Halloween Fun Fest Brings Spooktacular Fun to Downtown San Mateo

On Saturday, October 24, from 11am-2pm, the annual Halloween Fun Fest in Downtown San Mateo will bring ghoulish fun to residents and visitors of the Peninsula and beyond. The US Bank parking lot will transform into a free, mini-Halloween carnival featuring music, costume contests, Halloween crafts, an inflatable bouncy house, face painting, a pumpkin patch, candy and more.

With easy parking and transportation to Downtown, the Halloween Fun Fest is a convenient and accessible location for parents to bring their children. Afterwards, families can go trick or treating to many of the 750 Downtown San Mateo merchants who will be passing out candy and treats.

“This event is great because it allows people to celebrate the holiday with safe, community oriented fun,” said Kelly Mitter, Executive Director of the Downtown San Mateo Association. “Parents don’t have to worry about the well-being of their children out at night, and everyone can join in on seasonal fun. Everyone here in Downtown San Mateo is committed to offering our community with ‘all the ingredients’ of a traditional Downtown that offers the best in fashion, food and services.”


WHO: The Downtown San Mateo Association
WHAT: Halloween Fun Fest
WHERE: US Bank Parking Lot (corner of 3rd Ave and San Mateo Drive)
WHEN: Saturday, October 24, 2009 from 11am – 2pm
COST: Free
INFO: Call 650-342- 5520, visit http://www.dsma.org/ or email events@dsma.org
PRESS: Call The Larose Group at 650-548-6700 or email lstigge@prmagic.com

Peninsula Youth Ballet Announces the Dazzling 2009 “NUTCRACKER”

Presented by Professional and Youth Performers

The Peninsula Youth Ballet (PYB) will be presenting the holiday classic, the “Nutcracker”, with performances held on November 28th and 29th and December 5th and 6th, 2009 at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center, 600 North Delaware St in San Mateo.

The Nutcracker is a fairytale ballet composed in 1891-1892 by Pyotr Tchaikovsky. Marius Petipa choreographed the first ballet based on Alexandre Dumas adaptation of the story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” by E.T.A. Hoffmann. The first performance was held in December 1892 in St. Petersburg, Russia. Since then, the ballet became a Christmas tradition, becoming one of the most popular ballets of all time. Its universal appeal has been attributed to the popularity of its timeless characters and the beautifully intricate choreography, costumes, and set design.

According to PYB president Frankie Briones, “I believe our rendition of the performance is so successful because of Ayako Takahashi’s amazing ability to choreograph all her dancers in a way that brings out their abilities and strengths as dancers. She combines professional dancers with amateurs, fine tuning each scene in order to provide the audience with a captivating experience. The final scene is stunning, especially when the flying sleigh sweeps across the stage.”

The PYB’s Nutcracker has been featured on KGO TV Ch. 7’s “View from the Bay” and in 2007 it was rated as the second best Nutcracker in the Bay Area by the San Francisco Examiner. This year’s performance will also be excellent, especially with the amazing list of professional guest dancers: Jekyns Pelaez from Diablo Ballet as the Cavalier; Mariko Takahashi from the Oakland Ballet and Moving Arts as the Sugar Plum Fairy; Joseph Copley from the Margaret Jenkins Dance Company as the Prince; and, Juan Pazmino as Drosselmeyer. This is one Nutcracker you won’t want to miss.

“For nearly 20 years, I have had the opportunity to work with hundreds of professional and amateur dancers,” said Ayako Takahashi, PYB’s artistic director. “I am always amazed at the immense talent here on the Peninsula. These performers come alive on stage and use their talents to keep audiences enthralled year after year.”

Shortly after each 2:00 pm matinee performance, children will be able to meet the characters from the “Sugar Plum Kingdom” at “Clara’s Tea Party”, which includes cookies, punch, a photo with a favorite character and a surprise gift.

Who: The Peninsula Youth Ballet
What: The 2009 Nutcracker ballet performance
When: November 28th and 29th / December 5th and 6th, 2009
Where: San Mateo Performing Arts Center, 600 North Delaware St., San Mateo
Time: 2:00 pm
Ticket Prices: Orchestra: Adult $35.00 and Senior/Child $25.00
Balcony and Orchestra Side: Adult $25.00 and Senior/Child $15.00
Clara’s Tea Party: $12.00 per person
Info and Tickets: Online at www.pyb.org or call 650.631.3767 / Discounts available for groups

Largest Indoor Arts and Craft Show on the West Coast Arrives in Long Beach
Long Beach Harvest Festival features hundreds of exhibitors and over 24,000 handmade arts and crafts

(Long Beach, Calif., September 2009) --- The Harvest Festival Original Art and Craft Show®, the largest indoor arts and crafts show on the West Coast, returns to the Long Beach Convention Center October 2-4, 2009 with unique products, eclectic entertainers and a full day of fun.

For over 37 years, the Harvest Festival’s unique shopping and entertainment atmosphere has thrilled customers in California and beyond. Shoppers are treated to a one-of-a-kind opportunity to browse and select from thousands of unique, handmade items, including jewelry, photographs, sculptures, pottery, accessories, clothing, specialty foods and more. The products offered are the highest quality, as each exhibitor is subject to a rigid jury process to be selected as a featured artisan. Attendees love interacting with the renowned artists who create each individual item, watching live demonstrations and getting purchases personalized with a special touch.

Besides offering products that you can’t find anywhere else, the Harvest Festival is also known for providing very family-friendly environment and will be offering specialized area’s set aside for children to partake in hands-on arts and crafts activities. Children especially love Scott Land Marionettes, who were featured in the hit movie Team America: World Police. Scott Land captivates audiences of all ages with his intricate storylines and colorful marionette performances.

The Long Beach Harvest Festival has once again partnered several charitable organizations and hope to raise awareness about their important work. The LA Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is the official show charity, in honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness month. Komen for the Cure will receive a portion of the proceeds from shopping bag sales, all of the proceeds from the parcel check and a $500 honorarium donated by the Long Beach Harvest Festival. The Good Provider Food Bank of Southern California will also be collecting food donations at the show entrance, rewarding those who bring in non-perishables with a $2 off admission coupon.

Don't miss the chance to experience a unique shopping and entertainment extravaganza, all while giving back to several important non-profit organizations.


What: The Long Beach Harvest Festival Original Art and Craft Show®
When: October 2-4, Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach CA
Hours: Friday: 10 am – 6pm, Saturday: 10 am – 6pm, Sunday: 10 am – 5pm
Tickets: Adults: $9, Seniors (62+): $7, Youth (13-17): $4, Group (10 or more): $5,
Kids 12 and Under: Free
Why: To bring residents of California a treasured and affordable arts and crafts festival
Info: For tickets and additional information, please call 415-447-3205 or visit http://www.harvestfestival.com/
Press: Contact the Larose Group at 650-548-6700 or email lstigge@prmagic.com
Electronic Images, Interviews and Additional Information Available

Peninsula Beauty Builds On Yesterday's Success Through Expectations Of Tomorrow's Growth

Announcing the New Peninsula Beauty Store Opening in Burlingame

Personal aspirations, career planning and financial goals have always been what set Lori Silverstein apart from other retail beauty store owners. Over the years, she has maintained her strategic focus on how to keep her 10 Peninsula Beauty stores in the forefront of consumers, grasping every opportunity to increase and enrich product selection while providing an enjoyable shopping experience. So, when the market went soft, Lori made the hard decision to embrace the current dubious economic situation by expanding her former Burlingame location to a larger space with an increased appeal to a younger audience.

In celebration of Peninsula Beauty’s 50th SALE-abration, a grand opening of this new Burlingame Peninsula Beauty store will take place from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, September 24th, joining city officials, loyal customers and select guests. Mayor Keighran will cut the ribbon to the new store at 5:30 pm, introducing the community to entertainment, hors d’oeuvres and bubbly. The new store is just one of the many enhancements that Lori is introducing throughout her 50th anniversary’s SALE-abration.

According to Lori Silverstein, CEO of Peninsula Beauty, “Our company offers a long history of fairly priced, high-quality beauty products. We have grown up with our customers, and thrive on the ability to help them preserve their inner and outer beauty. People today are looking for a reliable foundation that will enable them to feel good and prosper, now and into the future.” Concludes Lori with a twinkle in her eye and a smile: “There is no time for ‘bad hair’ days.”

The new Burlingame store will be kicking off Peninsula Beauty’s two month 50th SALE-abration, slated to take place at each of the stores. Throughout October and November, EVERY location will be offering in-store specials, scratchers and unique one-of-a-kind specialty items.

For many years, Lori has proudly supported Peninsula communities through donations and good solid business offering. Now, she is proud to extend her gratitude to her loyal customers and new customers by offering these amazing specials. So stop by any of the Peninsula Beauty locations and indulge yourself in all the new, trendy lines of products.

WHAT: Peninsula Beauty’s New Burlingame Store Opening / Ribbon Cutting
50th Year Anniversary SALE –abration (by invitation only)
WHY: In celebration of the new Burlingame store and the company’s 50th anniversary.
WHEN: September 24, 2009 (5-7 pm, with ribbon cutting at 5:30 by Mayor Keighran).
INFO: For more info on Peninsula Beauty, the new store and their special promotions in October and November, go to http://www.peninsulabeauty.com/

Peninsula Youth Ballet Nutcracker Auditions

The Peninsula Youth Ballet to Hold Casting Call for the 2009 “Nutcracker”
Announcing Auditions Schedule for Fairy Tale Holiday Ballet

Youth and aspiring dancers in the Bay Area are invited to become a part of this season’s classic ballet, the “Nutcracker”. The Peninsula Youth Ballet (PYB) is looking for dancers to perform in this classic holiday favorite, composed by Tchaikovsky. Everyone interested in participating has the chance to audition on Sunday, September 13th at the Ayako School of Ballet, 517 Marin View, in Belmont. Auditions for children between the ages of 8 and 10 are scheduled for 1pm; ages 11-13 at 2:00 pm; and, 14 – 19 at 3:00 pm. All dancers who are on pointe, should bring their own pointe shoes. Junior members from 5 – 7 years old need to call for special audition day, either the end of September or early October. (tbd).

Dancers from 8 to 19 years of age are welcome to demonstrate their dancing skills as part of the cast for the PYB’s “Nutcracker”, a performance that has been rated as the second best “Nutcracker” in the Bay Area by the San Francisco Examiner.

The beautiful choreography, costume and set designs have been dazzling audiences for many years. PYB, a respected non-profit organization, aims to draw attention to young performers while promoting an interest in the art of ballet and dance. PYB successfully combines both professional and amateur dancers, offering everyone the chance to develop valuable skills through expert coaching, culminating in a stunning performance enjoyed by the audience.

Over the years, many businesses and organizations have supported the Peninsula Youth Ballet. In celebration of their 50th anniversary, Peninsula Beauty will be providing each of the performers selected for the cast with an “Are You $5 or Are You $50?” gift certificate. These gift cards are redeemable at any of Peninsula Beauty’s 10 retail locations in San Bruno, Burlingame, San Mateo, Redwood City, Palo Alto, Los Altos, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, San Jose and Campbell.

If you know you can dance, audition with the Peninsula Youth Ballet for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become a part of one of the most popular and beautiful ballets of all time.

Who: The Peninsula Youth Ballet
What: Amateur auditions for the 2009 Nutcracker ballet performance
(Note: Professional cast has already been selected.)
When: Sunday September 13, 2009
Time: 5-7 year olds: (call for special audition times and dates)
8 – 10 year olds (pre pointe): 1:00 pm
11 – 13 year olds: 2.00 pm
14-19 year olds: 3:00 pm
Note: If you are dancing on Pointe, please bring your Pointe shoes.
Cost: $15
Where: The Ayako School of Ballet
517 Marin View
Belmont, CA, 94002
Info: Online at www.pyb.org or call 650.631.3767 (photos available)

Note: The 2009 Nutcracker performances will take place on Nov. 28 and 29 and Dec. 5 and 6, 2009 at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center, 600 North Delaware, San Mateo, at 2:00 pm.

About PYB: The Peninsula Youth Ballet was founded in 1979. It is a non-profit organization, whose goals are to bring attention to young dancers and to promote an interest in the art of ballet and dance within the local community. Under Ayako Takahashi’s direction, PYB has provided dancers the opportunity to improve their dance skills through professional level preparation and presentation of classical and contemporary works. To learn more about PYB, call (650) 631-3767 or visit the company’s website at www.pyb.org.

Pleasanton Harvest Festival Returns to Alameda County Fairgrounds

On September 11-13, the Pleasanton Harvest Festival will return to the Alameda County Fairgrounds, featuring the best and most unique shopping, exciting entertainment and delicious food.

The Harvest Festivals are the largest indoor arts and crafts shows on the West Coast, boasting over 24,000 American handmade items. Some of the gifts for sale include jewelry, pottery, original art, clothing, toys, specialty foods, accessories, home decor and more!

Once again, the Pleasanton Harvest Festival has partnered with the Valley Humane Society (VHS) to help the non-profit with fundraising and outreach efforts. In addition to a $500 donation by the Harvest Festival, the VHS will also receive all the proceeds from the parcel check and half the proceeds from the shopping bag sales.

This year, the show has developed a new partnership with the Alameda County Community Food Bank and wants to help draw attention to the growing need for food bank donations. Anyone who brings in canned or non-perishable food donations will get a $2 off admission coupon to the Pleasanton Harvest Festival.

In addition to the community support and the variety of handmade gifts, the event also features an exciting entertainment line-up that is set to thrill audiences the whole weekend. Cash Tribute is a Johnny Cash tribute band that plays the hits of the "Man in Black" with conviction, accuracy, sincerity and honesty. Led by frontman James Garner, Cash Tribute melds in historic antecdotes and stories about Johnny Cash while still playing his chart topping songs.

The show is only in town for one weekend, so don't miss the chance to experience why the Harvest Festivals have been a Bay Area tradition for over 37 years!

WHAT: Pleasanton Harvest Festival
WHEN: September 11-13, 2009
WHERE: Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave, Pleasanton CA
TIME: Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm
COST: Adults: $9, Seniors (62+) $7, Youth (13-17) $4, Groups (10 or more): $5, 12 & Under: Free (Tickets valid for re-entry all weekend)
INFO: Call 415-447-3205 or visit http://www.harvestfestival.com/ for tickets and information.
PRESS: Call The Larose Group at 650-548-6700 or email lstigge@prmagic.com

Summer Activities in Downtown San Mateo

Downtown San Mateo has “All the Ingredients” to Cure Those Summertime Blues

For many people, summertime equals down time and many Bay Area residents are looking for fun, inexpensive ways to keep busy. Downtown San Mateo offers just the thing; the Central Park Music Series is a free weekly concert series happening every Thursday night, from 6-8 pm. The event is a great way for individuals and families to cool off in the warm summer evenings by listening to hot musical performances.

“The Central Park Music Series is a favorite among many people of San Mateo and the Peninsula in general,” said Kelly Mitter, Executive Director of the Downtown San Mateo Association. “At every concert you’ll find families sprawled out on picnic blankets and people dancing to the music. The City of San Mateo wanted to provide a line-up that offers a different and unique musical genre every week, so we can safely say there really is something for everyone.”

At each concert there are raffle drawings, with gift certificates and donations provided by local Downtown San Mateo merchants. Many of the 130 Downtown restaurants offer specials and to-go boxes for customers to enjoy while watching the performances.

Band Line Up
• Thursday, July 16: Mark Russo and the Classy Cats meld the Jazz and Swing, mixing in a bit of Latin, to create a sound that is uniquely their own.
• Thursday, July 23rd: Kaweh offers a diverse range of Latin music, including Flamenco, Rumba and Salsa
• Thursday, July 30th: Molly’s Revenge will transport you to merry Ireland with a blend of Celtic music that interprets classic favorites with a current twist.
• Thursday, August 6th: Sila and the Afrofunk Experience will close the series with heavy Afrobeats and socially consciously lyrics.

Central Park has a variety of activities to keep people entertained during the day, as well. Sporty types can make use of the large tennis courts and walking paths, whiles families can let the kids loose at the huge playground and children’s train. The park also boasts the treasured Japanese Tea Garden, which is open to the public Monday-Friday from 10am – 4pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11am-4am. Guests can come and watch the Koi feedings which happen weekdays at 11am and 3pm.

For those looking for a whole day of fun, check out the Festa Italiana Street Fair, happening Sunday, July 26th from 10am to 5 pm on South B Street between Tilton and Second Avenues. Sponsored by the Festa Foundation, this annual festival features live music, art displays, delicious Italian cuisine, a chalk art gallery and the highly anticipated bocce ball tournament. The festival will kick off at 10 am with a parade that travels down B Street and ends at the main stage in front of the Peninsula Italian American Social Club.

For additional information, please contact the Downtown San Mateo Association at 650-342-5520 or email events@dsma.org. For press inquiries or assistance, please contact The Larose Group at 650-548-6700 or email lstigge@prmagic.com