A tradition to keep arts alive in the Santa Maria community

SANTA MARIA, CA, USA, September 16, 2016 /EINPresswire.com/ -- (Santa Maria, Calif.) – The annual Autumn Arts Festival is a time to celebrate the harvest season, local artists, fabulous wine and tasty handcrafted beers. Now in its 33rd year, the festival takes place on Saturday, October 1st from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the McClelland Civic Corridor at the 400-600 blocks of South McClelland Street.

“We invite visitors to partake in a day of art demonstrations, beer and wine tasting, live entertainment, great food, arts and crafts vendors, family-friendly activities, a chalk art exposé, a scarecrow decorating contest, a car show and a fine arts show,” said Cindy Hoskins, recreation supervisor at the City of Santa Maria. “These are all the fun-filled activities that everyone can enjoy to celebrate the season.”

Founded in 1983, the City of Santa Maria and the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, Visitor & Convention Bureau established the largest and longest running beer and wine festival in Santa Maria. The festival is free.

The highlight of the festival is the beer and wine tasting from 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. hosted by the Santa Maria Noontime Kiwanis Club at the Elks Field behind the Abel Maldonado Center. This is a nonprofit event generously provided by local brewers, wineries and local distributors, and served entirely by volunteers. 100 percent of the net proceeds from admission and sponsors will benefit local nonprofit organizations and their programs. Tickets are $25 per person in advance, or $30 at the door. Reserve or festival tables can also be purchased in advance.

The scarecrows are coming to the 2nd annual Scarecrow Decorating Contest. The contest is an opportunity for residents and participating merchants, organizations and schools to create a traditional, whimsical, humorous or fictional
scarecrow to engage in their community and spread goodwill. Participants will be able to create a scarecrow and place it in front of their home, school or storefront. Scarecrow entries are free and awards will be given to the best and most creative photo submission.

The festival will showcase a fine arts show where artists residing anywhere from Santa Ynez to the Five Cities are welcome to exhibit their creative masterpieces at the show. A cash prize and people’s choice ribbon will be awarded. There will be a Chalk Art Exposé that will enable participants to create their chalk masterpiece at the event. In addition, there will be a car show featuring motorcycles, hot rods, classic cars, low-riders and bikes fit for a car enthusiast.

Sponsors contribute to the success and continuity of the event, this year’s sponsors are: People for Leisure and Youth (PLAY), Inc., Santa Maria Kiwanis, Santa Maria Arts Council, Los Padres Artists Guild, Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, Town Center Gallery, American General Media, KSBY, Coca Cola, Del Taco and Searchlight Properties.

For more information, please contact the City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department at (805) 925-0951 ext. 2349 or by emailing choskins@cityofsantamaria.org. Visit smartsfest.com to submit your application for participation in the event.

Serving the greater Santa Maria Valley in the heart of California’s Central Coast, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor & Convention Bureau is a nonprofit association that facilitates local tourism and provides information on the region’s many attractions and visitor services. Famed for its fine wines, natural wonders, agricultural heritage and flavorful barbecue, the Santa Maria Valley offers a broad range of cultural, sporting and historical experiences. For details on Santa Maria Valley lodging, wine tasting, travel deals and e-newsletter alerts, visit santamariavisitor.com or call (800) 331-3779.

Chrisie Yabu
KPS3
775-686-7437
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