San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival

“OPA!” The 5th Annual Greek Festival, sponsored by Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church, returns to San Juan Capistrano on Saturday and Sunday, September 16th and 17th. Guests will enjoy authentic Greek cuisine, live Greek music, traditional Greek dancing, specialty shopping at the Greek Market and Bazaar, and a fully-loaded Kids Zone.

Experience a delicious and authentic Greek menu with delectable favorites including Gyros, Mediterranean-seasoned Lamb Chops, Souvlaki, Spanakopita, Tiropita, Pastitsio and Greek Salad. You’ll enjoy handmade Greek pastries from traditional family recipes, like mouth-watering Baklava, powdered sugar Kourambiethes and honey-dipped Loukoumathes (Greek donut holes) along with traditional Greek coffee and refreshing iced coffee Frappés.

You won’t want to miss making your way to the “Taverna” with a sports bar twist – equipped with big screen satellite TVs where guests can enjoy domestic favorites, as well as Greek beer, wine and Ouzo. Stroll through the Festival’s Greek Marketplace where you’ll find an assortment of unique ingredients (including Greek olive oil, honey, teas and spices) along with an array of souvenirs, gifts, jewelry and books to tempt shoppers of all ages.

The Greek word “Kefi” means the spirit of joy, fun and a passion for life. You’re sure to feel “Kefi” as you are transported to the enchanting country of Greece by the sights, sounds and culinary delights of this fun-packed Festival weekend. Within seconds, the live music and Greek dancing will have you on your feet, dancing and expressing your inner-Kefi with shouts of “Opa!” and an unusual desire to break plates! (Don’t worry… easy-to-follow lessons are provided.) The Saint Basil award-winning dance troupes will also perform traditional dances in authentic costumes representing different regions of Greece.

Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Admission and parking are free all weekend long. The San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival will be held at the Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church grounds located in the Capistrano Business Center at 27129 Calle Arroyo in San Juan Capistrano, near Interstate 5 Freeway and Ortega Highway / CA-74 exit, and next to 24-Hour Fitness.

For more information on the San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival, please visit SJCGreekfest.org or the event’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.

Come join the fun at the 2017 Dana Point Lobster Fest at Doheny State Beach on Saturday, August 19th, hosted by the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club. Enjoy gourmet appetizers, no-host bar, fresh east coast lobster, smoked tri-tip steak, desserts, live music and dancing.

Proceeds go to Charities supported by the Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary Club including Make-A-Wish, Boys & Girls Club, Dana Point 5th Marine Support Group and more.

Last year’s Lobster Fest had over 500 patrons & volunteers in attendance and our goal this year is to make it bigger and better! Come join the fun and tell your friends!

Buy tickets today for a discounted rate. Save $15 from price at door!  TICKETS

For more information this fun event please visit DanaPointLobsterFest.org.

2017 San Clemente Ocean Festival

July 15-16

Summer is here, and the San Clemente Ocean Festival is ramping up for its 41st year — celebrating ocean and beach activities, lifeguarding, entertainment and events for everyone to enjoy at the San Clemente Pier on July 15th and 16th.

Come hungry and have a hot-off-the-griddle pancake breakfast prepared by our very own San Clemente lifeguards from 7 to 11 a.m. on both days. Fisherman’s Restaurant will offer delicious fare, from corn on the cob and turkey legs, to strawberry shortcake, shaved ice and more near the Pier.

Stop by the Ocean Art Show in Parque Del Mar, overlooking the Festival, to find that something special. Car enthusiasts can walk onto San Clemente Pier to check out the 25th Annual Woody Car Exhibit, displaying 15 different cars each day of the event. There will also be a Fishing Clinic and Derby on Saturday at the end of the Pier for all ages.

Saturday hosts an action-packed day of lifeguard competitions that include the ever-popular National Doryman Association’s 2-man lifeguard boat races, Rescue Relays, International and American Ironman competitions, and Stand-Up Paddleboard contest. Love to run? Join the 5k Beach Run on Sunday, or if you prefer swimming, check out the 1-mile ocean swim. The “Groms Rule” Surf Contest also takes place on Sunday for boys and girls (14 and under) and includes a new push-in division. For a description of all athletic events, course maps and rules, please visit OceanFestival.org. Don’t miss the surf lifesaving competitors from the Sunshine Coast of Australia, Santa Barbara Swim Club, and local S.C.A.T. members, joining many other athletes competing at the event.

Looking for family activities? Head south of the Pier to the Youth Pavilion, packed with crafts, face painting and games, as well as demonstrations and performances for all ages to enjoy. Saturday’s events include a Dolphin Dash kid’s beach run for ages 12 and under (all participants will receive an Ocean Festival medallion!) and Body Surfing clinics just south of the Youth Pavilion where kids can learn about rip currents and the how-to’s of body surfing.

As the sun sets Saturday evening, drop your towel on the sand, grab some grub, and enjoy a free concert on the beach, featuring Soul to Soul, a Stevie Ray Vaughan tribute band. On Sunday, head south of the Pier for the sand sculpting competition. The weekend’s finale will be the always anticipated and never duplicated Great Rubber Duck race. For a mere $5, you can “sponsor” a duck and cheer it on as the entire flock is released and heads back to shore to win a prize!

The San Clemente Ocean Festival is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization, working in partnership with the City of Clemente, that has become a “tradition” for many within the community, the inland empire, and as far reaching as the East Coast, Hawaii, and Australia. Funds are raised through product sales, and the generosity and support from sponsors. Net proceeds from the Festival provide support for worthy local organizations such as San Clemente Lifeguards, Ocean Institute Adopt-A-Class program, Summer Beach Concerts, and scholarships for local students.

Entry is free. Avoid parking hassles and take the Metrolink. If you’re diving to the event, take advantage of the complimentary parking and shuttle service to and from The Outlets at San Clemente from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.  on Saturday and 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. Visit OceanFestival.org for schedules, athletic event registration and for information on how to volunteer or become a sponsor.

Celebrate Independence Day at Dana Point Harbor

(Dana Point, Calif.) – OC Parks invites the community to spend Independence Day at Dana Point Harbor. Enjoy waterfront dining, ocean activities, boating, sailing, and experience south Orange County’s best aerial fireworks display, the July 4^th Fireworks Extravaganza.

The July 4^th Fireworks Extravaganza will light up Dana Point Harbor. Visitors can enjoy fantastic views from the harbor, Baby Beach, the Island, and the many waterfront eateries located within the harbor. The display begins at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4 and early arrival is recommended. Visitors are encouraged to bring a personal FM radio to tune into KSBR 88.5FM and listen to the patriotic music accompanying the fireworks display.

Spend the week of Independence Day enjoying Dana Point Harbor’s many waterfront restaurants and ocean activities, or take a cruise in the harbor on July 4^th to view the fireworks display. The Ocean Institute, Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, and Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari are all offering 4^th of July Fireworks cruises.

Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the free shuttle services on July 4^th to avoid traffic jams. The shuttles will make round trips from Dana Hills High School to Dana Point Harbor from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Shuttle service will suspend at 9 p.m. until after the fireworks and will resume until 11 p.m.

The Dana Point Trolley will drop off and pick up at stop #6 on July 4^th in the Harbor from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and the inter Harbor shuttle will pick up and drop off at the restaurants and retail area, Baby Beach, the Island, and Ocean Institute from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Streets within Dana Point Harbor will have restricted left hand turn lanes and cars will be detoured to go right only (Dana Point Harbor Drive, Puerto Place & Island Way). Cove Road will be closed during the fireworks and re-opened after the fireworks.

Celebrate Independence Day at Dana Point Harbor and experience the spectacular July 4^thFireworks Extravaganza. For more information visit www.DanaPointHarbor.com.

Gala of Hope

Cure Spinal Muscular Atrophy

May 6, 2017 at Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel

by Nikki McIntosh

I still remember walking down the hospital hallway in a fog. After months and months of testing, the neurologist suspected that our then 18-month old son, Miles, might have a life-threatening disease. We got the call, the test was positive for Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a degenerative, neuromuscular disease that would slowly rob him of strength and lead to muscle atrophy. There was no treatment and no cure. So not only could our son not stand or walk, but it was expected that he would continue to grow weaker over time. The cruelty of the prognosis was heartbreaking and those first months after the diagnosis were the hardest time of our life. But then there was Miles. He was a little ray of light, living life with a smile on his face everyday despite his circumstances. We decided to take our cues from Miles and we chose to have hope. 

We sought out support and answers, which led us to the Cure SMA Foundation and the world of research towards a treatment and cure for SMA. We learned about best care practices for our son and we immersed ourselves into his care. 

At age two and a half, we started to see Miles regress. At around the same time, we learned of a clinical trial for a drug therapy that was showing promise in slowing the progression of the disease. Miles was enrolled into the trial and began receiving treatment. What we saw was nothing short of a miracle. Not only was the drug therapy stopping the progression of the disease, but it was also improving Miles’s strength.

On December 23, 2016, the FDA approved this drug therapy, Spinraza, and it became the first-ever treatment for SMA. For our family, the achievement of an approved treatment is an answered prayer and a hope realized. We have teamed up with the Cure SMA Foundation for the 3rd year, to chair The Cure SMA Gala of Hope on May 6th at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel. Being a part of the gala has been our way to help fight SMA and to bring hope to all the families like ours who are battling this disease. We now have an approved treatment and we’ll continue our quest all the way to a cure. We invite you to take part in this night of hope. For tickets or to donate, visit events.CureSMA.org/2017GalaofHope.

PANHE

A Native American Gathering 

A Celebration of Protection & Preservation

11^th Anniversary Event
San Mateo Campground at San Onofre State Beach
Sunday, March 26, 2016, 10 am – 4 pm

The San Onofre Parks Foundation (SOPF), whose mission is to support education and interpretive efforts of California State Parks at San Clemente and San Onofre State Beaches, is presenting the 11^th annual Panhe – A Celebrtation of Protection & Preservation. Panhe is the 9,000 year old historic village of the Acjahmen/Juaeno people and continues to be a sacred and ceremonial site.

EVENT INFORMATION:

• Panhe 2017 – A Celebration of Protection & Preservation, FREE ADMISSION
  • Featuring Native American: Singers, Dancers, Flute Circle, Food, Basketry Demonstrations, Speakers, Artisans, Plant Demonstrations, Vendors, Museum Exhibits, and more!

Panhe 2017 Event Location

• San Mateo Campground, at San Onofre State Beach, San Clemente, California
• FREE Parking and round-trip shuttle throughout the day departing from: Concordia Elementary School, 3120 Avenida del Presidente, San Clemente, CA 92672

Event sponsored by United Coalition to Protect Panhe and The San Onofre Parks Foundation. In partnership with California State Parks.

For a complete event schedule, additional information, membership and volunteer opportunities please visit: www.SanOFoundation.org, or call 949-366-8599

ABOUT SAN ONOFRE PARKS FOUNDATION:

The San Onofre Parks Foundation (SOPF) is a California non-profit, charitable corporation, whose mission is to provide education, protection, and preservation for the California State Parks at San Onofre and San Clemente State Beaches. As a public liaison to these parklands, the San Onofre Foundation will foster a comprehensive stewardship of this unique recreational resource, with its historically important sites and environmentally significant setting.

Babychella Family Art & Music Festival 

Mason Regional Park March 12

(Irvine, Calif.) – The County of Orange and OC Parks are pleased to welcome the inaugural Babychella Family Art & Music Festival at Mason Regional Park in Irvine on Sunday, March 12 from 12 – 4 p.m. This free, family-friendly event invites parents and children to enjoy entertainment and activities in the park’s picturesque springtime setting.

Babychella Family Art & Music Festival will offer a variety of engaging activities for children including story time, face painting, and an interactive bubble village. Find a spot on the grass near the main stage and enjoy beloved songs and fun-filled sing-alongs fit for the whole family.

Participate in mommy, daddy and me yoga, pose for pictures in themed photo booths, and take part in various hands-on arts and crafts. Discover the newest trends from popular baby brands on-site and hear from family-oriented educational speakers. A kids’ costume contest will award a $200 gift card for the best bohemian festival style.

Eats from local food trucks will be available for purchase. Bringing blankets and lawn chairs is recommended. Restrooms and baby changing areas will be available. Activities planned are perfect for children five years and under, but enjoyable for all ages. The festival will take place rain or shine.

Presented by OC Parks and produced by Hampton Productions. For more information visit www.Babychella.com.

March 12 – Babychella Family Arts & Music Festival
12 – 4 p.m.
Event Cost: FREE
Parking: FREE
Location: William R. Mason Regional Park
18712 University Drive Irvine, CA 92612
Website: www.Babychella.com
Contact: (949) 923-2220

Dana Point Harbor Welcomes
UNDER THE SEA
42nd Annual Boat Parade of Lights
with Festive Holiday Activities Dec. 2-17

(Dana Point, Calif.) – The County of Orange, OC Parks and Dana Point Harbor invite families to deck the halls “Under the Sea” at the 42nd Annual Boat Parade of Lights. Enjoy festive family activities and celebrations by the waters’ edge on select dates December 2 – 17.

The 42nd Annual Boat Parade of Lights will take place on December 9, 10, 16 and 17 beginning at 7:30 p.m. On each evening of the parade, OC Parks will host free festive family activities throughout Mariner’s Village, Mariner’s Alley and Dana Wharf beginning at 5:30 p.m. Parking will be available at the Doheny State Beach lot for $2 per hour. Free trolleys will be running from 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. and will be dropping off and picking up along Dana Point Harbor Drive. 

The holiday season at Dana Point Harbor kicks off on Friday, December 2 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. with the Holiday In The Harbor Open House at Mariner’s Village, Mariner’s Alley and Dana Wharf. 

Take a boat ride in the harbor with Santa Claus himself on Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rides launch from Dana Wharf Sportfishing.  

Santa will be available for photos and selfies on Friday, December 2 from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. and Thursday, December 8 from 3 – 5 p.m. in the El Torito Courtyard and Thursday, December 15 from 3 – 5 p.m. at the Dana Wharf Courtyard. Saturday, December 3 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. also welcomes Santa Paws, for festive photos with the furry friends in your life.

Get into the holiday spirit this year “Under the Sea” at Dana Point Harbor. Visit DanaPointHarbor.com for more information.

OC Parks manages nearly 60,000 acres of parks, historical and coastal facilities and open space for the County of Orange as part of OC Community Resources. http://www.ocparks.com

Dana Point Turkey Trot

Strut Your Stuff

The 39th annual Dana Point Turkey Trot is an Orange County Thanksgiving Day tradition attracting 11,000 participants and 6,000 volunteers to Dana Point Harbor. The event includes scenic 5K and 10K courses, a Kids 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 VFW Post 9934 as the local nonprofit beneficiary for this year’s event. A portion of each runner’s registration fee will go toward supporting the VFW’s mission of assisting fellow veterans and their families with unexpected expenses as well as delivering thousands of pounds of food to Camp Pendleton each week.

“We go down to Pendleton and see women lined up with their strollers, waiting to receive the food and supplies that we bring,” said Bob Fowler, post service officer. “The sad part is that we have to; the good part is that we get to. We appreciate the contributions of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, the community and all race participants.” Participants can also make an additional donation during the registration process or by visiting TurkeyTrot.com/charities.

Don’t delay, register now and save! Online registration closes on November 21st at midnight. You can register on-site at the Health & Wellness Expo on Wednesday, November 23rd and on race day, Thursday, November 24th. Prices go up $10 for on-site registration. Visit TurkeyTrot.com for event details, registration and to become a race volunteer.

Driftwood Festival

Country Music Washes Ashore

Saturday, November 12 marks the debut of Driftwood at Doheny State Beach, an afternoon of music, craft beer, artisan wine and top-notch BBQ at the scenic Doheny State Beach in Dana Point. Festival attendees will roam throughout the lush grass areas of Doheny State Beach, right off the shore of the Pacific Ocean. 

Produced by premier music festival production company Synergy Global Entertainment (SGE), Orange partners Brew Ha Ha Productions, and California’s new country KFRG-FM (K-Frog), Driftwood at Doheny State Beach will feature tastings from over 100 craft beers and wines, some of the best BBQ in the region, as well as a full day of music with performances from Nashville hitmaker Jerrod Niemann, along with Rodney Atkins, Thompson Square, Parmalee, The White Buffalo, and Mariachi El Bronx.

Driftwood at Doheny State Beach kicks off at 12 p.m. Saturday for early entry guests. General admission to the festival starts at 1 p.m., with music lasting until 8 p.m. Festival attendees 21 and over will enjoy complimentary adult beverage tastings from 1 to 4 p.m. Tastings are included with the price of admission. VIP tickets 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 — a California non-profit that partners with the California State Parks to develop, preserve and enhance the recreation and experience of California’s unique and beautiful coastal parks — and the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association (DSBIA), the non-profit cooperating association of Doheny State Beach, dedicated to the protection of the park’s beaches, facilities, marine refuge and its historical, cultural and social stories.

The festival will also debut the Country Strong veteran appreciation area for non-profits that support and create awareness for veterans causes.  For more information, visit www.DriftwoodFest.com.

Driftwood Festival at Doheny State Beach
Saturday, November 12  |  12 – 8pm
DriftwoodFest.com