The Season of Festivals!

The end to a perfect summer in paradise

By Noel Smith

We are always blessed to have such a great variety of fun stuff to do as summer ends. While the rest of the country has been sweltering, getting rained on and fighting off bugs and mosquitoes, we have had cool fogy mornings and sunny, zephyrous afternoons to enjoy watching pelicans and whales frolicking in the Bay. Now it’s time to celebrate this land of beaches, forests, mountains and its bounty!

Begonia Festival

Over Labor Day weekend we had the 62nd Begonia Festival in Capitola by the sea. Music, Entertainment, Horse Shoe and Sand Sculpture contests, a not-to-be-missed begonia-decked Nautical Parade, and much more. It’s a great time in the Village of Capitola.

Santa Cruz Greek Festival

The following weekend, September 5–6–7 is the Greek community’s 33rd offering to Santa Cruz as they bring the best in Greek culture’s food, dancing and entertainment for the enjoyment of all. You don’t have to spell or perfectly pronounce the delicious foods of the Mediterranean, just enjoy.

Santa Cruz County Fair

Helping September to be the most active month of the year is the Santa Cruz County Fair from September 9-14. All kinds of crafts and the activities of our residents are showcased. See the farm animals and equipment that form a part the history of our county. The FFA and 4-H youth get to show off their livestock and the county’s best apple pie is chosen. If that is not exciting enough for you, there are the carnival rides, horse shows, professional entertainment and the food to help fill you and your day at the fair!

Capitola Art & Wine

Still more to come! September 13–14 is the 32nd annual Capitola Art & Wine Festival. Take the time to browse though one of the most picturesque places on the planet, Capitola Village, looking for that perfect piece of art, decoration or jewelry. While there, try some of the best wine that California has to offer from grapes grown in the Mountains of Santa Cruz. Then enjoy and dance to entertainment while feasting on gourmet offerings. Life just can’t get any better!

Truly, there is a perfect ending to summer.

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Begonia Festival Schedule

Theme – Begonias on Broadway

The 62nd Annual Capitola Begonia Festival August 29 – Labor Day, September 1

 

Friday, August 29

Let’s Dance Review 5pm – 9pm

Come down to Esplanade Park and enjoy dance reviews performed by local talent! Sponsored by Britannia Arms.

 

Saturday, August 30

Float Construction Viewing-all day until 10 PM

Stroll along the banks of Soquel Creek and watch as the floats begin to take shape.

Sand Sculpture Contest 8 AM to Noon at Capitola Beach

Registration begins at 8:00 AM on the beach. Trophy judging will be held at Noon.
Guidelines and info for the event are available at http://www.begoniafestival.com/. Sponsored by Zelda’s and Capitola Self Storage

Begonia Mural Noon – 7:00 PM

New event this year! Everyone come try your hand at attaching begonia blossoms onto chicken wire – just like the float-builders do! We will create a wall of flowers and a perfect photo opportunity! Sponsored by Zelda’s.

Meet the Artist 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Gloria Souza – this year’s poster artist, will be signing posters during the Festival at the merchandise booth.

Concert in the Park 4 PM – 6 PM

Beach Cowboys – back again this year and live at the beach in Esplanade Park. Bring the family, a picnic dinner, chairs, blankets and your dancing shoes! Sponsored by Ideal Homes.

Saturday Movie Night at the Beach – Begins at dusk

Join us as we present a Broadway classic, “Annie.” Bring friends and family, a picnic dinner, chairs, blankets and we’ll provide the movie! Sponsored by Green Waste Recovery and hosted with the Capitola Art & Cultural Commission.

 

Sunday, August 31

Float Construction Viewing all Day until 10:00 PM

Take another stroll along the banks of Soquel Creek in the morning, and watch as the floats get their finishing touches.

Horseshoes on the Sand 8:00 AM – Finish

Doubles tournament at Capitola Beach in front of Zelda’s Restaurant. Teams will be chosen by drawing names from a hat. Participants must pre-register. Fill out an online form or call (831) 475.6522 for information. Sponsored by Zelda’s and The Foot Doctors.

Chalk Art on the Seawall 9:00 AM – Noon

Sign in at Esplanade Park. The Capitola Begonia Festival’s gift to the children. Open to children of all ages. Create your own masterpiece atop the seawall on the Esplanade for all to enjoy! Art chalk provided to all participants. Sponsored by Capitola Hotel.

Begonias to Go, Head to Toe! 10:00 AM – Noon

Begonia blossoms in Esplanade Park. Become a part of the Festival! We provide the begonias – you put them Head to Toe! Sponsored by Greenwaste Recovery and hosted by the Capitola Museum.

62nd Annual Nautical Parade 1:00 PM – Finish

Begonia covered barges float down Soquel Creek to the Lagoon. Great views from the Stockton Bridge, Cliff Avenue and Wharf Road. ADA seating available, check website or call (831) 475.6522 for information. Sponsored by GRAND BENEFACTOR McDonald’s, Devcon Construction, Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticceria, New Leaf Community Market, and the City of Capitola.

Meet the Artist 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Gloria Souza- this year’s poster artist, will be signing posters during the Festival at the merchandise booth.

Concert in the Park 4 PM – 6 PM

The Houserockers – live at the beach in Esplanade Park. Bring the family, a picnic dinner, chairs, blankets and your dancing shoes! Sponsored by Ideal Homes.

 

Monday, September 1

Fishing Derby 6:30 AM – Noon

Registration begins at 6:30 AM near the end of the Capitola Wharf. Bring your own fishing poles. Open to all ages. Final Tally begins at 11 AM. Sponsored by Britannia Arms and Paradise Beach Grille.

Children’s Art Project 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

In Esplanade Park. Children of all ages are welcome to come and create a “make & take” memory of the festival. Sponsored by Bay Federal Credit Union. Hosted by the Capitola Art & Cultural Commission and Bay Federal Credit Union.

Hoops for Everyone! 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Come join Move Hoops at The Bandstand for 3 hours of fun-filled hooping. Members of Move Hoops will be showing their talents and teaching you a few moves, too! Sponsored by Britannia Arms.

Rowboat Races beginning at 1 PM – Finish

Timed heats on Soquel Creek with two people per boat – We supply the boats! Registration at the pathway by the Stockton Bridge from NOON until 1 PM. Sponsored by Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott