The DISH On Holiday Hangs

Want to chill with Santa this holiday season? We’ve got the DISH on where to find him in South Orange County. Check out these events for some face time with Mr. Claus and his South Pole posse.

BUILDING HOLIDAY MEMORIES
Dana Point’s annual Winter Festival and Tree Lighting returns to La Plaza Park on Saturday, December 2 from noon to 5:30 p.m. This free day of fun features a new Lego Santa’s Village workshop, a craft fair, face painting, a petting zoo, pony rides and cookie decorating. Also new this year is a Mini Express Train that will chug through the event and a Marionettes show. The Tree Lighting ceremony will take place at 5:15 p.m. Please remember to bring an unwrapped, new toy for the OC Spark of Love Toy Drive. The City and Capo Care are also holding a Tree Lighting on Monday, December 5 at Pines Park from 4 to 6 p.m. It’s a family-friendly event with crafts, carolers, cookies, hot chocolate and more!

CAPTAIN SUPER HERO
Join boaters from all around Orange County as they light up the holiday season at the Dana Point Boat Parade on Friday and Saturday, December 8, 9, 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. This year’s “Super Hero Holiday” theme will have captains and their crews powering up some incredible decorations. Holiday in the Harbor is expanding this season and will take place prior to all four Boat Parade nights from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. with merchants in Mariner’s Village, Mariner’s Alley and Dana Wharf participating. The celebration features family fun of all kinds, including performances by various characters, holiday crafts, people painting, carolers and visits with Saint Nick. Santa is anxious to hear holiday wishes and is available for photos (bring your camera). Make reservations early at your favorite waterside eatery for a warm and comfy parade viewing spot. Go to DanaPointHarbor.com to learn more.

SEA TO BELIEVE
Come aboard the “Dana Pride” for a free twenty-minute Harbor Boat Ride with Santa and his helpers. On December 2 and 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saint Nick will be on board spreading holiday cheer and taking note of your little one’s holiday wish list. For a recommended $5 donation, the El Camino Real Junior Woman’s Club will happily capture the moment with a keepsake photo. Santa and crew will launch from the Dana Wharf Sportfishing docks. For more information, visit DanaWharf.com.

TOP DOG
On Saturday, December 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Pet Project Foundation is excited to host the 6th Annual Santa Paws event. Start a family tradition and bring your four-legged friend to the El Torito Courtyard in Dana Point Harbor and have a picture taken with Santa for a nominal fee of $15. All proceeds benefit the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter.

BARK YOUR CALENDAR
Join other canines and their companions to sniff and schmooze at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel’s Yappy Howl-iday Celebration on Sunday, December 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The “Big Dog” will be on hand for photos with Fido. In keeping with the resort’s season of giving, guests are asked to bring unopened canned or dry dog food, treats or dog toys to be donated to local animals in need.

RIDE THE WAVE
The Ritz-Carlton is partnering with Surfers Healing to help children with autism through its annual Holiday Surfboard Auction. This year’s auction showcases more than two-dozen boards donated by renowned artists, actors, musicians and surf industry greats. Visit BiddingForGood.com/SurfersHealing through December 31 to place your bid for a great cause.

SANTA DELIVERS
On December 2, San Clemente is the place to be for an action-packed holiday spectacular. The festivities begin with Casa Romantica’s Christmas at the Casa from 5 to 7:30 p.m. featuring letter writing and photos with Mr. Claus, crafts, hot cocoa and cookies, Dickens Carolers and other entertainment. The action continues with Santa’s Village by the Sea at the Community Center from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. for the annual snow hill, holiday games, cookie decorating, visits with Santa and the tree lighting at 8 p.m. From 6 to 10 p.m., Avenida Del Mar hosts Puttin’ on the Glitz, where mom and dad can get a jump on their holiday shopping and the kiddos can take train rides and watch a holiday movie. For more information, visit San-Clemente.org or call 949.429.8797.

ALL IN A DAY’S WORK
You better watch out, you better not pout…Playschool is decking the halls for a morning of holiday cheer and excitement at the Lil’ Elves Workshop. On Friday, December 8, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Santa’s elves are in need of extra special help from your tiny tots to put crafts and games together. Children will sing holiday songs, enjoy special guest appearances from Santa’s helpers, make gifts for family and friends, decorate holiday cookies, and more. The registration fee is $20 per child (ages 3-5) at San-Clemente.org.

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
San Clemente residents and business owners, it’s time to untangle those lights and get ready for your chance to win prizes in the City’s Winter Wonderland Light Decorating Contest. Go to SCChamber.com for a registration form and return it by December 11 to enter. Judging takes place on December 12 from 5 to 8 p.m.

MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT
Come to Historic Town Center Park on December 2 at 4:15 p.m. to kick off the festivities with music and other live entertainment before the City’s Tree Lighting Celebration at 5:45 p.m. From there, take the family and head over to Los Rios Park, Zoomars, and the downtown area for free photos with Saint Nick, a puppet show, a Christmas train ride, crafts and extended shopping hours. Zoomars is opening the gates to its petting zoo free of charge and will be hosting a live Nativity presentation. Call 949.493.5911 for more information or visit SanJuanChamber.com.

MERRY-ACHIS & MORE
Mission San Juan Capistrano will host Christmas at the Mission on Saturday, December 2 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Bring the family for a fun evening featuring real snow sledding and a play area (don’t forget mittens!). Kids will have a jolly time visiting with Mr. Claus and decorating cookies. Carolers, choirs and chamber music will entertain guests as they enjoy tamales, chili, sweets, cider and cocoa. General admission is $6, $4 for children ages 4 to 11 and free for members. Snow Fun will be extended this year for sledding on Sunday, December 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit MissionSJC.com for more event information.

MERRY & BRIGHT
Laguna Niguel’s City Hall will brighten up the sky at its annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Celebration on Saturday, December 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. Join in the countdown to powering up the tree while you keep warm and happy with hot chocolate and cookies. Bring your camera and snap a quick pic with Saint Nick.

LIGHT UP THE TOWN
Laguna Niguel residents can get into the spirit by entering the Holiday Lights Decorating Contest before December 4, 2017. Winners in each category receive a Visa gift card and a yard sign with bragging rights! The entry form, rules and information are located in the City’s Winter Recreation Brochure or you may go to CityofLagunaNiguel.org to learn more.

WALK THIS WAY
“Jingle All the Way” is the theme for the City of Laguna Niguel’s annual Holiday Parade taking place on Saturday, December 9 at 10 a.m. This year’s Grand Marshall is Nickelodeon star Kira Kosarin, along with Teen Grand Marshall Trinitee Stokes, from Disney Channel’s KC Undercover. The parade includes beautiful equestrian units, patriotic and inspirational military tributes, world-class athletes, spirit-filled youth groups, classic auto clubs, talented marching bands, and some of the biggest attractions in the nation! To learn more, visit LagunaNiguelParade.com.

A LATKE FUN
A blizzard of holiday fun awaits the whole family as Chabad Laguna Niguel and the City host its Chanukah Wonderland and Menorah Lighting on Sunday, December 17 at 5:30 p.m. The merriment happens at City Hall, with live entertainment, arts and crafts, and traditional Chanukah treats. Go to ChabadLagunaNiguel.com for more information.

Dana Point Harbor Welcomes
A SUPERHERO HOLIDAY
43rd Annual Boat Parade of Lights Dec. 8-16

Enjoy free holiday activities, Santa, superheroes, and more by the water’s edge

(Dana Point, Calif.) – Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, the County of Orange, OC Parks and Dana Point Harbor invite families to celebrate the season with “A Superhero Holiday” at the 43^rd Annual Boat Parade of Lights. Enjoy jolly activities with a superhero twist on select dates December 8-16 by the water’s edge.

The 43^rd Annual Boat Parade of Lights will take place on December 8, 9, 15 and 16 and feature the theme “A Superhero Holiday.” On each evening of the parade, OC Parks will host free family activities throughout Dana Point Harbor including games, crafts, photos and selfies with Santa, superhero encounters and live entertainment. Festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. and the Boat Parade starts at 7:30 p.m.

“Dana Point Harbor will welcome more holiday festivities and entertainment than ever before during the 43^rd Annual Boat Parade,” Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District, said. “Join us for A Superhero Holiday and enjoy free, family-friendly activities that culminate each night with the spectacular Boat Parade.”

The young and the young at heart are encouraged to dress as their favorite superheroes during the Boat Parade. Everyday heroes, including first responders and military, will be collecting unwrapped toy donations for Operation Santa Claus under the corridor of lights at the pergola. Donations will also be accepted at businesses throughout the harbor.

Free trolleys for each night of the Boat Parade will be running from 3:30 to 10:30 p.m. and will be dropping off and picking up along Dana Point Harbor Drive at Doheny State Beach, The Visitor’s Center, Ocean Institute, Baby Beach, Island Way, Retail Area and back to Doheny.

The holiday season kicks off with Merry Movie Night at Baby Beach on Saturday, December 2 and will feature the holiday favorite film, “Elf.” Festive activities begin at 3:30 p.m., movie begins around 5:15 p.m.; event is free and food and drink will be available for purchase.

Sail through the harbor in holiday spirit during Boat Rides with Santa on Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3 from 10 a.m. – 2. p.m; rides launch from Dana Wharf Sportfishing.

Saturday, December 2 also welcomes Santa Paws for festive photos with the furry friends in your life from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the El Torito Courtyard.

Celebrate the holiday season at the spectacular 43rd annual Boat Parade of Lights at Dana Point Harbor. For more information on the evening’s festivities, visit DanaPointHarbor.com.

Monarch Beach Market Gives Back to the Community

Specialty Market Features Gourmet Food, Wines & Craft Beer Options

Monarch Beach, Calif. (November 2017) – When Mosen Hashemi was presented with the opportunity to open a market in Monarch Beach, he jumped at the opportunity. Soon after opened Monarch Beach Market and began serving this community, Hashemi noticed that he regularly received members of our military and local law enforcement agencies. He wanted to show his gratitude and respect for the brave men and women who serve our country and decided to proudly show his support by displaying the flag of every single military branch of the armed forces in the center of the store.

Longtime local and store manager Gilbert Santillan says, “It is important to us here at the Market to show those who serve that we recognize the sacrifices they have made to keep America and citizens safe. Therefore, anyone who served this country will receive 10% off their purchase every time we get to serve them.”

It was also important to Hashemi to show his thanks to the community for their continued business and loyalty. To show his appreciation, the Market continually supports the local educational systems by donating to several of their academic and scholarly programs. These programs include but are not limited to; The Wounded Warrior Project, John S. Malcom Elementary School, and Dana Hills High School football, basketball, tennis, baseball, and SOCSA.

Monarch Beach Market is much more than a traditional grocery store and deli. The upscale coastal-themed market with fine food, wine and craft beer on tap boasts an indoor dining area and an outdoor, dog friendly patio. It is located in the Monarch Beach Promenade shopping center at 24040 Camino del Avion in Dana Point. Open daily from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., orders can be placed online at www.monarchbeachmarket.com or by calling 949.429.8750. A convenient mobile app is available for orders to be picked up.

About Monarch Beach Promenade

Marked by 35-foot high Canary Island Palms, Monarch Beach Promenade shopping center is on the southeast corner of Niguel Road and Camino del Avion in the community of Monarch Beach. Monarch Beach Monarch is one of the center’s anchors which also includes Brio Tuscany Grille, Dana Kai Japanese Cuisine, Rococo Clothing & Accessories, Lingerie Paradis USA, California Bank & Trust, Dana Cosmo Dental, Daniel Paul Salon, Laguna-Dana Urgent Care, Posh Nails and Sunny Fresh Cleaners. For more information, visit http://monarchbeachpromenade.com on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MonarchBeachPromenade or on Instagram @monarchbeachpromenade.

by Veronica Badzey

Murf Electric Bikes opened its new retail shop in San Clemente in March of this year, and business is already booming. CEO and Founder Josh Jones started the company with business partner Alan Kang, after his first e-bike broke and the manufacturer refused to honor the warranty. “I knew we could build a quality product with better customer service,” says Josh, “and still make it affordably priced.”

Murf puts quality first, using the same components as big retailers, but with bigger, more powerful batteries than most of its competitors. With 750 watts of power and a 48-volt, 15.6-amp Samsung Lithium Ion battery, Murf e-bikes are right at the California limit to be considered street legal. Every bike is hand-assembled, in store, by the Murf team. The company offers free delivery to San Clemente residents, many of whom will appreciate a Murf e-bike’s ability to effortlessly tackle the area’s many hills, as well as bypass limited parking and traffic congestion. 

Convenience is just one of the many benefits of electric bikes, which allow riders to travel further distances and in much less time than traditional bikes. A Murf e-bike has an average range of 30-35 miles, depending on the rider’s weight and the terrain, and are perfect for cruising around town, commuting to work, and off-roading on dirt trails or sandy beaches. “Many consumers are trading in their cars for an e-bike,” relates Josh, “because of the convenience and cost-savings for local commuting. And,” he adds, “they’re just plain fun.”

The Murf family of Class 2 and 3 electric bikes offers three drive modes: 1) Full Electric, which acts like a motorcycle and requires no manual pedaling; 2) Pedal Assist, which gives an extra boost of power as you pedal; and 3) Manual Pedaling, which works like a regular bike. For a great, all-around premium ride, check out the Izzy Beach Cruiser or, its sister, the Pax Step-Through Cruiser. Both models are lightweight, agile, and extremely comfortable. Great for cruising or commuting, they reach a maximum speed of 20 mph, and provide superior maneuverability for navigating hills and city riding. If you’re looking for something more rugged, perhaps the Fat Murf, with extra-wide 4-inch tires is the one for you. It’s equipped with a sturdier frame and reaches speeds of up to 25 mph on flat surfaces.

All three models feature hardened aluminum alloy frames, premium Tektro front and rear disc brakes, a Bafang rear hub motor, and an integrated digital display that provides readouts for speed, distance, and battery level. Recharging is easy; simply plug into any standard 110-watt wall outlet, and you’ll be ready to ride in a modest 6 hours. Murf e-bikes are also fully customizable with a range of useful accessories, including surf racks, rear racks, and rear baskets.

Murf handles all of its warranty service in-house, guaranteeing that you’ll never get the run-around should there ever be a problem with your e-bike. All bikes come with an industry leading 2-year warranty on the bike and battery, plus free tune-ups for all of their loyal customers. Maintenance is the same as a standard bike, and the battery lasts for approximately 700-1000 charges, or about 2 years of every day use. Riders are reminded to obey all bike and traffic laws, and observe safety precautions such as wearing a helmet (legally required when riding the Fat Murf).

The true star of Murf Electric Bikes is Josh’s friend and company mascot Murf, a rescue dog he adopted nine years ago from a local shelter. He lives with Josh and his wife Kiara in San Clemente, where they recently welcomed the newest addition to the family, baby girl Kaia Harper Jones.

The best way to experience a Murf e-bike is to test drive one for yourself or to rent one for an afternoon. Murf Electric Bikes is located at 212 N. El Camino Real, Suite B, behind the Grill at Surfin Donuts and across the alley from Nomad’s Canteen. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ride on!

Murf Electric Bikes  •  212 N El Camino Real Suite B, San Clemente  •  (949) 370-3801  •  MurfElectricBikes.com

40th Dana Point Turkey Trot

The 40th annual Dana Point Turkey Trot is an Orange County Thanksgiving Day tradition attracting 11,000 participants and 6,000 volunteers and spectators to Dana Point Harbor.  Produced by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and presented by Monarch Beach Resort, this event includes scenic 5k and 10k courses, a Kids’ 1-Mile Gobble Wobble race, costume contest, on-course entertainment and a two-day Health & Wellness Expo. From world-class competitors to recreational runners and walkers of all ages, the Turkey Trot provides a family-friendly, fun and active start to the holiday season while helping area nonprofit organizations.

The Turkey Trot has chosen Family Assistance Ministries and VFW Post 9934 as the local nonprofit beneficiaries for the event. A portion of each runner’s registration fee will go toward supporting their cause.  Family Assistance Ministries assists those in need in Orange County with resources for food, shelter and personalized supportive counsel and aid. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934 assists fellow veterans and their families with unexpected expenses as well as delivering thousands of pounds of food to Camp Pendleton each week.

Run the Race Before You Stuff Your Face!  Don’t delay, register now and save!  Online registration closes on November 20th at midnight. You may also register onsite at the Health & Wellness Expo on Wednesday, November 22nd and on race day, Thursday, November 23rd. Prices will increase for on-site registration. Visit TurkeyTrot.com for event details, registration and to become a race volunteer.

Driftwood at Doheny State Beach

COUNTRY MUSIC RETURNS TO DOHENY

Driftwood at Doheny State Beach returns Veterans Day weekend with a stellar lineup of artists. Last year’s successful event prompted organizers to expand the music, food and art festival into a two-day affair. Starting Saturday, November 11, a weekend of live entertainment, craft beer, artisan wine and top-notch BBQ will kick-off in scenic Dana Point. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy the sights, sounds and sun at this picturesque venue on the shore of the Pacific Ocean.

Produced by premier music festival production company Synergy Global Entertainment (SGE) and Brew Ha Ha Productions, Driftwood at Doheny State Beach features tastings from more than 100 craft beers and wines, some of the best BBQ in the region, and two full days of Country music with headline performances from Chase Rice on Saturday and Kip Moore Sunday evening.

The event kicks off at 12 p.m. Saturday for early entry guests. General admission begins at 1 p.m., with musical performances until 9 p.m. Festival attendees, 21 and over, will enjoy complimentary adult beverage tastings from 1 to 4 p.m. Tastings are included with the $49 price of admission. VIP tickets, weekend passes and artist Meet & Greets are also available on a limited basis.

A portion of the festival’s proceeds will be donated to the San Onofre Parks Foundation. This nonprofit organization partners with California State Parks to develop, preserve and enhance the recreation and experience of California’s unique and beautiful coastal parks. The Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association (DSBIA), a non-profit dedicated to the protection of the park’s beaches, facilities, marine refuge and its historical, cultural and social stories will also benefit from the the event.

For more information and tickets visit www.DriftwoodFest.com.

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MemorialCare Medical Group

Breaking Ground at Sendero Marketplace

by Veronica Badzey

MemorialCare Medical Group is dedicated to providing the best value in exceptional health care to thousands of patients throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties. This fall, it will be expanding its reach even further with the opening of of a new facility in the Sendero Marketplace, at the corner of Ortega Highway and Antonio Parkway. 

“Our goal,” explains Laurie Sicaeros, Chief Operating Officer of MemorialCare Medical Foundation, “is to be the preferred providers for the families of Rancho Mission Viejo, as well as nearby Ladera Ranch.”

Set to open in Spring of 2019, a two-story, state-of-the-art medical center featuring comprehensive healthcare with an emphasis on wellness and preventative care will be constructed within Rancho Mission Viejo. The 26,000 square foot facility will also provide walk-in services for those who need immediate access to medical care without an appointment. Plans include a staff of six primary care physicians, including family practitioners, pediatricians, and specialists in internal medicine, pulmonology, orthopedics, and asthma/allergy, as well as a full complement of nurses, medical assistants, and front office personnel. In partnership with Saddleback Medical Center, the new location will offer a wide range of specialty services, including: asthma consultations, orthopedic services, cardiac testing, lab services, a breast center, EMT diagnostics, EKG tests, digital X-ray, and ultrasound, making them a one-stop shop for healthcare in the surrounding communities. 

In support of an active, outdoor lifestyle favored by many local residents, MemorialCare will also be partnering with the Ranch Life community association, by holding physician and dietician-led health education classes on a variety of topics such as diet, exercise, and asthma, as well as sponsoring Ranch Life community events.   

The interim location in Sendero Marketplace will be opening November 2017, while construction on the new building gets underway. It will provide many of the same services planned for the permanent location, including the Ranch Life education classes.  With a staff of three primary care physicians, (two family practitioners and one internal medicine specialist), as well as two medical assistants, an LVN, and front office staff, the temporary office will focus on providing well-rounded care, along with walk-in services. Office hours will be extended to six days a week, Monday through Saturday, to meet the needs of the growing community.

Patients at both the interim and permanent locations gain access to the broader MemorialCare network through its interactive EMR (electronic medical records) portal, myChart, powered by Epic Systems software. MyChart streamlines patient records into a one-chart system which is utilized by all MemorialCare hospitals, urgent care facilities and offices, seamlessly integrating communication between doctors and specialists at separate locations. Patients can log in to myChart from any digital device to view their medical history, schedule appointments online, and request prescription refills. If a patient arrives at a MemorialCare location needing emergency services, staff calls ahead to the hospital, apprising them of the situation through the EMR portal.

It’s not only technology that makes MemorialCare exceptional. Over the years, it’s evolved to meet the needs of the community and now serves a combined total of 660,000 annually through multiple locations in Orange and Los Angeles Counties, with 85% of urgent care and walk-in cases transitioning to permanent primary care patients. The high rate of patient retention attests to the quality of care provided by an exemplary staff of compassionate doctors, nurses, and support staff. Many MemorialCare doctors elect to live in the communities in which they work, participating in community events and taking the time to develop meaningful relationships with the patients they serve.

“It’s been truly inspiring,” says Laurie, “to see MemorialCare continue to grow and evolve to meet the needs of the local communities. I’ve been here for 20 years, and I’m continually amazed by our caring and compassionate doctors and staff.”

MemorialCare Medical Group accepts most major insurances, including Medicare. Look for the opening of the interim Sendero Marketplace location next to Gelson’s in November, with extended office hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.  to 2 p.m. 

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Dana Point Oktoberfest

Saturday, October 7th from 12 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Dana Point’s 4th annual Oktoberfest captures the true spirit of the season, combining German food, music and dancing with a bit of fun in the sun. This time-honored folk festival, which originated in Munich in 1810, delivers the Bavarian traditions you’d expect with a California-style twist!

“We’re here to celebrate!” enthuses Master of Ceremonies Peter Melton, or the “Pieter Meister,” as he is affectionately called throughout the event. “Plan to come early and stay late. We always have a rockin’ good time!”

The free, family-friendly event is produced by Eventwerks in conjunction with the City of Dana Point, and has been growing in popularity since its inception three years ago. Last year, thousands attended the festival, partying until the end of the day and drinking up every last bit of tasty German beer. This year, the same tempting array of authentic German Bratwurst, Knockwurst, German potatoes, sauerkraut, sweet treats, pretzels (the Pieter Meister’s favorite), and of course, plenty of beer – including at least 15 varieties of premium German and American brew, plus wine and non-alcoholic beverages for the kids, will be on hand.

Kona Brewing Company, along with Munich’s Famous Spaten Beer, will take center stage as sponsors of the 2017 celebration. Admission to Oktoberfest is free. Your first beer comes in a 16 oz. commemorative mug for $20; refills are $10. Several purchase options are available for those who prefer wine.

It wouldn’t be Oktoberfest without festive music! The Kalifornia Krauts, one of OC’s favorite German bands, will liven things up with a unique Oktoberfest Polka-Billy musical style. Games include musical chairs for the kids, the hilarious and now-famous sausage toss, the ever-popular chicken dance, a sauerkraut eating contest, stein holding, and beer chugging. The festivities also feature sing-a-long songs and a dance party, lending this traditional German folk festival a distinctly American flavor.

“Part of what’s made our Oktoberfest event such a success,” shares Peter, “is how we’ve combined German tradition with good, old American fun. I’ve had people come up to me, even traditional people who’ve been to Oktoberfest celebrations for years, and tell me they prefer ours greatly.”

Sea Terrace Park in Dana Point provides a stunning venue, with gorgeous ocean views of Salt Creek Beach, fresh sea breezes, grassy park areas where the kids can run around and play, and an abundance of picnic tables. For a close-up view of the stage and the Pieter Meister’s crazy brand of German-American fun, arrive early to get the best table. Many attendees come dressed in costume, but if you happen to forget your lederhosen, vendors will be selling gear and souvenirs on-site.

Most of all, come prepared to have a good time. Whether you’re German or American, have attended Oktoberfest every year or if this is your first one, you will find something to enjoy. Starting with the playful opening ceremony and tapping of the keg, the day promises a boisterous good time with family and friends, and hilarity as revelers dance, sing, and toast to the bounty of the harvest season. As the Pieter Meister says, “The dance party at the end, as it’s getting dark, is worth the trip alone!”

Dana Point’s Oktoberfest runs from 12 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 7th. Free parking is available on Niguel Road and Stonehill Drive, and on Pacific Coast Highway along the park. Salt Creek Beach offers parking for a fee, or if you are feeling a little VIP(ish), you can always valet at the Monarch Beach Resort. Uber and Lyft are good options and make sense after a day of taking in Oktoberfest. For more information on parking, visit the website at DanaPointOktoberfest.com.