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CONTACT: Fred Sater
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Fallfest 2006 Events Await Visitors To
San Luis Obispo County, California’s Natural Escape
100 Days – 100 Ways to Celebrate Food, Wine and the Arts

August 30, 2006

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – A full slate of art shows, wine and food festivals, music festivals, car shows and special events to satisfy diverse tastes and interests await San Luis Obispo County visitors during “FallFest 2006.”  Following are a few of the “FallFest” events that would make a nice addition to anyone’s San Luis Obispo County vacation itinerary.

September 8 – December 30, 2006
HEARST CASTLE® EVENING TOURS, SAN SIMEON.  On most Fridays and Saturdays, from September 8 through December 30, Hearst Castle’s Evening Tour will feature the Living History Program that emphasizes the 1930’s lifestyle of this great estate.  Docents in elegant vintage clothing will recreate the social life of Mr. Hearst’s guests, lounging by the magnificent Neptune Pool or playing cards in the Assembly Room.  Other docents portray household staff attending to the needs of Mr. Hearst’s guests.  Evening Tour prices are $30 for adults and $15 for youth (ages 6 to 17). (800) 444-4445.  www.hearstcastle.com. 

September 22-23
69TH ANNUAL ARROYO GRANDE VALLEY HARVEST FESTIVAL.  The theme for this annual tribute to agriculture is “Cultivating Our Community.”  Highlights include agricultural displays, arts & crafts, entertainment, produce auction, food booths, games, Chili Cook-off, scarecrow contest, skillet toss, cow chip throwing, and parade.  Downtown.  (805) 489-1488.  www.arroyograndecc.com.

October 7-8
MORRO BAY HARBOR FESTIVAL.  The 25th annual community festival celebrates the value of coastal life and importance of the harbor.  Festival attractions include – music, wine and beer tasting, food booths, Morro Bay Commercial Fishermen’s “Albacore & More” barbecue, Maritime Heritage Pavilion, Sand Sculpture Spectacular, Kid’s Cove, Coast Guard & Harbor Patrol Open House, Morro Bay Fire Department Fire Safety & Education Trailer, and a Hawaiian Shirt Contest.  Pier and waterfront.  (805) 772-1155.  www.mbhf.com. 

October 2-8
PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL, SAN LUIS OBISPO.  Some 50 of the top Plein Air Painters in the nation are scheduled to participate in the 5th Annual Plein Air Painting Festival, October 2-8, 2006.  Artists display their paintings of beaches, barns, boats, vineyards, and other scenic San Luis Obispo County landmarks, with their top three works being presented for the juried exhibition.  Quick draw and live auction in Mission Plaza on Saturday and Gala Exhibition and Sale on Saturday night.  Admission: Free.  (805) 541-6600.  www.sloartcenter.org.

October 14
VOLVO BEST BUDDIES CHALLENGE/HEARST CASTLE CHALLENGE, SAN SIMEON.  Participants can cycle 15, 62 or 100 miles down scenic Highway 1 from Carmel to Hearst Castle in San Luis Obispo County.  The challenge will feature the active participation of special athletes alongside hundreds of cyclists and celebrities.  One hundred percent of the money raised by riders benefits Best Buddies International in carrying out its mission of providing friends and jobs for people with Intellectual Disabilities.  Honorary Chair is Maria Shriver, First Lady of California.  (800) 89-BUDDY.  www.hcchallenge.org. 

October 14-15 & 21-22
OPEN STUDIOS TOUR 2006.  The San Luis Obispo County Arts Council’s 8th Annual Open Studios Tour will take place October 14-15 (North Coast and North County) and October 21-22 (South County and San Luis Obispo).  More than 230 local artists will open their studios and galleries to the public for this self-guided tour throughout San Luis Obispo County.  Admission is $25 for a full-color catalog, which serves as a ticket for two to attend the tour.  (805) 544-9251.  www.sloartscouncil.org.

October 20-22
HARVEST WINE TOUR WEEKEND, PASO ROBLES WINE COUNTRY.  The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance hosts its annual Harvest Wine Tour October 20-22 at more than 75 wineries across the Paso Robles appellation. Centrally located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Paso Robles wineries will host special events at their tasting room locations to celebrate the 2006 crush during this three-day celebration. Events range from winemaker dinners, vineyard tours and seminars to exclusive wine tastings, cooking classes, concerts and arts. There’s something for everyone during the colorful fall season. (800) 549-9463.  www.PasoWine.com.  

October 21
GOLDEN OAK FESTIVAL, PASO ROBLES.  The Golden Oak Festival features the Golden State Classic Car Show and Pumpkin Weigh-off Contest in City Park.  The festival also includes arts and crafts, antiques, music, and food.  (805) 238-4103.  www.PasoRoblesDowntown.org.

October 21-22
ATASCADERO COLONY DAYS AND TENT CITY.  Parade, tea and special living history events celebrating the founders of Atascadero.  Highlights include re-creation of the canvas tent community of Camp Atascadero in 1914-1916.  (805) 466-2044.  www.ColonyDays.com.

October 21-23
PISMO BEACH CLAM FESTIVAL.  Highlights of the 60th annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival, October 21-23, 2006, are the Clam Chowder Cook-Off, with restaurants vying for top honors, parade, barbecue, food booths, wine tasting, art show, live music, Kids Clam Dig, and plenty of children’s activities.  (805) 773-4382.  www.pismochamber.com.

November 4-5
HARVEST CELEBRATION, SAN LUIS OBISPO WINE COUNTRY.  The 16th annual event celebrates the many taste and tour activities regularly available for wine enthusiasts visiting Sam Luis Obispo wine country.  The celebration begins with a downtown street festival featuring TASTE, San Luis Obispo’s newest and most innovative wine tasting experience, followed by winery dinners, wine tastings and an auction.  (805) 541-5868.  www.slowine.com.

November 10-11
CAYUCOS WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL.  Second annual event showcases food from local restaurants and wine tasting, featuring San Luis Obispo County wines.  (805) 995-1200.  www.cayucoschamber.com.

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