Sawdust Art & Craft Festival Winter Fantasy

Winter Fantasy is a one-of-a-kind holiday art festival that offers a festive shopping experience. Visitors are invited to peruse unique, handcrafted gifts of art from 150 local and international artists and makers. Open every Saturday and Sunday until December 19 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., including Black Friday. 

Opening Day began with the annual tree-lighting ceremony and a musical performance by the Top of the World Elementary Honor Choir, followed by an observance honoring 15 community trees, decorated by local non-profits. Laguna Beach residents receive free admission after 3 p.m. with a valid ID. 

Winter Fantasy delivers a robust schedule of entertainment every day of the show. Three stages showcase live music and entertainment featuring local musicians and community performances, daily photo ops with Santa, marionette puppet shows, glassblowing and other art demonstrations. A petting zoo, balloon artistry, magic acts and much more will keep the kids engaged all day. 

Three demo booths offer hands-on festival art classes each day. Studio One and the Children’s Art Spot features painting, mixed media, and crafts for all ages, while the Ceramic Center provides a complimentary ceramic hand-building experience. 

Winter Fantasy boasts six outdoor food concessions serving up a variety of Mediterranean, Mexican, American/Deli, vegan and vegetarian fare. A coffee shop and saloon provide a satisfying array of hot and cold beverages. 

Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors (65+), $5 for children (6–12) and $20 for a Season Pass. Veterans and children, ages 5 and under, enter free of charge. 

Advance tickets may be purchased online at SawdustArtFestival.org or in-person at the Box Office. 

Winter Fantasy
935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
949.494.3030 • SawdustArtFestival.org

44th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot

The 44th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot is a Thanksgiving Day tradition, attracting more than 10,000 participants, volunteers, and spectators to this charming, coastal city. In-person racing returns this year to the Dana Point Harbor. Produced by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce and presented by Dana Point Harbor Partners, this event includes scenic 5K and 10K courses, and a Kids’ 1-mile Gobble Wobble fun run. Ambitious runners can register for both (5K and 10K races) to complete a 15K. The Dana Point Turkey Trot brings world class competitors and recreational runners and walkers of all ages, and is a perfect family-friendly event to kick-off the holiday season. Registration includes a 2021 t-shirt, finisher medal, bib with timing (kids’ race is not timed) and virtual goody bag. Run the race before you stuff your face! 

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, the Dana Point Turkey Trot benefits two local nonprofit organizations: Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley and Music Preserves Foundation. A portion of each runner’s registration fee goes towards each cause. Since its inception, the Dana Point Turkey Trot has donated over half a million dollars. 

Both non-profits’ missions are dedicated to the enrichment and support of the local youth demographic. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley is a world-class afterschool non-profit, offering quality programs for academic success and healthy lifestyles while building good character and leadership skills in their members. Music Preserves Foundation creates innovative music and cultural history education programs and curriculum for schools and the community, exploring the history and cultural significance of music and the pioneers who created the art forms. 

The Dana Point Turkey Trot encourages costumes, including a contest with prizes. While you may not be the fastest runner, you could win Best Adult Costume, Best Child’s Costume, or Best Group Costume. Pick up your race packet at the Health & Fitness Expo in the Dana Point Harbor and interact with a wide variety of local and national vendors. Expo hours: Wednesday, November 24 from 12 to 7 p.m. and race day, Thursday, November 25 from 6 to 11 a.m. 

Register online at TurkeyTrot.com! Use promo code LOCALDISH and save $5 on registration. Code is valid until Nov. 22. Price increases for onsite registration at the Health & Wellness Expo on Wednesday, Nov. 24 and on race day, Thursday, Nov. 25. For event details, registration, and volunteer opportunities, visit TurkeyTrot.com. 

Back to School 2021

Capistrano Unified School District

Foundations Cognitive Schools

Journey School

Our Savior’s Lutheran School

St. Anne School

Stratford School

Sawdust Art & Craft Festival

The Sawdust Art Festival is back this summer for its 55th annual show! Featuring the handcrafted work of 167 local artists and makers, many of whom live and work in Laguna Beach, this year’s show also welcomes 24 new artists who call Southern California home. After nearly two years, this highly anticipated event returns with live music on three stages, daily art demonstrations and classes, and the iconic artist village, hand-built by Sawdust artists. Visitors are invited to enjoy a summer day outdoors in Laguna Canyon and shop for unique art with friends and family. A satisfying variety of food and beverages are also available from six concessions and a fully serviced saloon. Don’t forget to check out the new murals onsite by local artists Cliff Wassmann and Fernando Micheli. The summer show is open daily through September 5 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday through Thursday.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THESE SPECIAL EVENTS:

Sip, Talk & Walk – Every Wednesday at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Take part in docent-led tours of the festival grounds that include a history of the Sawdust, artist introductions and demonstrations in a variety of media and a selection of complimentary wine tastings. The experience is free with summer admission.

Artists’ Benevolence Fund Art Auction – Sunday, August 15
The 35th annual art auction features works from over 100 Laguna Beach artists in a live auction. All of the proceeds benefit the Sawdust Artists’ Benevolence Fund, which provides financial assistance to local working artists who have suffered a catastrophic event leaving them unable to work. All artwork is donated by Sawdust artists to benefit their fellow artists in times of need. Mention this issue of The Local Dish Magazine and receive a free admission on August 15 to attend the auction (valid August 15, 2021 only). 

Beatles Day – Saturday, August 21
A summer tradition held every year, Beatles Day returns with a fun line-up of entertainment and 60’s themed festivities. 

OPEN DAILY
Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sun. – Thurs. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Sawdust Art & Craft Festival
935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
949.494.3030
sawdustartfestival.org

2021 Summer Camps

949 VOLLEYBALL CLUB
949 Volleyball Club, celebrating 12 years in San Juan Capistrano, provides summer camps for both boys and girls, ages 9 to 18, at any ability level. The club has won 10 Junior Olympic medals, as well as 6 National Championships at the 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 Junior National Championships. The summer camp’s goal is to teach beginners the fundamentals of the game and to prepare juniors and seniors looking to compete in the NCAA. 949 Volleyball Club promotes sportsmanlike behavior inside and outside of the gym, instills the values of integrity, dedication and hard work, and focuses on having fun! Space is limited; please register early. For more information, contact Justin directly at 949.374.2890 or visit 949vb.com

ACTING ACADEMY FOR KIDS
Acting Academy for Kid’s Performing Arts Camp offers three family-friendly South OC locations this year — Z Playhouse in Mission Viejo, Lyceum Village in Irvine and Virtual Summer Camp from the convenience of your own home. Daily classes in music, acting, and dance immerse kids, ages 5 to 14, in an authentic performing arts experience. The week-long camps are each guided by professional educators and culminate in a student-centered production with sets, costumes, and lights. Ten distinct week-long programs run from June 8 to August 14. The “core camp” rate is $295 per week with early bird and after-camp enrichment options as well. Go to ActingAcademyforKids.com for details and production schedules.

AMERICAN BEACH VOLLEYBALL
At American Beach Volleyball, kids have the opportunity to make friends, push their limits and have fun. American Beach Volleyball offers sessions for youth through college age players, beginners to pros, and males and females. Fun, encouraging, high-level training is available for ages 12 to 24. Summer sessions are for ages 8 to 12. Professional and encouraging coaches teach hitting, passing, setting, defense, blocking and serving. All participants will learn new skills. No one sits — everyone plays! Are you an indoor player or athlete needing cross-training? The beach helps all athletes with strength, speed and agility. Indoor players will improve control skills and expand their digging range. ABVC plays on the beach all year long at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point. Register now for summer or fall at AmericanBeachVolleyballClub.com. For more information, call 949.485.0826 or email info@americanbeachvolleyballclub.com. See you at the beach!

BRAIN BUILDERS
Brain Builders puts the “STEAM” in education — science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Weekly summer camps start in June and children, ages 5 to 14, will learn concepts such as energy, thermodynamics, gravity, coding and more in camps such as Engineering with LEGO, Robotics, Video Game Design and 3d Printing! Themed camps are structured, goal-oriented and are either a half or a full-day. Sign up for an in-person camp at the Laguna Niguel or Tustin location (COVID safety guidelines in place). Get fee info and registration details at BrainBuildersEd.org and put on your thinking cap. Use promo code “DISH21” to receive 10% off any camp.

CALIFORNIA JUNIOR LIFEGUARDS
California Junior Lifeguard Programs is celebrating 30 years in 2021. Certified instructors are dedicated to providing junior lifeguard participants with the best instruction in ocean safety, lifeguarding skills and surfing. The staff takes great care in planning each day’s activities to ensure that all participants enjoy their experience. With a beautiful and convenient location on the sandy beach at Salt Creek, participants have the option of selecting either a 3-week Junior Lifeguard Program or a 1-week Junior Lifeguard “Essentials” Program (ages 8 – 17). Children, ages 5 – 7, can enjoy a 1-week Mini Junior Guards Program. Programs start June 7 and run through mid-August. Visit JrLifeguards.com to register.

CSA CHEER & TUMBLING
Come be a part of the Summer Camps at CSA Cheer & Tumbling in San Juan Capistrano! Girls and boys, ages 5 to 14, will learn how to tumble, cheer and dance at CSA’s facility with competition-sized spring floors, a tumble track, and tumbling equipment. Have fun learning new Cheer and Tumbling skills while making new friends. Camps include a CSA T-shirt and morning snack. Sessions are of-ered Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., during the weeks of June 21, July 12, July 26 and August 9. CSA’s 2021-22 All-Star Cheer tryouts are on May 1, with a clinic on April 30. Visit CoastSpirit.com to sign up for camps, classes, and teams, or call 949.248.7873 for more information.

DANMAN’S DANA POINT MUSIC
Celebrating 22 years! Danman’s Dana Point Music offers two weeks of kid’s Music/Rock/Vo-cal camps starting on June 21. Monday through Friday camps offer participants the opportunity to pick a band name, do a photoshoot, rehearse each day and receive instruction on their instruments. Each Friday, campers will perform their set list on stage for family and friends at StillWater. Instruction on guitar, piano, drums, bass, and vocals is provided by talented and inspiring professional music teachers. Bring in this ad or register before May 15 to receive $25 off. Camps are $299 per week and include snacks and drinks. Check out Danmans.com or call 949.496.6556 for more information.

FAIRMONT SCHOOLS SUMMER PROGRAMS
Looking for a way to keep your kids curious, challenged, and connected this summer? Then look no further than Fairmont Schools, Orange County’s oldest and largest secular, co-educational preschool through 12th grade private school. Fairmont’s award-winning summer programs offer a full line-up of educational programming—all within a safe environment which follows rigorous COVID protocols. CAMP (Preschool-8th Grade): high energy ACA-accredited camp experience combining education and recreation keeps kids engaged all summer long. Summer School (Kindergarten-8th Grade): reading, writing, and math taught by Fairmont teachers and individualized to meet students where they are so students can get ahead or stay ahead when they start school in the fall. High School: dozens of for-credit, UC-approved courses for high school students. Enroll by April 30 for 10% off all summer programming. Visit FairmontSchools.com/SJC for more info.

THE JOHNSON ACADEMY
Did you know that one out of every five children struggle in reading? Children who receive intervention before 3rd grade have a 90% chance of increasing their reading skills to meet their intellectual abilities. This year, there’s a huge impact in learning loss from the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the high demands of literacy, reading is more important than ever. The Johnson Academy, located in San Juan Cap-istrano, offers evidence-based reading and math intervention programs to improve phonemic awareness, comprehension, vocabulary knowledge and cognitive abilities. If your child struggles with keeping up in school, please contact the academy to receive more information. Call 949.487.5251 or visit thejohnsonacademy.com.

KG BEACH CAMPS
KG Beach Camps has been a part of the Dana Point Harbor since 1987. Children, ages 4 to 13, will enjoy a variety of activities offered from three different camps based out of Baby Beach near the Ocean Institute. Age appropriate camps range from the Mini Minnows (ages 4 to 6) to Beach Safari (ages 6 to 9), and H20 Adventures (ages 9 to 13). Campers will participate in activities such as trips to the local tide pools, bean bag toss, crab hunting, stand-up paddle boarding, sail-ing, kayaking, rowing, whale watching on Dolphin Dave’s Catamaran Safari, beach games, crafts and so much more. Camps fill up fast, so book early. Camps run from June 21 through August 13. Call 949.842.5211, email SummerBeachCamps@gmail.com or visit kgbeachcamps.com for more information.

LOS RIOS ROCK SCHOOL
Beginner/Intermediate and Advanced Rock Camps are available at Los Rios Rock School in San Juan Capistrano! Pick from 5 fun, full-week camps offering hands-on, live music training and playing with the best instructors and facility in Orange County. Parents, friends and family are invited to see campers live in concert on a professional stage on the last day of camp. Camp tuition is $399 for new students and is due 2 weeks before camp starts. When enrolling, be sure to ask about the “multiple camper” discount! Camps run Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Weekly Beginner & Intermediate camps start on July 12 and run through August 13. Advanced Camp takes place from June 21 to 25. To enroll, please visit LosRiosRockSchool.com/SummerCamps. For details, call 949.456.1081 x700 or email Schedule@LosRiosRockSchool.com.

MARINA VIEW PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN
Summer camp at Marina View Preschool and Kindergarten is all about learning and fun! Full and half-day camps run weekdays, June 17 through August 12. Students are welcome to join for one week or all eight weeks. Children, ages 12 months to 6, are invited to participate in weekly, adventure-based camps such as The Wild Wild West, Reptile Week, Let’s Go Camping, Safari Week, and Exploring Oceans. Let curious minds explore topics in-depth through reading and art projects. Call 949.249.8687 or visit MarinaViewPreschool.com for enrollment and tuition information. Let the fun begin!

NELLIE GAIL RANCH TENNIS AND SWIM SUMMER CAMP
For the past 27 years, the Nellie Gail Ranch Summer Tennis and Swim Camp has introduced the great game of tennis to over 12,000 of South Orange County’s youth. The camp staff provide a safe and secure environment where your kids will have a fan-tastic day on the courts and in the pool. The camp staff is dedicated to giving your children, ages 5 – 13, the best experience possible while they learn the great game of tennis. New to this year’s camp is pickleball. The popular, mini-court paddle sport will give youngsters another fun, daily activity. Camps run Monday through Thurs-day, June through August. Bring a friend and receive a $25 discount. For more information, go to NellieGailTennis.com or call 949.831.6660.

PRIME VOLLEYBALL CLUB
Prime Volleyball Club’s All Skills Camps are for all ages and experience levels. Athletes are separated onto courts by level of play, making it perfect for first-timers or returning players. Sessions focus on individual skills training including hitting and defensive footwork, passing technique, serving, defensive eyework and reading, arm swing mechanics, setting and overhand passing, as well as game strategies and tactics with game-like play each day. Prime coaches teach fundamental volleyball skills using the same training methods and techniques as the USA Olympic teams, as multiple Prime coaches have worked with Team USA! Prime helps athletes make key technical adjustments to bring their game to the next level. Prime Volleyball training is fast-paced, competitive, and fun. Go to PrimeVolleyballClub.com for more information and registration.

SAN CLEMENTE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
The 2021 San Clemente Christian School’s Summer School Fun Pro-gram carries a camp feel with a focus on keeping minds sharp through the summer. Head of School, Dr. Nicky Magnuson, pointed out that studies have shown that without the active engagement of creativity and learning, a student will lose 30% of his/her acquired knowledge base from the school year. The full-day program runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. SCCS Summer School Fun includes both learning sessions with math and summer reading, as well as, on-campus themed projects, enrichment classes like cooking and music, and off-campus activities such as trips to the beach, pool, parks and more (based on available activities and CDC recommendations). Weekly programs run $225 per week with a one-time $50 registration. The Summer School Fun Program runs June 21 through August 13. Visit SanClementeChristianSchool.com/summer to sign up today!

SAN CLEMENTE DANCE
Join San Clemente Dance & Performing Arts Center’s 25th Commemorative summer of fun and exciting camps and workshops! Beginners or advanced participants, from ages 3 to adults, can choose from a wide range of options. A 7-week summer session with once-a-week class-es and week-long dance camps are available. Young dancers, ages 3 – 7, can join in week-long camps filled with arts & crafts, story time, snacks, fun and games. Intensive workshops for beginning, intermediate, and advanced dancers featuring hip hop, jazz, ballet, tap, musical theater and tumbling, are also offered at SCDPAC and taught by some of California’s top instructors. For information on week-long Dance Intensives, and additional camp and class registrations, please go to SanClementeDance.com or call 949.498.7571.

SAN CLEMENTE JUNIOR LIFEGUARDS
The San Clemente Junior Lifeguard Pro-gram is an ocean and beach safety pro-gram for young people ages 9 to 17. Participants receive education and experience in ocean safety, first aid, rescue techniques, body surfing, board surfing, physical fitness, and Marine Safety operations. This fun-filled, three-week program meets just north of the San Clemente Pier. Parents can choose from one of six sessions beginning in June and ending in August. New participants must first pass a mandatory swim test to be eligible to register for the Junior Lifeguard Program. Swim tests are held at the Ole Hanson Beach Club (Saturday) or the San Clemente Aquatic Center (Sunday) on select weekends in April. Visit the JG website at San-Clemente.org/jg or call 949.361.8261 to learn more.

ST. ANNE SUMMER KNIGHTS DAY CAMP
Summer is just around the corner, and St. Anne School in Laguna Niguel is excited to welcome back campers from preschool through middle school to its Summer Knights Day Camp! This fun-filled camp runs for seven weeks, from June 14 through July 30 from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. With health and safety protocols in place, each camp day is filled with fun and educational activities. From arts and crafts, gardening and games, to beach days and water play, campers will enjoy reconnecting with friends and mak-ing new ones. Each week has a different theme, with activities planned to complement the theme. Camp costs: Tuesday/Thursday: $160, Monday/Wednesday/Friday: $230, M-F: $335. Activity Fee: $50 one-time non-refund-able. Registration is now open. Visit St-Anne.org/summercamp for more de-tails and to sign up.

TSTREET VOLLEYBALL CLUB
Ranked as the #1 Volleyball Club in Orange County, Tstreet is centrally located in the Irvine Spectrum area. Tstreet offers a full range of position-specific, general skills, sand camps and clinics throughout the summer. Training is open to boys and girls and the program caters to elite as well as introductory level athletes. Tstreet is owned by two-time Olympic Gold Medalist coach and player Troy Tanner who brings his philosophy of “achieving one’s highest potential” to the club. Proper movement patterns and mechanics, repetitions, feedback, and fun are emphasized in all camps! Indoor training takes place at the club’s gym in Irvine. Sand training takes place at the brand-new sand courts in San Juan Capistrano on the Fairmont campus. Sign up online at TstreetVolleyball.com.

WESTWIND SAILING
Welcome aboard! Westwind has been providing educational boating programs for the community since 1987. Programs include sailing camps, SUP camps, and boating classes for all ages and skill levels. Camps are offered during Spring Break and all summer. Westwind has been awarded the “Best Camp for Kids” in Dana Point for the past 2 years and it’s a sanctioned US Sailing, Community Sailing Center and STEM Hub. Scholarships are available from Cal Boating and the Dana Point Aquatic Foundation (contact the company directly for details). West-wind’s COVID Prevention and Reopen Plan was approved by the County of Orange in May, 2020 and will continue to be the standard through 2021. Find Westwind at the OC Sailing & Events Center in the Dana Point Harbor. Call 949.492.3035 or visit westwindsailing.com for more information.

YMCA OF ORANGE COUNTY CAMPS
Igniting Passion, Purpose, and Potential all summer! This sum-mer, the Y is igniting the best in every camper. Through exciting educational and recreational activities, field trips, challenges, art, and more, campers will learn some of life’s most necessary skills, like resiliency, positivity, adaptability, relationship-building, and caring for others. Offered at 50+ locations throughout Orange County, the camp is sure to offer all kids, Kindergarten through 8th grade, a summer filled with adventure, fun and friends. Financial aid is available. Sign up today at YMCAoc.org/summer.

The Coach House Concert Hall

by Dina Scaglione

It was 1980. The music scene was going strong. Disco had fallen out of favor and music was undergoing a transformation. The Golden Bear Music Hall in Huntington Beach would soon close its doors, giving way to a new kind of unpretentious concert hall in South Orange County. Owner Gary Folgner opened The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano which began as a country Western music venue, and soon morphed into a destination featuring a newer form of jazz fusion with iconic saxophonist stylings.

Over the next few years, The Coach House evolved into a popular and eclectic setting where both timeless classics and contemporary music are found. The now-famous venue highlights national and international acts, ranging from well-loved artists like America and Berlin, along with our favorite rock and roll tribute bands. As a launching pad for aspiring artists and a welcome destination for well-established groups, the intoxicating vibe and state-of-art sound system set the stage for a pulsating energy that takes place four nights a week.

Due to indoor entertainment closures resulting from the pandemic, The Coach House sat quiet and unsung for well over a year. Thankfully, the long awaited return of live music performances is in full swing and the venue has now re-opened its doors to full capacity, showcasing musical acts from every genre. Guests are now able to enjoy great music alongside a fullservice restaurant and bar, every Thursday through Sunday evening. Check out the concert schedule at TheCoachHouse.com or call the box office at 949.496.8930 for more information. I highly recommend making dinner reservations, giving you priority seating and a great vantage point from which to view a show.

The return of live performances at The Coach House is music to all of our ears! Purchase your tickets to see upcoming shows from The Smithereens, Young Dubliners, Mission Persons, The Motels and many more.

The Coach House Concert Hall
33157 Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano
TheCoachHouse.com