THE Bingo Event of the Year!

Well, last Saturday I attended my third Soroptimist Bingo Bash. Unlike your grandmother's church bingo, this one features appetizers, free-flowing wine, dinner, raffle prizes and 10 bingo games with the value of each game's prize package being between $ 800-$ 1000. As you can see, some people found the evening shocking.

The Annual Chestnut Harvest

Last Saturday was the annual Permaculture Festival and Potluck at the Zeni Ranch. Located 15 miles down Fish Rock Road and high up on a ridgetop between Mendocino and Sonoma Counties, the Zenis have been working this land for well over 100 years. One of the great things about this continuity is that a discussion with any Zeni about sustainable farming and perennial agricultural systems is usually bolstered by stories of moonshining and revenuers.

But the true stars of this day are the dry-farmed chestnut trees brought to this country from Italy over 100 years ago. Tall and majestic, their branches stretch across 100 feet and more. The chestnuts themselves actually grow inside of prickly seed pods, so it is important to wear boots (to squash them out of the pods) and gloves to avoid getting stuck. Along with three friends that went with me, we were able to harvest almost 20 pounds!

Great Day In Elk -- 2009

It's a small community, just a little over 200 people, but they do things in a big way. Every year in August, they host one of the North Coast's best celebrations-Great Day In Elk. The day begins with a parade...not a large one, but one where quality is definitely emphasized over quantity. Everyone falls in behind the last of the parade and follows it down to the Greenwood Community Center. There, music, food, a greased pole climbing contest, a cake raffle and a myraid of other events run into the late afternoon and lead up to a community-wide dance that evening.

It has been a "don't miss" event since I moved here three years ago.

Garden Setting, Food, Wine, Music -- Winesong! 2009

One of the best events on the Mendocino coast will be taking place this year on Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12. Winesong! is a nationally-recognized charity wine auction and tasting attended by more than 1,000 guests from across the country and around the world. They gather in the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens for wine and food tastings, music, and both silent and live auctions featuring rare vintages, special bottles and hard to find vertical collections from cult wineries. And the word is out among wine-loving bidders that Winesong’s vacation packages to leading wine regions offer unbeatable experiences. Trips to France, Italy and New Zealand all feature visits to world-famous wine producers, tastings of older vintages and meetings with the winemakers.

Sallie Mac's Paris Flea Market: An Annual Tradition

Sallie Mac will once again transform their garden into a Paris Flea Market for Columbus Day Weekend, Friday, October 10 through Sunday, October 12. Early birds in line on Friday will be treated to hot coffee and French goodies. Unique items from the European countryside and one-of-a-kind vintage pieces will be marked down up to 50%. It's a great opportunity to browse, Parisian-style, and find a great accent piece for your home, or just get a jump on your holiday shopping.

Art In The Gardens

As the primary fundraiser for the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, Art In The Gardens features local artists and winemakers showcasing their works in vignettes and venues spread throughout the 47 acre coastal botanical gardens.

Today's event enjoyed a sunny day and a dahlia garden at its peak. I found a great Adirondak chair painted by local artist, Lynne Prentice (http://www.prenticefineart.com/prentice/lynne-prentice.html), for the back deck of the inn. Once it is delivered, I'll put a post of it up so you all can see an example of the talented artists living in the area.

The World's Largest Salmon Babecue

Well, I can't attest to the fact that it was the World's Largest, but it sure was big.

I heard that more than 4,000 people were there, but it seemed to me that there were 40,000! They had several large barbecues going and chefs from every walk of life, in cluding local congressman Mike Thompson, manning them.

First held in 1970, the proceeds from the event go to restore and preserve the wild Pacific salmon resources. There was corn on the cob, salad, garlic bread and more slamon than you could shake a stick at. Live music was playing and everyone was having a good time. Set in picturesque Noyo Harbor, the day couldn't have been nicer.

Fourth of July in Mendocino

Fourth of July in Mendocino and the place to be was on Main Street. More than 5,000 people, locals and visitors alike, lined both Main and Lansing Streets to watch the parade of cars, floats, bands, circus performers and anyone else that wanted to get in on the act. The Kelley House Museum had a big barbecue that ran from the morning through the parade and then the big after-parade bash was held in Friendship Park.

This event never fails to entertain young and old alike. Sometimes, if it isn't too long, it even goes around twice!