Historically, artists from around the world have gathered and even relocated to West Sonoma County where the power of Mother Nature is said to be strong enough to guide one through the creative process.
That natural beauty drew artists Janet Ciel and Mike Ecton to create the Bodega Seafood, Art and Wine Festival almost 20 years ago. “Amazing food and people having the best time ever means everything,” said Ciel about the festival that draws 10,000 people annually and benefits Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods and the Bodega Volunteer Fire Department.
The 19th Annual Bodega Seafood, Art, and Wine Festival will take place on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Watts Ranch in Bodega, where Alfred Hitchcock filmed his classic thriller, “The Birds.”
Don’t be fooled by the festival name, however. Seafood, art and wine may be in the title but there are also plenty of vegetarian and non-seafood selections, an impressive selection of micro-brews and live entertainment.
Developing a festival with the highest quality arts and crafts in the area was part of the impetus behind attracting a collection of talented craftspeople. Between 80 and 100 craft exhibitors from California and other parts of the country set up shop at the event annually, creating a diverse marketplace of artwork and crafts.
Brooke Gulineur is a seasoned participant/vendor who will join many other returning artists at this year’s Seafood, Art and Wine Festival. “I love the food, fun and music and that this is a local event. It’s not big and commercial,” said Gulineur, who will be selling her jewelry there. Ocean-inspired designs incorporating freshwater pearls and shells are a few of her specialties but Gulineur works with semi-precious stones as well. The Novato-based jewelry maker has made the festival a part of her business for half a decade.
Raving about a hot crab Panini and fish tacos, Ceil said there’s no doubt that the festival cuisine keeps not only the public but the artists coming back. “This year there will be a great vegetarian presence,” said Ceil, who is welcoming Lydia’s Organics for the first time. Chefs specializing in Caribbean and Greek food and Paella will also be on tap this year.
As far as festival food favorites go, Ceil couldn’t seem to single out just one, and she’s not alone. Not surprisingly, she did say, “There is always a huge line for the oysters.” Finding just the right micro-brew to complement the delicacy shouldn’t be a problem with beers by Woodfour Brewing Co., Anderson Valley Brewing Co., Bear Republic Brewing Co., 21st Amendment, Hanger 24 and more available.
As the festival name suggests, wine is also a centerpiece of the celebration. Not only will there be a designated area for wine tasting but there will also be a wine store for the first time. “It’s something that we’ve wanted to do for a long time,” said Ceil. Wine will be sold in close proximity to the tasting. “It will be nice because people can taste the wine and then buy it,” said Ceil, noting that not all the wineries that are pouring are selling wine.
Alexander Vineyards, Cline Cellars, Korbel Owl Ridge, Frey Vineyards and Allegro are just a small sample of those that will be pouring at the Seafood, Art, and Wine Festival this year.
The festival will also showcase locally produced gourmet food items like toffee, baked goods, olives and spices in the food product tent. Many of the treats will be available for sampling and purchase.
The weekend wouldn’t be complete however, without a lineup of performing artists. A full schedule of musical and non-musical entertainment awaits attendees. Juggling, comedy and children’s activities will be part of the festival along with a range of bands featuring blues, jazz, world beat, Latin, Zydeco and more.
The dance floor is generally pretty packed and the popular local band DGINN will likely get the dance crowd started first thing on Saturday morning when they take the stage at 11 a.m. DGINN is known for its unique style of music that incorporates a number of cultural influences, with many of the songs sung mainly in French. The music and entertainment will last all weekend and the festival boasts three stages.
For more information about the Bodega Seafood, Art and Wine Festival, visit www.winecountryfestivals.com. Tickets can be purchased on the website and a full schedule of entertainment and vendor information is also available. General admission to the festival is $15 at the gate or $12 in advance. Discounts are offered for children, teens and seniors. Watt’s Ranch is located at 16855 Bodega Hwy. in Bodega.
Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods and
the Bodega Volunteer Fire Department
to Benefit from the Festival
“This is a great fundraiser for us,” said a grateful Annie Crisswell, administrative director for Stewards, a non-profit that works in partnership with the Russian River sector of California State Parks to promote, restore and protect state parks. Developing and implementing environmental education programs, mobilizing volunteers, fundraising and resource management are just a few contributions that Stewards makes on behalf of local state parks.
The non-profit has been instrumental in keeping parks like Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, Austin Creek State Recreation Area and Sonoma Coast State Park open and accessible to the public. Some of Stewards’ signature public education programs like Whale Watch at Bodega Head have been in the works since 1986, and each year the organization seems to add more education. Visit www.stewardsofthecoastandredwoods.org for more information and to obtain a full list of public education programs.
Books, games, puppets, general information, t-shirts and sweatshirts are some of the items that will be on hand at the Stewards booth located just inside the entrance at the Seafood, Art and Wine Festival. The festival tends to draw a crowd that is very interested in learning more about the non-profit. “It is a great opportunity for education and outreach,” said Crisswell.
The Bodega Fire Department really is 100 percent volunteer, and the money that they receive from the festival proceeds will be used for training firefighters and making station improvements.
Located in close proximity to beaches and busy coastal highways, the volunteer firefighters answer a large number of medical aid and distress calls that increases annually. Car accidents, falls on coastal cliffs, and a host of other emergencies keep the station busy.
Fifteen active firefighters make up the volunteer team that also aids neighboring Bodega Bay Fire Department with mutual aid and station coverage.
