Live music, arts and crafts, gourmet food, kids’ games, street
performers, microbrews and wine from local vineyards will all be
available in town during this weekend’s 30th anniversary Morgan
Hill Mushroom Mardi Gras festival.
MORGAN HILL
Live music, arts and crafts, gourmet food, kids’ games, street performers, microbrews and wine from local vineyards will all be available in town during this weekend’s 30th anniversary Morgan Hill Mushroom Mardi Gras festival.
The festivities will take place on the grounds of the Community and Cultural Center at 17000 Monterey Road, on the corner of East Dunne Avenue. On Saturday the Mardi Gras runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“We are anticipating great crowds this year with the great weather and (live music) headliners The Joe Sharino Band and The GrooveKings,” Minnich said.
The scheduled lineup on two stages also includes Shane Dwight, Fred McCarty and FourWay Tree.
Minnich said about 55,000 or so who attended the Mardi Gras last year, when poor weather and smoke from nearby wildfires kept many people at home. The forecast for this weekend calls for mostly sunshine and highs in the upper 70s.
And for the shopping enthusiast, this year’s festival will not be short on arts and crafts and other merchandise, with more than 200 booths sponsored by vendors from as far away as New York and Illinois.
“From fine arts and handmade crafts to marketplace vendors selling their merchandise, there’s something for everyone,” Minnich said. “From home and garden to jewelry, clothing and art, you will be sure to find something unique for yourself, family and friend.”
Two food courts will provide a variety of dining options, including gourmet cuisine from local nonprofit organizations, restaurants and caterers.
And holding down the fungal theme, Monterey Mushrooms will sponsor an interactive display on how mushrooms are grown and harvested, Minnich added.
The Munchkin Land kids’ area on Depot Street between Second and Third streets will feature a rock climbing wall, laser shooting and a baby changing and feeding area. Furthermore, the Morgan Hill farmers’ market will proceed as planned Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Third and Depot streets.
The Mushroom Mardi Gras is held annually as a fundraiser for education scholarship opportunities for local students. Last year, the festival raised about $32,000, and awarded scholarships to 32 applicants, despite overall revenue being down about 20 percent from the previous year, Minnich said.
Admission and parking for Mushroom Mardi Gras are free.
For more information, call 778-1786 or go to www.mhmushroommardigras.com.
