Weekend Happenings: San Anselmo Art and Wine Fest

Happy Fun Fact Friday! I'm posting just a few facts here and there for today though, because I'd like to tell you about a local event that could be your new plans for this weekend!

Steven Restivo Events

San Anselmo is having their annual Art and Wine festival, and if you're into local food, beer, art and family fun, then this will be a treat for you. And there's no entry fee!

Saturday the 27th and Sunday the 26th from 10 AM until 6 PM, there will be a beer and wine tasting pavilion, human and dog(!) fashion shows, hundreds of featured artists, live entertainment and much, much more! It's happening on San Anselmo avenue, so you'll also be walking by some of Marin's best shops and eateries, and public parking is at St. Anselm's School for just $5! Dogs are also welcome on leashes of course, and there's a pet retreat and water stations throughout the whole fest! Truly a treat for the whole family!

For more information, their website is here: Steven Restivo Events

I hope I can go by and do some beer and wine tasting, come back and let me know if you went and how it was!

Have a great weekend!

~Kelly Cranmer Valadez

Fun Fact Friday: Marin's Oldest

Marin County is one of the original 27 counties of California just after it adopted its constitution in 1849, and we have a long and rich history to boot. This week I stumbled upon a bunch of facts about some of Marin's long standing buildings and institutions, so that's what I'm bringing you on this Fun Fact Friday.

Marin's Oldest Buildings

Wikipedia

Mission San Rafael Arcángel, the mission on 4th street in downtown San Rafael, is the 20th of 21 missions up the coast of California, and it was built in 1817 by the Franciscan Order.

keepmarinmarin.org

The Marin County Civic Center was built by famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and was actually the last commissioned work of his life.

Pioneer Paper Mill in Lagunitas was the first paper mill on the west coast, and it was built in 1856 by Samuel Penfield Taylor.

noehill.com

The Greenbrae Brick Kiln is the only surviving structure of the Remillard Brick Company, one of the biggest producers of bricks on the Pacific coast. You can still see it's chimney from all over parts of Larkspur, Corte Madera, and Greenbrae, and it's now being used as a restaurant, the Melting Pot.

noehill.com

The Dixie School House on Las Gallinas is Marin County's only unaltered one room wooden school house, and it was built in 1864.

Marin's Oldest Businesses

Smiley's Schooner Saloon in Bolinas was established in 1851

Marin French Cheese Company in Petaluma was established in 1865

Diekmann's General Store in Tomales was established in 1867

 McNear Brick and Stock in San Rafael was established in 1885


I hope you enjoyed some of my old time facts for this Friday's post! What other old places around Marin or California do you love?

Have a great weekend!

~Kelly Cranmer Valadez

Fun Fact Friday

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Happy Friday! I love California, it's always been my home and hopefully always will be. We have the ocean, the desert, the mountains, vineyards... So in the name of california love, I'm going to start doing what I'd like to call Fun Fact Fridays, where every Friday I post a new exciting, awesome, or just down right weird, facts about my favorite state, California.

Today I'd love to start with some facts about my local area, Marin and San Francisco.

Before the Golden Gate Bridge was built, the fastest way to get to San Francisco was by Ferry, and the Sausalito Land and Ferry Company was launched in 1867.

Another Fact about the Golden Gate, did you know that the cables that suspend the bridge have enough steel wire in them to circle the planet 3.5 times?

Our area is also native to Coastal Redwood trees, which are some of the oldest trees in the world. They can live up to 2,000 years or more, and can get much taller than their cousins, the Sequoias, which are in the Sierras.

Did you know any of these local facts? What are some of your favorite facts about California?

Have a great day!

~Kelly Cranmer Valadez

38th Annual Fairfax Festival

fairfaxfestival.com

The weather report says it's going to be in the mid 70's this weekend, so it's the perfect time to head outside and go do something fun. If you're looking for something to do in this beautiful weather, you should definitely go check out the Fairfax Festival that's happening this weekend.

The Fairfax Festival is a volunteer based, community put together event, so it's like going to a big huge block party with all your friends! There is so much to do and see that I assure you, you won't be disappointed. There's great music playing at three different stages, crafts and vintage treasures to find, fresh foods, beer and organic wine tasting, and all of it local! They've also expanded their children's area for the little ones to explore and enjoy, and PureWater filtered water stands throughout so you never have to go far for refreshment.

It starts with the Family Film Night where they're showing The Lego Movie, in the Ballfield at 8:00 PM on Friday June 12th. Then there is a parade the next day at 10:00 AM that kicks off the weekend's festivities with a bang!

Growing up in Fairfax was an amazing experience. I love the small town atmosphere, the shops and the downtown where everyone knows each other, and of course our once a week treat, M&G Burgers, which I still frequent! It was a cool town growing up and it's an even cooler town now, so join me this weekend at this year's festival and enjoy the reason why so many people call Fairfax their home.

For more information and a link to their website: Fairfax Festival

Have a great day!

~Kelly Cranmer Valadez