The annual Aromas Day event is set for Sunday. According to organizers, Aromas Day is a day of fun for everyone with live music all day, wonderful food, lots of goodies to find in our vendor booths and art in front of the park with wonderful artworks by the Aromas Hills Artisans.
Music in the Park
A group of locals are organizing an upcoming “Music in the Park” series at Dunne Park.
The free concerts are set for Saturday, Sept. 26 and Oct. 24, according to Greg Harvey, one of the organizers and owner of Joshua Inn Bed & Breakfast. Harvey has been working with Mary Paxton and Tina Garza from the City of Hollister along with the Mr. O’s Academy of the Arts in putting the shows together. For the first concert, it will feature Mr. O’s Jazz Band and David Huboi and the Architecturals. It is set for 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Dunne Park, Seventh and West streets. Organizers encourage visitors to have a picnic on the lawn for the event. Organizers are not selling food or drink at this time. Families are encouraged to bring a low back chair, blanket and picnic, according to an announcement.
Aromas Day
The annual Aromas Day event is set for Sunday. According to organizers, Aromas Day is a day of fun for everyone with live music all day, wonderful food, lots of goodies to find in our vendor booths and art in front of the park with wonderful artworks by the Aromas Hills Artisans.
The day starts with a Grange country-style breakfast featuring eggs, pancakes, ham & sausage from 7 – 11am. Enjoy pony rides, games for kids and the petting zoo. See classic cars and scale the climbing wall. There’s a mix of acts on the main stage offering free entertainment all day long; the highlight of the day is the parade through town at 2 pm.
Oriana Chorale rehearses
Oriana Chorale is “calling all singers” for the 2015 Winter Concerts that will be performed in December. If you have been looking for somewhere to use or develop your vocal talent, Oriana Chorale can be a place for you, according to the group. If you have sung with us in the past please come back, we’ve missed you. You will enjoy performing again in these events that kick-off the holidays in San Benito County. All voices are needed, altos, tenors and basses are especially welcome. No auditions are required. It is Mondays beginning Monday, at 7:15-9:30 p.m. at Hollister United Methodist Church, 521 Monterey St. in Hollister. Concerts will be at the St. Benidict Catholic Church, First Presbytarian Church in Hollister and the Mission San Juan Bautista. For more information call (831) 637-8188.
Una Noche de Música
The Hollister Dual Language Academy Presents its Una Noche de Música, the third annual school fundraiser, on Aug. 29 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Bolado Park. Come support the school while you enjoy the live music from Naked in Vegas and DJ Sergio. There will be raffles, silent auctions, music, dancing, beer and wine bar and food. For more information and for tickets to this 21-and-over event, go to www.HDLAParentsClub.com
LEAD Institute applications
LEAD Institute is accepting applications from nonprofit managers for its 2016 class, according to the Community Foundation for San Benito County. Through seminars, applied learning in the workplace and one-on-one coaching, participants learn a broad range of leadership and nonprofit management skills, preparing them to expand their role in organizational leadership teams, according to the group. Information Sessions about the LEAD Institute will be offered 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 2 in Hollister, where applicants and their supervisors can learn more about this exciting professional development opportunity. Visit http://cfmco.eventbrite.com to sign up to attend an information session. The LEAD application deadline is Oct. 15, with an early-bird discount of 10% for applications submitted by Oct. 1. LEAD Institute seminars take place February through November 2016. Visit www.cfmco.org/LEAD to download the application and find complete details; and
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or call (831) 375-9712 with any questions.
Civil War Days
The San Benito County Historical Society is hosting its annual Civil War Days gathering Sept. 11-13 at the San Benito County Historical Park in Tres Pinos. The Civil War Reenactment where people dress as members of both sides of the conflict is traditionally held over this weekend. For more on the event, go to sbchistoricalsociety.org.
Kinship Food & Wine fundraiser
The Kinship Center Gabilan Chapter’s annual Food & Wine fundraiser at Paicines Ranch is held each September at the historic Paicines Ranch in Tres Pinos. This year’s event is Saturday, Sept. 12. Tickets are $50 and may be purchased online at senecacenter.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/GabilanWineFoodTasting2015/BuyTickets/tabid/696992/Default.aspx. Ticket prices will increase to $55 on Aug. 29. For more information on the chapter, its events, or to find out how to become a member, please call (831) 634-0238.
Casino trip fundraiser
Local seniors are organizing another trip to Table Mountain & Tachi Palace Casino set for Sept. 12. Departure time is 7 a.m. from the Hollister Community Center with a return time of 9 p.m. The cost is $30 with no refunds without a special replacement. It includes $15 of free play and a $5 food voucher at each casino. Anyone over 21 is welcome. There will be a drawing for two free passes for the trip if there is a full bus. For information, call (831) 637-9275 and make checks payable to JdA Senior Services.
Little Joe & La Familia
The Mexican American Committee on Education of San Benito County presents the popular and renowned Chicano, all-time, five-time Grammy award winner Little Joe & La Familia celebrating Cultura in San Benito County. It is set for 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sept. 12 at Bolado Park, 9000 Airline Highway in Tres Pinos. It is also featuring the best Tex-Mex band around, The Silveradoz Band & Sergio Martinez. Tickets are $50 with all sold in advance, with none sold at the door. For information, call (831) 245-6971.
Northern California Renaissance Faire
The Northern California Renaissance Faire is set for Sept. 19 to Oct. 18 at Casa de Fruta along the Pacheco Pass Highway. The renaissance faire recreates a village from the middle ages and includes such entertainment jousting, concerns, guilds and musicians along with an array of crafts, food, games and themed weekends. Tickets are $25 for the day, $35 for a weekend pass or $150 for the season pass. There is also a two-for-one coupon available on the event website. For more information, go to norcalrenfaire.com.
Casa seeks adult volunteers
CASA of San Benito County is looking for adult volunteers to become child advocates for local foster youth in need. The next volunteer training session will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting Sept. from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and ending Oct. 26. There is no special background or education required to become an advocate, just someone who is willing to spend a few hours each month making a difference in a foster child’s life. To know more, please visit www.casasanbenito.org or call (831) 637-4992.
San Benito County Fair
The 2015 San Benito County Fair kicks off with the Fair Horse Show activities the weekend of September 25-27. Oct. 1 is the official first day with the opening of full fair activities. The run of the fair includes livestock shows, expanded entertainment, food vendors, commercial exhibitors, amusements, the Taste of San Benito, Heritage Foundation activities, and more. The four-day run of the fair concludes on Oct. 4. The fair office may be reached at (831) 628-3421 or at 9000 Airline Highway for ticket purchase or information on the 2015 event. Individuals may also visit www.sanbenitocountyfair.com.
Mexican Independence Day
Come celebrate Mexican Independence Day in Downtown Hollister with downtown’s annual parade starting at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 13. For more information, contact Ruben Rodriquez at (831) 902-5103.
San Benito Olive Festival
The San Benito Olive Festival is set for Oct. 17. It is the 3rd annual gourmet celebration of local agriculture and culinary delights! Visitors can taste award-winning olive oils, artisanal foods, and fine chocolates. They can discover world-class wines and craft beers or become inspired by celebrity chef cooking demonstrations. Mingle with local growers and creators. Enjoy live music, hands-on crafts, and more. Foodies and families are welcome. For more information, go to sanbenitoolivefestival.com.
Pet Friends Fur Ball
Pet Friends’ third annual Fur Ball dinner/dance is set for 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Oct. 24 at Ridgemark Golf & Country Club, 3800 Airline Highway, Hollister. Tickets are $40 per person. There will be a raffle along with life and silent auctions to benefit the organization. For tickets, call Pet Friends at (831) 634-1191 or get them at Postal Graphics, Country Groomers or Ridgemark.
Downtown Farmers Market
The Downtown Hollister Certified Farmers’ Market is every Wednesday from 3 p.m.-7:30 p.m. through Sept. 30. Located on San Benito Street between Fourth and Seventh streets, it includes such items as fresh produce, flowers, organic meat and poultry, specialty baked goods (including gluten free), local olive oils, honey, sausages, barbecue items, free entertainment, culinary demonstrations and more. Call Market Manager Tammy Jackson at (408) 804-1234 for questions about being a vendor at the market.
Pinnacles Condor Experience
The Pinnacles Condor Experience is an educational fundraiser benefiting Pinnacles Partnership and our Pinnacles Condor Fund. Join condor trackers and protectors, Pinnacles National Park staff, and other experts in condors, birding, botany, wildlife, and geology for an unforgettable eight hours in Pinnacles National Park. Begin this day-long adventure at 8:30 a.m. in a Pinnacles classroom learning about the California Condor and Pinnacles’ birds, geology, flora and fauna and history. Throughout the day, learn about the collaboration between public and private agencies including Pinnacles National Park, and volunteers who work with them, that operate the Condor Restoration Program. The science, technology, dedication, and human goodwill behind this work to protect and preserve the endangered California Condor are inspiring. After the hike, join again with other participants, guides, and teachers for a simple, in-park meal that revisits the day’s adventures and wraps up lingering questions. It is set for 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 10, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5. It is limited to 15 people per hike and is $150 per person.