Sebastopol Apple Blossom Festival

64th Annual SEBASTOPOL APPLE BLOSSOM FESTIVAL
Sponsored by the Sebastopol Area Chamber of Commerce
April 24 & 25, 2010 at Ives Park
Saturday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm; Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

April is Apple Blossom Festival time in Sebastopol! This year’s theme is A Sea of Blossoms. The 64th Annual Apple Blossom Parade will burst forth in a Sea of Blossoms on April 24 at 10:00, but most come early to secure the best seats along the curb! The Parade’s Grand Marshal this year is Sue Ungewitter, the Sebastopol Chamber’s Citizen of the Year. The parade is followed by the annual two-day Festival at Ives Park and the Sebastopol Vets Building. Both the parade and festival are sponsored every year by the Sebastopol Area Chamber of Commerce.

Admission and Security
New this year is a two-day pass for $15 to allow enjoyment of all the entertainment of your choice on both days. General Admission for each day will be $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and students 11-17 and free for age 10 and under. The two-day pass is available in advance at the Chamber office on Main Street and at the gate. Other outlets will be announced soon at the Chamber’s web site: www.sebastopol.org/

Also new this year will be increased security to prevent under-aged drinking. All bags will be searched at the gate to prevent bringing in alcohol or any dangerous items.

Entertainment and Kids Activities
Entertainment will be all day on three stages this year with the addition of a Wine Garden Stage to accompany wine and food tasting. Popular favorites will include the Mighty Chiplings for the younger set and the Shannon Rider Band with country classics. Brulée will debut on the new Wine Garden Stage. See below for a complete music schedule for the two days.

Special new activities for the kids are coming this year, too. A dedicated stage for children’s entertainment will include Wooleycat’s Musical Theater and Peter Irish, juggler & hacky sack master for 3 shows each day. The one and only California Certified Mermaid will be visiting with the children on Saturday and Johnny the Clown will arrive on Sunday. Nonprofit organizations will provide children’s games such as a ring toss, dino dig, face painting and candle making.

Food and Wine
As usual, the Festival will have food and beverages for every palate. All the regulars like Willie Bird Turkey, Mom’s Apple Pie, Kettle Corn Express, and Mary’s Pizza will be there along with many new delights like the local BBQ Smokehouse and Noina’s Thai Food. Wet your whistle with beer or lemonade; or hang out in the shady wine garden with live music.

The Wine Garden this year will have its own music stage and include such wineries as
Hanna, Sunce Winery, Graton Ridge, Balletto Vineyards, Alexander Valley Vineyards, Occidental Road Cellars, and Russian River Vineyards, as well as local foods to sample.

Sponsors and Supporters
This wonderful community event is made possible by the Sebastopol Chamber and sponsors including Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery, Balletto Vineyards, Pacatte Construction Co. Inc., Cottingham Mortgage Investments, Sonoma Bank, Peace in Medicine, Charlene Chan, Popeye's, Wells Fargo Bank, Eagle Distributing, Elephant Ear Systems, Sarah Gurney, and Exchange Bank. Festival and Parade sponsorships are still warmly welcomed.

This year you can be a Friend of the Festival for $100. Friends signed up to date include Curves, Chris Nelson, Becoming Independent, Odd Fellows Sebastopol, Bay Counties Pest Control, and Frazier Insurance.

Parade
The 64th Annual Apple Blossom Parade is a delight for the entire family. Everything from school marching bands to dachshunds in costume will delight the youngest to the oldest. Sebastopol comes alive as the flower-adorned floats, high-stepping horses, and five-year-old dancers march proudly down Main Street. The parade starts at 10:00 Saturday morning.

This is a festival for the whole community and for visitors from out of town. Please go to the Chamber of Commerce website, www.sebastopol.org for more and updated information.

Volunteer! Volunteers are needed for both the parade and the festival and include free admission. Call Karla at 823-3032 to find out where you can plug in.