own the Santa Cruz Woodies Club partnered with the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department and the Santa Cruz Wharf Merchants Association and the 1st Annual Woodies on the Wharf took place on June 24, 1995 with 50 cars in attendance. After our humble start, our attendance has grown over the years.
In 2019 at our 25th Anniversary Woodies on the Wharf we hosted approximately 200 Woodies coming from all over the country. In addition to attracting a world-class exhibition of Wooden cars (one of the largest Woodie gatherings in the country) the event features Woodies on the Wharf merchandise sales, music by Classified Sound, a raffle offering 100’s of prizes donated from local businesses including Surfboards and an E-Bike Cruiser (ninety percent of the raffle proceeds are donated to worthy local charities), a surfboard-shaping demonstration by Bob Pearson of Pearson Arrow Surfboards, delicious food at restaurants, shopping and recreation opportunities at all Wharf businesses and the sendoff Woodie Parade off the Wharf which begins promptly at 3:30 p.m. after the Awards Ceremony!
Combine that with the attraction of the Wharf itself, and you have what is regarded as the best family fun day that takes place on the Santa Cruz Wharf all year. Wharf Parking will be extremely limited! Bike Santa Cruz County will be running the FREE Bike Valet during the event. We encourage you to park off site and walk or bike to the Wharf! Come on down, enjoy the sunshine, music, dining, shopping, recreation, raffle and of course the stars of the show, our classic Woodies.
Can’t get enough Woodies? Take a stroll on West Cliff Drive Sunday morning June 26 around 9:00 AM and witness Sophia’s cruise where a large caravan of Woodies heads north past the Lighthouse then loops back past the Boardwalk as we all say goodbye to Santa Cruz.
A bike valet service will be available on the wharf during the WOW event. The city of Santa Cruz does not allow dogs on the wharf. The Santa Cruzer shuttle will offer service between the downtown area and the beach/wharf area. Check the City of Santa Cruz website for more information.
The City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department, Santa Cruz Economic Development Department and the Santa Cruz Wharf tenants welcome back Tuesday Night Live at the Wharf Commons stage! Every 2nd Tuesday of the month, come for live music and games from 6 to 8 p.m. Come check out Wharf business pop-ups, game and photo booth by The Booth Biz in the Commons. Every Tuesday is Local's Tuesday, get a stamp validation from any business on the Wharf and receive 2 hours of free parking! Be sure to bring a chair or wear your dancing shoes! We can't wait to see you at this series and thank you for supporting local!
May 14: Tin Man
June 11: Tsunami Band
July 9: The Joint Chiefs
August 13: The Lost Boys Featuring James Durbin
September 10: Viva Santana Show (Norcal's #1 Tribute Band)
Tuesday Night Live Summer Concert Series CAPITOLA PLEIN AIR
October 21-27, 2024
Locals and visitors will once again be able to experience the Capitola Plein Air later this fall in its 9th annual event. The Capitola Art and Cultural Commission will accept and screen artist applications. They will invite up to 40 artists to compete this year, from October 21-27 - one week earlier than previous year’s event.
Artists will set up their easels throughout Capitola for the six-day event. Come watch them paint. On Sunday October 27 the paintings will be displayed and judged at the New Brighton Middle School Performing Arts Auditorium. The community will have the opportunity to view and purchase any of the displayed artwork.
Last year’s First Place winner Kristian Matthews painting was purchased by the City of Capitola for its permanent collection.
Everyone is invited to visit capitolapleinair.com or follow Capitola Plein Air on Facebook, for more information.
Capitola Plein Air is a Capitola Arts and Cultural Commission event. A “Call to Artists” will be issued in June and the link will be available on both the event website as well as the City’s website.
central coast adventure seeking
Kayaking
Kayaking tours of Elkhorn Slough will take you into one of 17 estuarine reserves in the United States. Elkhorn Slough is home to saltwater, freshwater and marshland wildlife where you might see seals, otters, loons, egrets, pelicans and even small sharks. Along Monterey Bay there are open coast paddling tours, overnight sea kayaking trips and the thrill of surf kayaking.
Hiking Trails
There are more than 20 recognized hiking trails in Santa Cruz County that traverse the coastline, beaches, mountains and the redwood forests of this unique corner of the Central Coast. From Big Basin Redwoods State Park there is the famous Skyline to the Sea Trail. Up the mountain there is Henry Cowell State Park nestled in the redwoods of Felton as well as numerous hiking trails leading to and fro Highway 1 between here going north or south for miles and and miles in either direction.
Sailing
Santa Cruz Harbor hosts thousands of visitors each year. Other anchorages are Capitola Wharf (May 1 to Sept. 30); Moss Landing Marina; Monterey has two Marinas; Monterey Municipal; and Breakwater Cove all within walking distance of excellent restaurants, old Monterey, historic Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Just north you'll find Asilomar Beach and famous Pebble Beach.
Paddle Boarding
Santa Cruz County has become one of the most popular destinations for paddleboarding. With our breathtaking coastline there are many sights to see when out on the blue water. You never know when you might get a show or a visit from a whale, dolphin, seal, or one of the creatures that live in our ocean. There are many facilities in Santa Cruz that rent paddle boards and they are always willing to help out if you are a newcomer to the. Don’t miss out! Get on a paddleboard and experience the sights our area has to offer!
FoodiesSantaCountyCruz
JOIN US FOR LUNCH & DINNER
OPEN DAILY 11:30AM - CLOSE DINNER BEGINS AT 5PM
Enjoy a taste of paradise in the heart of Capitola Village.
Paradise Beach Grille has been the ideal destination for upscale waterfront dining along the famous Capitola Village Esplanade since 1998. Maximizing on its beautiful beachfront location on the Monterey Bay, Paradise includes an outdoor patio, perfect for taking in views of the Monterey Bay and its colorful neighbors, the historic and picturesque Capitola Venetian Hotel.
The Paradise Beach Grille menu features a variety of options with a tropical are, including the Ahi-Mango-Avo Tower, Sugar and Spice Salmon with pineapple salsa, and Hawaiian Baby Back Ribs. Plus, many options for beachgoers by day and date night after sunset.
Watch the sunset from our cozy patio, relax near the replace for a cozy dinner, gather for a date night or a celebration in our dining room, or meet with friends at our high-top tables in the bar. Our libations menu o ers refreshing cocktails, a rotating selection of draught beers, and a robust wine list featuring some of the best wineries on the Central Coast and in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
No matter the occasion – seeking refuge from a sunny day on the beach or savoring a delicious meal on a night out – Paradise Beach Grille is the ultimate destination on the shores of Capitola.
Visit www.paradisebeachgrille.com for more information and the latest menu!
Zelda’s on the beach is located in the quaint Capitola Village, overlooking beautiful Capitola Beach. The restaurant was purchased by John Ealy in 1978. Siblings, Jill and John Ealy still own and operate the Capitola favorite. With a wide and wonderful menu and an oceanfront dining deck, Zelda’s is a great place for any size party and a great place for groups to hold special events. With a full bar, you can enjoy your favorite cocktail and even spot a whale from large outdoor beach front deck.
Head chef Joshua Whitby who graduated first in his class at the International Culinary Center, previously the French Culinary Institute, continues to revitalize and add to the already stellar menu. The always favorite Fish and Chips and Calamari are a good choice but don’t forget the latest additions to the menu, which include oysters and a 14 oz. Rib Eye Steak.
Zelda's is open daily for breakfast at 8am and serves dinner nightly. If you can only have one meal in Capitola this summer, make sure you have it at Zelda’s.
The Crow’s Nest: Making Waves since 1969
Located right on the beach where the Harbor meets the sea, The Crow’s Nest is one of Santa Cruz’s most beloved restaurants. For over 50 years guests have returned again and again for breathtaking panoramic views of Santa Cruz Harbor, the Walton Lighthouse and Santa Cruz Wharf, and to enjoy award-winning cuisine, spirits and live entertainment.
With three dining options to accommodate everything from special occasions to sunset drinks and snacks and pizza for the beach – there’s something for every type of diner.
Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner in our downstairs dining room o er fresh seafood, pasta creations, Midwestern aged beef and daily chef’s specials. Upstairs, the Breakwater Bar & Grill features a variety of appetizers and casual meals throughout the day, and dancing to live entertainment by night. Just across from the mail entrance, you’ll nd the Crow’s Nest Beach Market, serving pizzas, co ees, ice cream and more –a perfect option for beachgoers. On both levels, expansive shoreline decks o er a friendly, casual atmosphere, where rich woods, luminous works of glass art, and a unique collection of vintage surfboards and sur ng photographs complete the unforgettable ambiance. The Crow’s Nest is truly the agship restaurant of the California coast.
Visit crowsnest-santacruz.com for the latest menus and calendar of live entertainment.
Riva Fish House
On the Santa Cruz Wharf
In 1981 we started with the idea of having the best fish market on the West Coast. We were on our way but a year or so later one of our regulars asked if we'd put some of our Bay Shrimp in a cup for him, which we did, and he dumped some red sauce on it. Actually, it looked pretty good.
That was the end of something, and the beginning of something else. We named our new restaurant in honor of a little fishing village on the Ligurian Coast of Italy: Riva Trigoso. It had been home for a number of early Italian immigrants who settled in Santa Cruz and worked on the Wharf.
Voted Santa Cruz's Best Restaurant and Best Seafood Restaurant, we offer something for everyone. Try our chowder, acclaimed fried-calamari, fish tacos, broiled oysters, fried zucchini, or killer crab melt featuring juicy tasty crab, seasoned to perfection, served on sourdough bread hand-made and baked to Riva's exacting specifications, with cheese of your choice. Good for body and mind! Wash that down with a craft beer or handmade cocktail. Complete your experience with some of our 12 flavors of delicious, creamy gelato.
Island Kitchen & Groggery
Walk far enough out on the Santa Cruz Wharf and the land falls away, replaced by a sense of ocean and sky in all directions. On the wharf’s lower decks, sea lions bask in the sun and bellow contentedly at one another. Seagulls wheel in the sky or hop along the wharf railing, pestering meditative fishermen. To the west, surfers ride the glistening waves of world-famous Steamer Lane like an impossibly beautiful dream. It is out here, near the last bend in the wharf, that you will find Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery, Voted Best Restaurant on the Wharf, Best Outdoor Dining and Best Craft Cocktails in Santa Cruz, Sentinel Readers Choice, 2021.
Entering Makai is like being hit with a warm wave of pure tiki before swimming out into its ocean. It is a place of island melodies and intoxicating aromas. Tiki statues silently grin and howl from every nook and cranny. Plus, the bar rotates, making it arguably the coolest place to get a drink in the whole Monterey Bay region.
If you really need a vacation, but only have a few hours, we invite you to escape to Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery, the fully immersive tiki restaurant and bar on the Santa Cruz Wharf.
Nick Sherman - Trestles/Cavaletta
Established in 2021, Trestles Restaurant, takes its name from its location, steps away from the iconic Capitola Trestle. Our philosophy is simple: using proper technique, stay committed to using local, fresh, ingredients to create seasonal fare that people will come back for.
Trestles represents the life long dream of Chef Nick Sherman to open his very own restaurant. Chef Nick is extremely grateful to his countless friends and family who have helped him tirelessly to realize this dream. We sincerely hope you’ll feel the love and hard work that went into these walls and look forward to serving you! Trestles provide a culinary experience for Capitola unlike any other. Utilizing seasonal locally sourced produce, the menu will often be updated to reflect the current availability of our area’s rich assortments of fruits and vegetables along with varied techniques and inspiration with which to approach it.
Private Events
Planning a special event or celebration? Let Trestles be your host with our delicious menu and beautiful space. Private dining buyouts are available for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, and corporate events.
Both coming from humble beginnings in the restaurant industry, Chefs Nick Sherman and Shawn Ryberg have teamed up to create a restaurant that marries the traditional flavors of Italy with the seasonal offerings of coastal California. From this concept, Cavalletta was born, serving elevated Italian inspired fare in a laid back and inviting environment.
From a young age, Nick Sherman, current owner of Trestles in Capitola, had a passion for the culinary industry. To further his skills, he gained additional experience in Vail, Colorado and then Basalt in Napa Valley before returning home to Santa Cruz in 2020 to fulfill a lifelong dream of opening his own restaurant and bringing his culinary expertise back to the community he grew up in.
Born and raised in Cape Cod, Chef Shawn Ryberg has spent the last 20 years in Hawaii as Head Chef at the iconic Haleiwa Joes. There he oversaw the creation of the restaurant's colorful and delicious dishes using the island's fresh, local ingredients. Last June, he moved back to the mainland and teamed up with Nick to bring Cavalletta to life.
At Cavalletta, we believe that seasonally fresh and locally sourced ingredients make all the difference. We are proud to use local farmers, fisherman and butchers in our operations and our chefs can be found foraging mushrooms or fishing in the harbor themselves to give our guests the best of what coastal California has to offer. All of our pastas and sauces are made in house using simple ingredients. Our wood fired pizzas are made using traditional technique, which produces a thin and airy crust with a slightly charred bottom. Each pizza is about 12" in diameter –perfect for feeding 1-3 people.
Indiana Todd - Buzzo
A pizzeria has always been a dream of Todd and Indy’s, so when the building next to Beer Thirty became available, they dove right in. Opening a restaurant during the last few years became a challenge but Todd and Indy prevailed and Buzzo (Boot-So) Pizza finally opened fifteen months ago. Their first anniversary was celebrated in March of this year! The star of the show is the huge domed Italian Mugnaini Wood-Fired Pizza Oven. It is the first thing you notice when you walk in. Using almond and apple wood, the oven gets to 900 degrees Fahrenheit and delivers delicious pizzas.
Buzzo’s menu is small but mighty. Pizzas run from the all-time favorite Margarita Pizza to creative pies, including Potato, Garlic, and Cauliflower. The appetizer menu is a creative array of salads, vegetables, house made pancetta, and chicken liver mousse. While you eat you can enjoy a variety of wines, beers, and non-alcoholic drinks. Don’t forget to enjoy your dessert, a brownie with house made gelato, and of course Gelato sans the brownie. It’s all good!
2510 South Main, Soquel (next to Beer Thirty) Phone: 831.316.7336
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 5-9pm Weekends 12-4pm Take out only. buzzopizzeria@gmail.com
Dine-In / To-Go / Pick-Up
Indoor and Patio Dining
Located in Soquel next to Beer30 and Carpos. Large/medium parties can be accommodated on patio only. Reservations for large parties seven or more.
HOURS: Tuesday – Sunday 5:00pm-9:00 pm Dine in. 2510 South Main Street, Soquel, CA 95073 buzzopizzeria@gmail.com 831.316.7336
MENU
procounced: /BOOT-SO/
Wood fired pizza in sunny Soquel's casual atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating.
The Hideout
Cocktails & Dining
The Hideout Restaurant opened its doors in 2015 and has since become a community favorite! Owners Pete and Lisa Vomvolakis and Austin and Rachel Welch, with the help of family and friends, transformed an original 1930’s Aptos home into a beautiful new restaurant and bar.
Pete and Austin have both worked in the local restaurant industry for years and are well known in the community. With the help of locally renowned chefs, Antonio Gomez and Serafin
Pantoja, The Hideout prides itself on creating classic American comfort foods: delicious appetizers and small plates to share, soups, large salads, sandwiches, burgers, seafood, pasta, and other hearty entrees – something for everyone!
The Hideout is a family friendly restaurant where you can sit at the 700-year-old Redwood bar and catch a game on one of the seven large screen TV’s. Enjoy the outside atmosphere under a heated patio, cozy up to the fireplace in the main dining room or host a large party in our semiprivate Redwood Room. Customers come from all over the county for the great food and excellent customer service. The camaraderie of the customers has a comfortable social atmosphere. Pete, Austin, and staff take pride in creating a welcoming atmosphere, giving their customers friendly and attentive service, and offering quality food and drinks at a fair price. After visiting The Hideout you definitely won’t go away hungry!
Café Cruz
Established in 1995, Café Cruz has been a favorite dining place for area residents and out-of-towners for 28 years. It's atmosphere, menu selections, and friendly staff are an ideal combination for enjoying a casual meal or celebrating a special occasion. We are the perfect destination for your bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, or any other special event.
Cafe Cruz's heated patio is just the thing for your upcoming event. The focal point of the patio is the beautiful Tuscan fireplace, surrounded by greenery and flowers. Our lush garden room with its distinctive waterfall fountain is an ideal choice for banquets and special occasions.
The interior of the restaurant is inviting and offers an open, festive, and casual atmosphere. Guests appreciate our comfortable and spacious dining room. A classic French made Rotisol rotisserie is in full view featuring natural meats and poultry. Chefs can be seen working their magic in the open copperbacked kitchen. The murals depicting local scenes are the work of local artist Terry Wells. Visitors enjoy cocktails and appetizers in our bar featuring a distinctive adobe-style fireplace (the creation of artist/contractor Shan Gilmore). In keeping with our eco-friendly philosophy, the wood tables and custom bar top are made from sustainable hard woods.
We also off a full bar with specialty handcrafted cocktails as well as happy hour food and drinks Monday through Saturdays.
When planning your wedding festivities, think about Café Cruz. We offer it all!
Staff of Life
Step into a piece of Santa Cruz’s vibrant history. Staff of Life opened as an organic bakery over 55 years ago, specializing in organic bread and pastry before organic was even a thing. Fast forward 55 years, and you will find Staff of Life thriving as the only locally-owned, full-service natural foods store in the county, with locations in Santa Cruz and Watsonville.
This iconic establishment is more than just a grocery store. Recognized as a Clean Ocean Business, the Santa Cruz location
boasts a cutting-edge «Certified Green Building.» Featuring innovative elements like bioswales, daylight harvesting, and recirculating fans.
Discover an unparalleled selection of natural and organic fare. From unique to the region›s largest assortment of local organic produce, Staff of Life promises a culinary adventure like no other. Their extensive bulk section reflects a commitment to reducing plastic waste and preserving our planet, while their health and beauty department sets a standard of excellence.
Hungry for fresh scratch-made food? Indulge in their full-service deli offering sushi, hot and salad bars, made-to-order sandwiches, and a tempting array of grab-and-go meals and sides. Enjoy organic juices, smoothies, artisanal coffee and handcrafted gelato.
With top-tier meats, poultry, seafood, and an expertly curated wine, beer, and cheese selection, Staff of Life caters to every palate.
Stop in for the authentic Santa Cruz experience crafted by Organic Pioneers. Beyond the mouthwatering offerings, the store’s interior is a treasure trove of antique charm, adding a nostalgic touch to your visit. Whether you’re a local or a traveler, a trip to Staff of Life is a culinary journey and a nod to Santa Cruz’s rich heritage.
It’s no secret that the Monterey Bay beaches are pure vacation paradise. So to make the most of your fun in the sun, stop by Santa Cruz County’s organic pioneer—Staff of Life Market. Stock up on beverages, barbecue, summer salads and desserts for the most delicious and healthy eating thatSanta Cruz County has to offer.
La Vie
At La Vie, our mission is rooted in the profound understanding that the key to vitality lies in the balance of mind, body, and spirit. Through the power of probiotics and hand crafted tonics, we offer a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate and awaken the senses. Our elixirs are more than just delightful beverages; they are conduits of healing, growth, and transformation. With every sip, we infuse your being with the bounties of nature, guiding you on a journey to optimal health.
The heart of La Vie beats with the rhythm of tradition and purity. We harness the magic of nature’s bounty, combining freshly infused juices with the essence of superfood ingredients. From almond milks that delight the soul to our revolutionary multi-day Probiotic Cleanses, each offering is a testament to our commitment to holistic well-being.
Drawing from the wisdom of ancient practices, we embrace sustainability by sourcing ingredients from local farmers, nourishing not just the body but also the community. Our path is one of harmony, where we tread lightly on the Earth, encouraging our patrons to join us in a recycling and re-use program to reduce waste and honor the interconnectedness of all life.
Scan the QR code to explore the depth of our offerings and discover how we can support your path to holistic health.
With La Vie, you’re not just embracing a lifestyle; you’re joining a community dedicated to uplifting and healing, guided by the spirit of adventure, the importance of gut health, and the joy of living well. Welcome to La Vie Wellness.
