San Mateo Harvest Festival Heats Up the Crisp Autumn Days

The San Mateo Harvest Festival will add a little warmth to those cold November days as it brings a trove of treasures and treats to the San Mateo Event Center November 12-14, 2010.

The Harvest Festivals are the largest indoor arts and crafts show on the west coast, showcasing over 24,000 unique gifts, all handcrafted in the USA.

The shows began 38 years ago, and today loyal attendees continue to flock to this fall festival for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. Shoppers can enjoy live crafting demonstrations and get many of their purchases personalized.

Guests are treated to a rare opportunity to browse among thousands of items, including jewelry, pottery, original art, sculptures, accessories, clothing, specialty foods and more. To ensure that there is a rich diversity of products at the Harvest Festivals, each vendor must go through a rigorous jury process to be chosen as a participating artist.

For 2010, the show has rolled out new promotions and prizes to add to the enjoyment of the festival. People can go online to register to win a grab bag prize that will be raffled off at the show, or once there, they can enter to win an exciting grand prize of an original piece of art by Bonnie Rochester. New this year will be a special olive oil seminar and tasting, moderated by exhibitors and expert olive growers Frank Menacho and Dewey Lucero. They will discuss how olive oils are graded and lead a tasting where attendees can experience what an award winning olive oil actually tastes like.

Once again, the San Mateo Harvest Festival has partnered with the Peninsula Youth Ballet as the official show charity. The Peninsula Youth Ballet (PYB) will receive half of the proceeds from shopping bag sales, as well as all of the donations from the parcel and bag check. The PYB will also be performing a short sneak peek of their acclaimed rendition of the classic holiday ballet, "The Nutcracker".

The Peninsula Humane Society/SPCA will also join the festivities as they host a mobile adoption center at the show. Attendees can visit the animals on Saturday and Sunday, hopefully adding a new furry member to their family.

Finally, no Harvest Festival would be complete without the exciting and eclectic entertainment that takes place throughout the weekend. Comedic juggling duo Scotty and Trink will have shoppers rolling in the aisles as they tell jokes, juggle knives and balance atop their unicycles. Tom Rigney and Flambeau will be bringing the grooves as they perform firey Cajun and zydeco two steps, funky New Orleans blues and beautiful ballads.

The San Mateo Harvest Festival takes place at the San Mateo Event Center and runs November 12 and 13 from 10am-6pm and November 14 from 10am-5pm. For tickets and additional information, visit http://www.harvestfestival.com/ or call 650-548-6700.

Huzzah for the Northern California Renaissance Faire!

Nothing epitomizes the bounty of the harvest quite like the Northern California Renaissance Faire, and this fall, you are invited to partake in the festivities! Step back to the most romantic time period in history, while relishing the change of the seasons taking place in an authentic Renaissance village, neslted in the shaded glen of Casa de Fruta in Hollister, CA.

Held every Saturday and Sunday from September 18th - October 17th, the Northern California Renaissance Faire embraces Faire-goers of all ages, from Faire veterans to wide-eyed newcomers. An abundance of English ales and delicious "Faire fare", from enormous turkey legs to delicately crafted chocolates keep bellies full and content while live performances take place nonstop throughout the day.

Manly Men in Tights will keep the ladies enthralled and the gents on their toes with their hilarious banter magnificent swordplay, and the antics of MooNiE and Broon, a dynamic duo of perfomers, will leave guests ilaughing to the point of tears in their closing act. And of course, what would a Faire be without an authentic joust? The World Tournament of Champtions will perform at the Tournament of Horses Arena twice daily for the Queen's entertainment, demonstrating heroic acts to declare victory for their homelands.

This year, Saturday evenings will hold a special treat for attendees, and even as the sun goes down, the heat is on with the new Celtic Rock Concert Series. This year's exciting line up offers performances from Tempest, Culaan's Hounds, The Young Dubliners, Molly's Revenge and Wicked Tinkers, each of whom will take to the stage in the Arean after the gates close at 6pm. These exclusive concerts are free with admission to the Faire and give a rare glimpse into how our Elizabethan village continues to thrive into the night.

In addition to the exciting entertainment, the Northern California Renaissance Faire marketplace is another element not to be missed. Shoppers can browse from swords, bodice chillers, jewelry and carefully crafted woodwoorkings and hammered pewter gifts. Swashbucklers shall duel for the hands of pretty maidens, minstrels will regale the crowds with liting sounds, and anyone can step into the act with period attire from the local costume shop.

Children 12 and under will obtain FREE enterance for all five weekends.

WHO: Playfaire Productions

WHAT: The Northern California Renaissance Faire

WHEN: Every Saturday and Sunday from 9/18 - 10/17

10am - 6pm

Celtic Rock Concert Series every Saturday night (FREE with admission)

WHERE: Casa de Fruta, 10031 Pacheco Pass Highway, Hollister CA

COST: A weekend pass (one weekend only) $35

A 'Fairever' pass (access all 12 days) $150

INFO: For tickets and additional details, visit http://www.norcalrenfaire.com/ or call 408-847-FAIR

Celebrity Landscape Designer Ahmed Hassan to Headline the Fall South Bay Home & Garden Show

The Fall South Bay Home & Garden Show is excited to announce their headlining performer, DIY Network Star Ahmed Hassan, for its upcoming show September 10-12 at the Santa Clara Convention Center.

Hassan is one of the Bay Area's most sought-after young landscape designers, and not just because he is a local area native. With over 20 years experience in the field of lanscaping and home improvement, Hassan is a licensed contractor and certified landscape technician who believes that a great home starts with a solid lanscape. He holds a certificate in ornamental horticulture and maintains a qualified applicators certification for pest control.

On screen, Ahmed shares his valuable expertise as host on three DIY Network series, Yard Crashers, Blog Cabin and the newly developed Turf War. Off screen, Ahmed runs Ahmed Hassan Landscaping Services, a complete landscape design and installation company offering seasonal maintence, improvements and garden consultation services. He is also a frequent contributor on the CBS Early Show.

As a young boy, Ahmed lived in rural areas of California, working alongside his father and other role models who used their hands to earn their living. He entered the world of gardening at the age of 15, primarily focusing on landscape maintence. In 1992, Ahmed started his first business, and he currently resides today in Northern California with his wife and three children.

Don't miss the opportunity to meet Ahmed Hassan face-to-face and learn valuable tips on how to improve any facet of your living space.

WHO: DIY Network Star Ahmed Hassan
WHAT: The Fall South Bay Home & Garden Show
WHERE: Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy,
WHEN: September 10-12, 2010 Fri: Noon-7pm, Sat: 10am-7pm, Sun: 10am-5pm
COST: General Admission: $10/$7 online, Seniors (65+): $8/$5 online, Children under 12 and Active military, police and fire receive 1 free admission per ID
INFO: Call 408-236-2000 or visit http://www.southbayhomeshow.com/
PRESS: Call 650-548-6700 or email lstigge@prmagic.com

Announcing the All New Burlingame ArtzFest!

On August 7-8, Burlingame Avenue will burst with excitement and flair as it showcases premire artists and vendors from across the country at the Burlingame ArtzFest. This event offers one-of-a-kind works of art, sculptures, trendy jewelry, specialty foods, beer and wine, an exciting childrens play area and two stages of jazzed up, toe-tapping live music.

The city of Burlingame has artfully expanded its reach to include various new artists, merchandise and musicians at the new ArtzFest. This free event offers shoppers the chance to select unique and handcrafted gifts in a fun setting that is filled with games, music and gourmet goodies.

WHO: Burlingame Chamber of Commerce

WHAT: Burlingame ArtzFest

WHERE: Burlingame Avenue

WHEN: August 7-8, 2010 (10am-6pm)

COST: Free

INFO: http://www.burlingamechamber.org/ or contact Georgette Naylor at 650.344.1735

PRESS: Contact The Larose Group at 650-548-6700 or email lstigge@prmagic.com

Get Fired Up at the South Bay Home Show

Get ready to start cooking with gas as celebrity grill gurus Mad Dog and Merrill add some sizzle to the South Bay Home Show, happening June 4-6 at the Santa Clara Convention Center.

Mad Dog and Merrill have over 30 years of grilling experience and are known for their wacky, yet informative, barbecue demonstrationsthat teach people how to grill like a pro. The duo has penned numerous cookbooks, including The Grilling Buddies Cookbook, Grillology 101, and Forever Tailgating, and their motto is "There's nothing you can't cook on a grill!"

The pair recently received national attention on CNN, ESPN and CBS for cooking 8,000 bratwurst sausages in 20-degree-below zero weather at a Green Bay Packers Game. Mad Dog and Merrill's act mixes in unique cooking ideas and recipes with a comedic and interactive delivery that enthralls the audience throughout the entire show.

Interestingly enough, Mad Dog and Merrill have been in the industry long enough to recognize significant attitude shifts and trends in grilling.

"We find that in the past five years, people are getting more adventurous with their recipes and they are willing to experiment more with their ingredients," said Mad Dog. "Plus, the concept that grilling is a 'man's domain' has softened, and we see more and more women attending our seminars and raising their hand when we ask who in the audience owns a grill.

In addition to the cooking demonstrations, there will also be an interactive seminar for the kids by Mad Science. Mad Science provides hands-on activities that teach children about science by experimenting directly with educational materials in a fun setting.

The South Bay Home Show, June 4-6 at the Santa Clara Convention Center, features a plethora of ideas and services for all facets of your living space, from appliances and cookware demonstrations to decorating and do-it-yourself projects. Shoppers can explore , furnishings, green/sustainable products, home accents, interior design ideas, kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor living, pet adoptions and more.

For tickets and additional information, please visit http://www.southbayhomeshow.com/ or call 408-236-2000

Downtown San Mateo Rings in the Lunar New Year

Special Lion Dance Featuring Shaolin Cultural Center and Gee Yung Lion Dance Association

(San Mateo, Calif., February 2010) – On Saturday, February 27th, from 11am – 1pm, local students from Shaolin Cultural Center and the Gee Yung Lion Dance Association will participate in a traditional Lion Dance to usher in the Lunar New Year. Two Lion Dance teams will snake their way through Downtown San Mateo, stopping at various businesses to perform a brief dance that welcomes the New Year. When the Lions have completed the dance, it’s customary to reward them with a small monetary donation to thank it for the blessing. After the Lions visit all the participating Downtown businesses, they will give a final performance at Self Help for the Elderly at 50 East 5th Avenue at 1:30 pm.

The Lion Dance is a common custom in Asian societies and is meant to symbolize good luck, fortune and prosperity. Its practice in the United States originates from the Guangdong Province and is different from the Northern Lions seen in the Beijing Opera or acrobatic performances. The lion dances usually are performed by members of gong-fu (kung-fu) schools and reflect that style. For example, in Hung Gar, the students practice very deep “horse” stances, with the power coming from twisting and rotating the waist. No matter what style, the lion movements are always feline in nature.

For a proper lion dance, the movements must match the music played by a minimum of three instruments: drum, gong and cymbal. All of the movements must be synchronized to the music and usually follow a specified sequence: for example, the 3-Star movement, then the 7-Star movement, followed by High Dance. The loud music, along with the firecrackers and staccato movements of the lion, are used to scare away “evil spirits” so that good luck will follow.

The Lion Dance is just one of the many Lunar New Year events that will be taking place in Downtown San Mateo. The day after the exciting Lion Dance performance, Sunday, February 28th from 1-4pm, Self Help for the Elderly (SHE) will participating in special event sponsored by San Mateo Public Library that features traditional musicians, crafts, Asian snacks and more. Dancers from the Shaolin Cultural Center will also perform a Lion Dance outdoor from starting at 1pm. The event is free to the public and funds raised will help support SHE and the San Mateo Public Library.

The Downtown San Mateo Lunar New Year celebration is supported by the Downtown San Mateo Association, Self-Help for the Elderly, East West Bank, New York Life Insurance and City Councilman David Lim.

WHO: Downtown San Mateo Association, Self-Help for the Elderly & Shaolin Cultural Center
WHAT: Lion Dance Performance and Lunar New Year Celebration
WHERE: Downtown San Mateo; Beginning at East West Bank at 491 S. El Camino Real
WHEN: Saturday, February 27th, 10:45am - 1pm
INFO: Call 650.342.5520 or visit http://www.dsma.org/ and http://www.selfhelpelderly.org/
PRESS: Contact Liz Stigge at 650-548-6700 or email at lstigge@prmagic.com

Downtown San Mateo Association Announces Winners of "Christmas in the Windows" Contest

On Thursday, January 28th at 3pm, the Downtown San Mateo Association will recognize the winners of the “Christmas in the Windows” contest that benefited local non-profit HIP Housing, in addition to several other community organizations.

In December, the Downtown San Mateo Association (DSMA) launched a new holiday event called “Christmas in the Windows” designed to bring more foot traffic to the Downtown business district and support local community groups while adding festive Holiday cheer to the storefronts.

21 Downtown businesses took part in the contest by decorating a Christmas tree with an “All The Ingredients” theme. Most of the businesses partnered with artists or community organizations and pledged to donate winnings to the charity which helped decorate the tree. The contest was judged and voted on by members of the public who visited Downtown San Mateo during the month of December.

The winners and prizes awarded are as follows:
Best Overall Tree ($500) PlayNTrade Video Games; Decorated by PlayNTrade
Best Theme ($200) J’me Boutique; Decorated by Baywood Elementary School
Most Creative ($200) The Larose Group; Decorated by Peninsula Youth Ballet
Santa’s Choice ($200) Happy Yogurt; Decorated by Happy Yogurt
Board of Directors Choice ($200) East West Bank; Decorated by San Mateo Firefighters

“We’re urging everyone to come out this Thursday to help recognize the important non-profit groups that contribute to our success as a Downtown,” said Kelly Mitter, Executive Director of the Downtown San Mateo Association. “We are proud to be matching the prize money and donating $1,300 to HIP Housing so they can continue their vital work in providing affordable housing in San Mateo County.”

WHO: The Downtown San Mateo Association and Hip Housing
WHAT: Announcement of “Christmas in the Windows” contest winners
WHERE: Hip Housing, 364 South Railroad Avenue, San Mateo CA, 94401
WHEN: Thursday, January 28th at 3pm
INFO: Call 650-342-5520, email events@dsma.org or visit http://www.dsma.org/
PRESS: **Special Photo Opportunity** Contact Liz Stigge at 650-548-6700 or lstigge@prmagic.com