Local Events

 2015 San Clemente Ocean Festival
July 18th & 19th

The San Clemente Ocean Festival is celebrating 39 years of lifeguard competitions and fun in the sun on July 18th & 19th.

“The Greatest Show on Surf” is an opportunity to compete in or cheer on your favorite athletes in the American and International Ironman competitions, One Mile Swim, 5K Beach Run, Rescue Relay, Biathlon and ever-popular Dory Boat races. Back by popular demand, the Sport of Kings SUP Race takes place on Saturday. Witness this exciting competition as stand-up paddlers race from the beach to outside buoys, then catch waves back to the finish.

As you head down the hill, stop by the Ocean Art Show in Parque Del Mar, featuring a variety of artwork created by local artisans. Stroll along the wooden planks above the rolling surf on San Clemente Pier and check out the 23rd Annual Woody Car Exhibit, displaying 15 different cars each day of the event. Fishermen of all ages are welcome to register for the Fishing Clinic and Derby at the end of the Pier on Saturday.

South of the Pier, the younger crowd can make their way to the Youth Pavilion where loads of entertainment happens on both event days. The lineup includes hula dancers, jiu-jitsu demonstrations, musical performances and more! Complimentary Kid ID’s are available, plus crafts and games for a nominal fee. Don’t forget to sign up for the Dolphin Dash Kids Beach Run (ages 4-12) on Saturday or the Groms Rule Surf Contest (boys 14 and under and girls 17 and under) on Sunday morning. Both of these events fill up quickly so you’re encouraged to pre-register at EventBrite.com.

New this year, the 1st sto p of the Special Olympics Torch Run takes place on Sunday, when runners head to the end of San Clemente Pier for a brief ceremony before moving north on their journey up the coast to Disneyland.

Saturday evening, pull up a towel or beach chair with friends and family to enjoy a free concert featuring The Cholulas. Watch the sun set over Dana Point while you listen to this local San Clemente band’s outlaw country-inspired rock.

The fun continues to pile up with sand sculpting competitions on Sunday. Categories include Creatures, Castles and Things, Family, and Open categories for those who wish to let their creativity run wild. Bodysurfing clinics, to help swimmers of all ages learn more about the ocean, how to watch for rip currents, and how to ride the waves, are also offered just south of the Youth Pavilion. The weekend’s activities come to a close with The Great Rubber Duck race. For only $5, you can “sponsor” a duck and cheer it on to be one of the lucky ducks to win a prize if yours swims ashore.

There’s no need to eat breakfast or pack a meal before heading down to The Ocean Festival. San Clemente lifeguards will be grillin’ up pancake breakfasts from 7 to 11 a.m. on both days of the event. Bring your appetite for plenty of other tasty items from corn on the cob, hamburgers, and turkey legs, to strawberry shortcake and shaved ice.

To register for athletic events and to view course maps and rules, please visit OceanFestival.org or call 949-440-6141 for more info.

Complimentary parking and shuttles from San Clemente High School run from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, and 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. The Metrolink train also stops right at the San Clemente Pier.

Dana Point Food, Wine & Music Festival
June 27th from 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Bring your appetite and your friends to Sea Terrace Park in Dana Point on Saturday, June 27th from noon until 7 p.m. for the 3rd annual Dana Point Food, Wine & Music Festival. Sip and nosh your way through offerings from local restaurants, California wineries and craft breweries while savoring the sights and sounds. The ingredients for a perfect day are right at your fingertips!

Sponsored by the City of Dana Point and produced by Southern California-based EventWerks, the festival has gained a robust following in a short time to become one of the most highly anticipated happenings of the year. This annual free event attracted more than 15,000 attendees last year and owes its rapid success to the perfect mixture of good times with great taste. The event delivers on all levels: delicious food, unique musical performances, thirst-quenching craft brews, a variety of wines, mixed drink creations and more.

Last year’s success prompted organizers to “up the ante” in 2015. This year, guests will enjoy nearly double the number of participating restaurants, a major expansion to the wine festival and the addition of over 30 craft breweries. A portion of the festival’s proceeds will also benefit the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group.

Equally important to delectable food and libations, the festival serves up a bevy of musical talent. Priding itself on doing the unexpected, performers are sprinkled throughout the venue so that entertainment is felt at every turn. It’s not uncommon to see a fiddler strolling through the crowd, to find a saxophone player jamming in a corner, or a band playing right in the middle of the festival.

“People just want to be entertained and they want to see and hear things that are unique. We are not interested in name recognition or drawing power. We are only interested in providing a great musical experience,” shares Forrest Melton of EventWerks.

This year’s musical lineup will not disappoint. The event has secured the legendary L.A. Blues Band, The Delgado Brothers, Orange County Blues icon Papa J and a number of acts including Spanish guitarists, DJ’s and off-the-wall brilliant performers such as Crosby Tyler who plays drums, guitar and harmonica as a one-man band.

Admission is free. Patrons can select from a variety of food and drink options to customize their experience at the event. To learn more about the 2015 Dana Point Food, Wine and Music Festival, visit FoodWineandMusicFestival.com.

2015 Doheny Blues Festival
May 16th & 17th

Celebrating 18 years of Blues On The Beach, the Doheny Blues Festival delivers another stellar lineup of talent for its upcoming weekend of music. Slated for Saturday and Sunday, May 16th and 17th, the nationally recognized festival is headlined by 10-time GRAMMY Award winner Bonnie Raitt, the voice of Bad Company, Paul Rodgers, the incomparable Boz Scaggs and many others. Tickets are on sale now for the festival’s three stages of performances at the beachfront venue of Doheny State Beach in Dana Point.

Doheny Blues Festival takes pride in its introduction of new artists, and this year is no exception as it welcomes Tennessee folk artist Valerie June, as well as 12-year-old guitar wonderkid Brandon “Taz” Niederauer, who will join Otis Taylor and his band. First time performers also include Mud Morganfield, the eldest son of Muddy Waters (performing with Kim Wilson), fiery vocalist Beth Hart, The Mavericks, The Rebirth Brass Band, Carolyn Wonderland and Lurrie Bell. Continuing the tradition of importing musicians for the festival, Nico Wayne Toussaint will travel from France to Dana Point, Brazilian guitarist Igor Prado will present a blues revue on the intimate Backporch Stage, and Trickbag from Sweden will host the Official After-Party on Saturday night, May 16, at Stillwater Spirits & Sounds in Dana Point.

Doheny State Beach, a 62-acre California State Park, has been home to the Doheny Blues Festival for eighteen consecutive years and has an expansive beach, breathtaking harbor views, overnight camping and a spacious, grass park where three stages are erected. The intimate Backporch Stage allows fans to sit up close to the artists at picnic tables while enjoying a tasty selection of microbrews. Guests can also enjoy the International Food Court, eclectic Vendor Village with 50+ unique booths, Wine Lounge, and free Bike Valet.

Tickets for the 2015 Doheny Blues Festival are selling quickly, so visit DohenyBluesFestival.com for more information or call 949.360.7800.

San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival
By Monique Reilly

The 2nd Annual Greek Festival returns to San Juan Capistrano on Saturday and Sunday, September 27th and 28th. Sponsored by Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church, the festival offers guests authentic Greek cuisine, live music, traditional Greek dancing, specialty shopping at the Greek bazaar and kid-friendly activities.

The menu will feature various Greek delicacies including gyros, souvlaki, lamb chops, spanakopita and Greek salad, as well as delicious pastries like baklava and kourambiethes (powdered sugar butter cookies) which are the perfect complement to a tasty Greek coffee or iced frappé. A taverna, equipped with big screen TVs for a sports bar twist, allows patrons to enjoy Greek beer, wine and ouzo, alongside their domestic favorites.

The Greeks have a word for the spirit of joy, fun and a passion for life – known as “kefi!” Participants are encouraged to dance to live Greek music, and with a few simple lessons will be expressing their kefi with shouts of “Opa!” In addition, the Saint Basil dance troupe will perform traditional dances in costume representing different areas of Greece.

This year’s exhibits will showcase costumed dolls from the many regions of Greece as well as an olive oil tasting and cooking class with a chance to win some great raffle prizes. For those interested in art, iconographer Father Michael Courey will unveil and discuss two Byzantine icons to be used for Saint Basil’s Church. These icons were recently featured at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles as part of his lecture and demonstration.

Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Admission and parking are free!. Saint Basil’s Church is located at 27129 Calle Arroyo, near the 74 Ortega Highway exit in San Juan Capistrano. For more information on the event, please visit SJCGreekFest.org.

Orange County Seafood Festival
By Monique Reilly

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Dana Point Harbor, just steps outside the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, the bluffs provide the perfect backdrop for pescatarian indulgences, refreshing drinks, and lively entertainment. The Orange County Seafood Festival is a don’t-miss event that takes place at Dana Point’s Lantern Bay Park on Saturday, August 9th from noon to 7 p.m.

Exceptional seafood, beer, wine and music are the bill of fare at the Festival. Seafood enthusiasts will be tempted by dishes like Caribbean lobster, lobster corn dogs, spicy seared ahi, crab cake sliders, blackened snapper and grilled catfish. For those who prefer turf to surf, the Orange County Seafood Festival offers an array of non-seafood treats as well. The adventurous may decide to sample the fried blackened alligator tail or simply indulge in a menagerie of the sea’s bounty. Several local eateries will offer their signature dishes for patrons to fulfill their culinary fantaseas.

In the Wine Mixer, guests will have an opportunity to delight in a wide variety of California wines. Selections from Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, and Temecula will be represented. Additionally, the event will feature a beer festival with ice-cold craft beers to quench your thirst. Whatever your taste buds desire, an immaculate pairing of fare and spirits awaits.

Spend the day and grab a drink at the Margarita Bar while relaxing to the live musical talents of Garratt Wilkin and the Parrotheads, the ultimate Jimmy Buffett tribute band. The Parrotheads will be joined by other musicians performing Reggae, Zydeco, and Calypso music throughout the picturesque venue. An undercurrent of beach rock is certain to fill the bluff, reminiscent of the islands.

Stroll through the exhibitor village, where nearly one hundred vendors will display their artwork and share their crafts. Specialty performers will also be on hand to entertain the young and young at heart. Sneak a photo with your favorite mermaid & King Neptune and check out the sea-themed puppet shows, guaranteed to provide lots of smiles.

Admission to the Orange County Seafood Festival is free to attendees. “Big Fish” and “Perfect Wave” drink passes are available for purchase in advance of the event. Big Fish passes provide a host of VIP amenities that include unlimited beer and wine sampling, full glasses in the VIP area, a ticket for a meal at any of the food vendor areas, private restrooms, a tented VIP area with tables and chairs directly in front of main stage and more. Big Fish Passes are $95 and a limited number will be sold, so it’s recommended to purchase them early. Perfect Wave passes also offer unlimited beer and wine sampling and are just $40 in advance and $50 if purchased the day of the Festival; limited quantities are available. Please visit OCSeafoodFestival.com to purchase tickets and for more information about the Festival.

Beat the traffic and take advantage of the complimentary shuttle service. The shuttle will run between Dana Hills High School and the venue between 11:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Free parking is also available along Street of the Golden Lantern, between Del Prado Avenue and Dana Point Harbor Drive, or along Dana Point Harbor Drive. Parking may also be found on Old Golden Lantern or in downtown Dana Point with a short walk to the venue.

Patrons of the festival will be pleased to know that a portion of all drink purchases will be donated to the Dana Point 5th Marine Corp Regiment Support Group. So, don’t delay, a day of savory seafood, spirits and entertainment is right around the corner.

2014 San Clemente Ocean Festival
July 19th & 20th

The San Clemente Ocean Festival offers so much to see and do and only 2 days to do it in! There’s something for everyone: athletic competitions, an ocean and beach-themed art show, a free Saturday evening concert on the beach, fishing derbies, a Youth Pavilion with demonstrations, games and entertainment, a Woody car exhibit on the Pier, a sand sculpting competition, and the Great Rubber Duck Race for the event’s finale. Check it all out and more on July 19th & 20th at the San Clemente Pier.

You can start each morning of the Festival with a hot, delicious pancake breakfast on the beach, while supporting San Clemente Lifeguards. It’s a great way to fuel up with family and friends while planning the day’s activities.

Athletes can pre-register or sign up each day for a variety of ocean and beach competitions, including relays, beach runs, ocean swims, and the ever-popular dory boat races. The Festival welcomes one and all, from world-class athletes to weekend warriors. Check out the event website at OceanFestival.org for a full schedule of events and times.

The Ocean Festival offers lots of activities for the entire family to enjoy. On Saturday morning, children ages 4 to 12 can participate in the Dolphin Dash Kid’s Beach Run (near the Youth Pavilion). The Kid’s Fishing Clinic and Derby, at the end of San Clemente Pier, is another popular event. In the Youth Pavilion, south of the Pier, kids can receive glitter tattoos on Saturday and faces painted on Sunday, play games, make crafts, get youth ID cards, plus enjoy free entertainment and demonstrations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both days. On Sunday, children can participate in the Mermaid Parade with King Neptune and Ariel, from the Youth Pavilion onto the Pier.

Claim your spot on the beach as the sun sets over Dana Point. Sit back and enjoy a salmon dinner and other mouth-watering fare prepared by Fisherman’s Restaurant. Enjoy the rockin’ sounds of World Tour – Legends of Rock, who will be performing from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday.

Car enthusiasts can take a walk out on the Pier to admire the Woody Car Exhibit with a different set of these historic beauties on display both Saturday and Sunday. Stop and chat with the owners of these classic vehicles, many used for surfboard toting in the 50’s, 60’s, and beyond. Each Woody has its own personality, history, and story.

Like to ride the surf? The new Sport of Kings Stand-Up Paddleboard Contest takes place on Saturday for both men and women with boards 12’6″ and under. Starting from the sand, racers charge through the surf, rounding outside buoys, and then race with the waves back to the finish line on the sand. Don’t forget the Groms Rule Kid’s Surf Contest on Sunday for ages 14 and under.

South of the Pier on Saturday, San Clemente’s Body Surfing Club will be on hand to help those interested in learning the how-to’s of body surfing at its clinics. Stop by the Ocean Art Show at Parque Del Mar for a fun and unique item to take home with you. Feeling creative? Then gather your team and compete in the Sand Sculpting Competition on Sunday. Don’t miss the event’s grand finale…the Great Rubber Duck Race. Cheer your duck on to the beach and win a prize.

Avoid event traffic by using the free parking and shuttle service from San Clemente High School (700 Avenida Pico) from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday and 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. You can also hop on the Metrolink train to the San Clemente Pier or walk down the beach trail and take in the beautiful ocean views on your way to a fun-filled weekend.

The 36th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot

Run the race before you stuff your face! The Dana Point Turkey Trot, presented by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, is celebrating its 36th year and is an annual tradition for families across Orange County. Welcoming more than 16,000 participants each year, the 2013 race features an expanded two-day Health & Wellness Expo, Kids’ Gobble Wobble, and of course, the 5K & 10K runs. With its scenic views of the Dana Point Harbor and Doheny State Beach, the Turkey Trot is a fantastic experience for the entire family and a great way to start your Thanksgiving Day.

Get the whole family involved
The Turkey Trot embraces participation from the entire family. The one-mile Kids’ Gobble Wobble is a fun way for your child to be included in this fitness-filled event. All race participants and teams are encouraged to dress in costume and enter the contest at 9:00 a.m. on race day. The best costumes will be awarded prizes from Dick’s Sporting Goods and Salt Creek Grille. Parents with strollers are also invited to join in the festivities, but are asked to stay toward the back of the pack.

New to the Turkey Trot in 2013
The popular Health & Wellness Expo has been expanded to a second day this year and will be located in the Dana Marina Plaza. The Expo offers music and entertainment from 100.3 FM The Sound, and highlights fitness related vendors such as CLIF Bar, Moms in Charge and Winder Farms. Turkey Trot merchandise will be available for purchase, including new t-shirt designs, themed accessories, and more. Registration and packet pick-up will be available at the Health & Wellness Expo on Wednesday, November 27th from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on race day, Thursday, November 28th starting at 6 a.m. Additional parking will be available on Wednesday at the Dana Wharf parking lot to accommodate those attending the Health & Wellness expo and for participants that are picking up race packets early.

Support Local Charities
In the tradition of giving thanks, all proceeds from the 2013 Turkey Trot will go to local non-profit organizations: The Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley, Family Assistance Ministries, The Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934. On the day of the race, the charity that has raised the most money on Crowdrise.com will be presented with a $5,000 donation, second place receives $2,500, third place – $1,500 and fourth place – $1,000. Donations will be provided by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce.

To learn more about this family tradition and to register for the event, visit TurkeyTrot.com.

Dana Point State BBQ Championships

The enticing smell of bbq smoke will ride the coastal winds at the 3rd Annual Dana Point State BBQ Championship. The event takes place on Saturday, October 5th from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the beautiful Sea Terrace Park…and admission is free. This Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) sanctioned contest is the largest bbq competition on the west coast. Last year’s event set a California state record with 79 teams participating in the championship and organizers are anticipating to eclipse that turnout this year with a goal of 100 teams. The City of Dana Point encourages local residents and amateur barbeque enthusiasts to form teams and join in the friendly competition.

KCBS is the world’s largest organization of barbeque and grilling enthusiasts with over 15,000 members worldwide. The KCBS places their stamp of approval on over 400 barbeque contests throughout the country. A blind judging process is used by KCBS certified judges to ensure fairness and KCBS judges are trained in a manner that allows them to appropriately assess all types of barbeque, from St. Louis and Texas styles to Memphis and Carolina styles. Judges will sample and assign a point total to each entry based on appearance, taste and texture. Each teams’ cumulative points not only determine the winners at the Dana Point competition, but also go towards regional and national titles like the California BBQ Association’s Team of the Year.

BBQ enthusiasts from Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and across the state are competing again this year for a share of $20,000 in prize money – with the ultimate goal of being crowned the Grand Champion. Teams will compete in four different bbq categories: brisket, pork, ribs and chicken. A special contest category for all you sweet lovers is being served up this year – dessert! The committee has included a bonus contest called the Ranchers Reserve, which will award the most deserving team a cash prize of $900.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9934 will be selling BBQ Tasting Tickets for $2 per tasting, so the public can try some of the mouth-watering BBQ prepared by many of the competitors. All of the proceeds from the public tastings will go directly to the VFW.

The entire family can savor a delicious meal while having some fun at the BBQ Championship. Along with the BBQ, there will be Microbrew Tastings and a food court where full entrees and beverages will be available. Bring the whole family, even the dog, to enjoy the festivities. Plenty of live entertainment will be performed throughout the afternoon from Chris Lozano and the Dixie Playboys, to The Tricia Freeman Band and Turn the Page (a Bob Seger Tribute band).

Proceeds from the food court and beverage area will benefit the 5th Marine Regiment Support Group, American Cancer Society’s Dana Point Relay for Life, Pet Project Foundation and other deserving non-profit groups that support local residents.

Parking will be available on Stonehill Road and at Dana Hills High School. A complimentary shuttle bus will run from Dana Hills High School to the BBQ Championship from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. To become an event participant or for more information, please contact the Dana Point Community Services & Parks Department at 949.248.3530 or visit
DanaPointBBQChampionships.com.

2013 San Clemente Ocean Festival

The Ocean Festival makes a splash at the San Clemente Pier on July 20th & 21st when ocean athletes from the sports of surf lifesaving, surfing, stand-up paddleboard (SUP), paddleboard, surf ski (ocean kayak) and mulit-sport (swimming, triathlon, running) will compete in the California Waterman and Waterwoman Championships. Top athletes to watch include former U.S. Olympian Mitch Kahn and San Clemente residents Rob Pelky and SUP racer Brandi Baksic.

Back by popular demand, the Stand-up Paddleboard Surfing Championships will take place on Saturday. Competition is open to all and is fiercely competitive among the many world-class SUP surfers who hail from Orange and San Diego counties.

This annual event welcomes families to enjoy its wide range of activities and exhibits. Car enthusiasts should definitely zip over to the Classic Woody Cars displayed on San Clemente Pier. Afraid of the water? Visit the Bodysurfing Clinics on Saturday where information on how to watch for rip currents and how to ride the waves will be presented just south of the Children’s Pavilion. Don’t forget to check out Saturday evening’s free concert on the beach, featuring Millertime Boogie, as the sun sets over Dana Point.

The younger crowd can dive in to loads of fun at the end of the Pier including the Children’s Fishing Clinic and Derby. At the Children’s Pavilion, located south of the Pier, hula dancers, jiu-jitsu demonstrations, and live performances by Ugly Paint and Rock the Autism will be on hand. Crafts, face painting and games – available for a nominal charge will keep the kiddos entertained all day. Don’t forget to register your young runners (ages 4-12) for the “Dolphin Dash” kid’s beach run on Saturday morning or the “Groms Rule” surf contest on Sunday morning (ages 14 and under). Space for these competitions is limited and fills up quickly.

The Ocean Art Show in Parque Del Mar, overlooking the beach, will offer a variety of artwork for purchase. Start both mornings with a hearty Pancake Breakfast, prepared by our own incredible team of San Clemente lifeguards who will be on the grills from 7 to 11 a.m. cooking up a delicious way to begin the day. Plenty of other tasty items to tempt your taste buds will be available throughout the day, such as rice bowls, hamburgers, turkey legs, corn on the cob, strawberry shortcake and shaved ice.

Sunday’s Fishing Derby is open to all ages and prizes will be awarded for the top two heaviest game fish and heaviest shark or bat ray. For those who don’t mind getting a little dirty – join in on the fun and enter the Sand Sculpting Competition. Awards will be presented for the best in the following categories: Creatures, Castles & Things, Family, and Open categories. The weekend’s activities will close with The Great Rubber Duck Race. For a mere $5, you can “sponsor” a duck and cheer it on to swim ashore from the surf line – and win a prize!

Complimentary parking and shuttles will be available at San Clemente High School (700 Avenida Pico) from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday and 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. For those of you traveling from outside the area, check out the Metrolink train schedule which stops right at the San Clemente Pier.

For more information on registration, event schedules, or how to become a volunteer or sponsor, visit www.OceanFestival.org or call 949.440.6141.

Holiday Happenings in South OC

Seaing Is Believing
Climb aboard and take a 20-minute Harbor Boat Ride With Santa and his helpers on December 1st and 2nd from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dana Wharf Sportfishing docks in the Dana Point Harbor. The Jolly One will take photos with the kids and listen to Christmas wishes as you cruise the Harbor. Bring your cameras and bundle up. A $3 donation to the El Camino Real Junior Woman’s Club is appreciated. For more information, call 949.496.5794 or 949.923.2255 or visit DanaPointHarbor.com or DanaWharf.com.

Lights, Camera, ACTION!
You’re not plugged in if the 38th Annual Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights passes you by. On December 7th, 8th, 14th and 15th at 7:30 p.m., boaters from all around Orange County will decorate their vessels and set sail on “A Hollywood Holiday.” Awards for Judges Choice, Best Theme, Best Use of Lights, Best Animation, Most Colorful, Most Original, Best Sailboat, Best Powerboat and the Yacht Club with the Most Entries will be presented. You can view the parade from anywhere in the Harbor or make a reservation at one of its restaurants for a cozy and warm spot indoors. If you want to get in on the action, but are short a boat, then purchase a ticket on a Dana Wharf Sportfishing craft at DanaWharf.com. For more information and parade registration, visit DanaPointHarbor.com.

Hot Diggity!
On December 1st from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., bring one or all of your pets to Aegis Living of Dana Point (26922 Camino de Estrella) for Pet Project Foundation’s 2nd Annual Santa Claus and Paws event. Local veterinarians will play Santa and pose for professional photos with your family and furry friends. Get your Christmas card photo done early and check out the Holiday Bowzarr offering gifts and treats for you and your pet.

You’ll have a second chance for a snapshot with Fido at the Santa Paws event on December 15th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Dana Point Harbor (El Torito Courtyard). Have your picture taken for a nominal fee and support the efforts of the Pet Project Foundation (PetProjectFoundation.org).

Child’s Play
Who says we don’t get snow in Orange County? Dana Point’s La Plaza Park (34111 La Plaza Street) will be filled with the fluffy stuff at the annual Winter Festival on Saturday, December 8th from noon to 7 p.m. The kids will have a ball at this winter wonderland featuring a petting zoo with actual reindeer, visits with Santa, cookie decorating, games, crafts, a holiday movie and the tree lighting ceremony. To learn more, call 949.248.3530.

Free For All
The annual Tree Lighting Celebration at Town Center Park begins on December 1st at 4:00 p.m. with pre-show events including choir, orchestra and dance performances by local high school students. The main event begins at 5:00 p.m. with a production directed and choreographed by David Green of Musical Theater University along with a special performance featuring Renee Bond. The Christmas tree will be lit at 5:45 p.m.

Following the ceremony, stroll over to San Juan’s historic Los Rios District for a free Christmas train ride and photos with Santa. A holiday marionette show will take place on Verdugo Street with show times at 6:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Zoomars is offering complimentary admission to its petting zoo and Pathway to Hope will perform a live nativity at Zoomars at 6:15 and 7:00 p.m. For more information on these events, contact the City of San Juan Community Capistrano at 949.493.5911.

On A Mission
Celebrate the holidays with Mission San Juan Capistrano on December 1st from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in downtown San Juan Capistrano.Christmas at the Mission is a fun and festive event for the whole family featuring local musical performance groups, crafts for the kids and scrumptious food. Admission is $5.00; kids 4 to 11 are $3.00 and kids under 3 are free. Admission is also free to Mission and parish members and active military. Go to MissionSJC.com for more info.

CHRISTMAS AT THE CASA
Enjoy the spirit of the season at Christmas at the Casa on December 1st from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. You’ll find the Casa splendidly decorated for the holidays and Santa, Dickens carolers, hot chocolate, cookies, kid’s crafts and holiday entertainment will be provided. Admission is free. To learn more, visit CasaRomantica.org.

Decked Out Halls
On Sunday, December 2nd from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., feast your eyes on this year’s Christmas Home Tour in San Clemente’s Cyprus Cove Community. Sponsored by the Assistance League of Capistrano Valley, four beautifully decorated homes will supply plenty of holiday design inspiration for guests. Convenient parking is provided at Concordia Elementary School (3120 Avenida Del Presidente) and shuttle buses will transport attendees to and from the school’s parking lot and gated community. The last shuttle departs at 3:30. Wear comfortable, low-heeled or flat walking shoes. For tickets and for additional information, call 949.291.8408 or visit CapistranoValley.AssistanceLeague.org.

No Time Like The Present
Join the Family Assistance Ministries at the San Clemente Community Center for its annual Toy Drive and Annual Adopt-A-Family Gift Program on December 15th from 10 a.m. to noon. Local children in need will receive presents and lunch at this wonderful event. If you’re interested in attending or donating gifts, please call 949.492.8477 or go to Family-Assistance.org.

Now Serving
The 4th Annual Adopt A Marine Holiday Dinner takes place at 7 p.m. on December 16th. The San Clemente Watershed TaskForce and the Holiday Inn Express have partnered to host 100 Marines that are unable to go home for the holidays. Your $25 tax-deductible donation provides a Marine with a holiday dinner, live entertainment and an opportunity to win prizes. To make a donation, please go to SCwatersheds.com or call 949.366.2326.

Bright Idea
Mingle with friends, munch on cookies, sip hot chocolate and enjoy the songs of the season on December 1st from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at theChristmas Tree Lighting event at City Hall. St. Anne Holiday Strings, Dana Hills High School Dickens Carolers and Center Stage Dance Studio will furnish the music and entertainment. Children’s activities include crafts, face painting, cookie decorating, balloon twisting and more. Christmas’ most treasured celebrity will also be making an appearance! Get into the spirit of giving by donating a new toy to the families of the 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment and the USS McClusky.

Come To Light
Dust off the strands and dig out the ladder for Laguna Niguel’s Holiday Lights Decorating Contest. A $25 Home Depot gift card will be awarded to the best home in each of these categories: Most Traditional, Best Animation, Most Creative, Best Display of Lights, Best Display of Lights and Music and Best Homemade Display. In addition, a sign will be presented to the street that shows the most community spirit! The entry deadline is December 3rd at 9 a.m. and judging will take place on the 4th from 5 to 10 p.m. For more information and to download an entry form, visit CityofLagunaNiguel.org.

Get The Show On The Road
Strike up the band! Laguna Niguel’s Holiday Parade takes place on December 8th at 10 a.m. on Crown Valley Parkway between Nueva Vista and Crown Valley Park. Spirit-filled youth groups, classic auto clubs, beautiful equestrian units, patriotic and inspirational military tributes and, of course, marching bands will participate in this year’s “Honoring Our Heroes” themed event.

Take Note
Naughty or nice? Get Saint Nick’s answer through Laguna Niguel’s Letters to Santa program. Simply place your letter in the “North Pole” mailbox in front of the Crown Valley Community Park Office fromNovember 19th through December 13th and await Mr. Claus’ reply.

A Good Run
The Metrolink Holiday Toy Express Train will roll through South Orange County spreading holiday cheer! Take the entire family to see the spectacular holiday show, lights and Santa Claus’ arrival. The first local stop is San Clemente’s North Beach Station at 7:45 p.m. on December 8th. The train heads down the tracks on December 15th to Laguna Niguel at 5:45 and then San Juan Capistrano at 6:45. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy for the ABC7 and Southland Firefighters “Spark of Love Toy Drive.”