Page 44 - Sonoma County Gazette - August 2018

Bodega Seafood Art & Wine Festival
Nearly sixty Bodega Bay residents braved the horrendous summer traffic to attend the excellent presentation by the Rancho Bodega Historical Society about the background of the Smith Family who started
the fishing industry in Bodega Bay. The presentation was very well done, and heightened by the presence of many actual members of the Smith family. The program, which was held in the Bodega Coast Inn.
I hope you’re all getting excited for this month’s activities! After going to the Big Event on Sunday August 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., head to The Seafood, Art and Wine Festival. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on August 25 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on August 26, 2018. Located at Watts Ranch - 16855 Bodega Highway, Bodega
If you love food, music, local beer and wine, beautiful artwork, or fun activities - you cannot miss this event.
The local nicknames (like Tooch and Pinky) were apparently initiated by the Smith family (who apparently had a good sense of humor) with the added benefit of discussion by those who actually knew them.
Simply the most harmonic blend of wonderful people, irresistible consumables, interesting things to see and fun things to do. It is known as one of the best food, art, and wine/beer festivals in California.
The President of the Society, Susan Teel, helped put together a very informative and interesting meeting. Special Kudoes go to Robin Rudderow. A video by Marlene Smith was impressive and the presentation on the Smith Family by Matthew Young Smith was well done. One of the most interesting and well presented story was done by Tooch Columbo. It had just the right of personal experience and a base of knowledge to make it an excellent job. The personal touch, especially about what their Miwok ancestors faced and the contributions of all the early settlers to the present day fishing industry was fascinating. Most of us were surprised by the degree of prejudice the Native Americans of this area suffered.
There are going to be three entertainment stages. The Main Stage headliner on Saturday is The Highway Poets, a local rock and soul band, and on Sunday it
is Pride and Joy, a popular Bay Area soul and funk band. The expansive dance floor is full of people most of the weekend. Show up also for the swinging jazz band Stompy Jones, accordion and zydeco musician Andre Thierry, world and latin beat band Sang Matiz, and others. The Wine Stage showcases more eclectic music like Angus Richardson with some hypnotic Celtic rock and the playful Western Swing Caravan.
Our FireFighters hosted an excellent pancake breakfast. The Grange hall was quite full and people seemed happy and supportive of the sponsoring Fire Fighters. Many stayed to support the community again by attending the chili feed sponsored by Sharon Corbett and Amanda Bryant. Not only was it good chili, the auction which followed was active and good natured (the money was being raised to buy an ATV for the rangers who patrol beaches, like Doran Beach Rangers.
This event is family friendly with its rockwall, jump house, slide, face painting, henna, and a giant black and white color-in festival mural which is fun for everyone. We’re warmly welcoming back Captain Jack Spareribs for some great entertainment along with Calvin Kai Ku who will blow us away with magic and acrobatics.
Community meetings re: MAC: Supervisor Linda Hopkins was her usual charming self, but the full house was not as supportive as she had hoped. The institution of a MAC to provide more representation of the coastal area is a concept that the Board of Supervisors has been discussing. The meetings in the varied communities focus on which entities will be members; but the coastal zone also includes Valley Ford, and Bodega. The areas run up to Sea Ranch and include Annapolis and Sea Ranch.
The main attractions are commonly some of the 15 various food vendors. So much seafood and other tasty treats will have your mouth watering, melting, then craving more. There will be countless options to choose from to please everybody in the group and keep you going back for more. I know I will be heading for the oysters, ceviche, crab specialties, and some chocolate covered bacon for dessert.
The Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) is advisory only. (SEE page 38 &
39 in tis issue) The Collaberative members ran the program, with Janet Moore opening the meeting. The question presented was “Should Bodega Bay have a MAC.” The bottom line: does the community (no matter what the dimensions) WANT another agency. The next town meeting will be in the fall of 2018.
There will be at least 75 different advanced artist and crafter booths. You will find jewelry, ceramics, photography, sculpture, glass, metal, wood, leather, mixed media, wearables, artisan foods and two-dimensional art amongst other things.
Sometimes the community really reaches out. Two wonderful women, Naomi and Maggie, realized that the youth of our community were looking for a program outside the regular church to be together, and talk and play games. Initially a program was at the church. They changed the locale, but they kept their devotion to Maggie and Naomi (who were driving all the way to Marshall to pick them up). The Grange volunteered to let them meet there and prepare a supper, and spend Friday night playing games and talking.
The festival will be flooded with 50 wineries, micro breweries, and cider makers. You can pay only $20 for a commemorative glass and six tastes of your choice. Some fermented libations are also available for purchase. Participating companies include Alexander Valley, Cline Cellars, Korbel, Jacuzzi Family, Frey Vineyards, Lagunitas, Bear Republic, Mad River, Sierra Nevada, North Coast, Mutt Lynch Winery, 2 Tread Brewing, Flint & Steel Wines, Booch Craft and Old Possum.
Those of us who put together the Community Caroling hope these young people join us; and YES—Maggie and Naomi have offered to help. It’s worth coming out just to hear Naomi sing O Holy Night.
A large portion of the proceeds go to two key non-profits:
Ours is a community of talent. People like John Hershey are always coming up with fascinating projects. (Of course not all of us are as skillful
at photography as he is, but we totally support him.) He is working on a workpiece entitled The Faces of Bodega Bay. I know it will be excellent—so keep your eyes tuned. If you have a chance get his older book, Bodega Bay Shorelines & ShoreBirds. It is wonderful.
Most people enjoyed the holiday, Fourth of July. Some of the fireworks were inappropriate (in the State park, ) but overall most people followed the rules. Remember we are a country of laws—not tweets.
Remember to stand up for what you know is right, and above all, BE KIND.
SPACE limits printing ALL of this column this month. Please read the REST of the story only at SonomaCountyGazette.com Tab is TOWNS - Bodega Bay
the Bodega Volunteer Fire Department and the Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods which partners with California State Parks in the Sonoma Coast and Russian River region, and will have exciting and interactive environmental displays for all ages.
Admission is free for 12 and under, discounted for seniors, teens and military, $15 for adults in advance and $20 at the gate. Visit bodegaseafoodfestival.com for tickets or more information
44 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 8/18
The Bodega Bay CERT will hold a meeting August 13 to talk about the Chances of Wildland Fire in Bodega Bay.