Sacramento, CA: Sacramento Comedy Festival’s Host Hotel, Vagabond Inn Executive

This September, Sacramento travelers and locals alike will celebrate comedic genius at the 3rd annual Sacramento Comedy Festival with 8-days of laughs at the Sacramento Comedy Spot. The festival features a mix of national stand-up comedians, improv groups, sketch comedy shows, live podcast recordings and a stand-up comedy competition.

The Sacramento Comedy Festival starts Friday Sept. 13 and continues through Saturday Sept. 21. The festival was created in 2011 by Brian Crall, comedian and owner of The Sacramento Comedy Spot, and has grown from a 4-day event to a full 8-day festival in just three years. This year, the stand-up competition has been added to give comics from all over the US the chance to compete for a $1000 grand prize.

For this year’s festival, Vagabond Inn Executive Sacramento-Old Town will serve as the host hotel and is offering special rates with mention of “Sacramento Comedy Festival” while making a reservation. The 108-room hotel, located just off I-5 and a half a black from Old Town Sacramento, is a 2013 Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence winner.

At the Vagabond Inn Executive, guests receive a free daily breakfast, free WiFi, a heated pool, spa, fitness room and comfortable, updated rooms. Also, for added convenience, there is a restaurant on the premises and a complimentary shuttle to Sacramento International Airport, train and bus stations and free parking for all guests.


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Vagabond Inn Executive Sacramento-Old Town
909 Third St.
Sacramento CA, 95814
Vagabond Inn
(916) 446-1481.

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Sausalito, CA: Sausalito Artists at Work

Labor Day Weekend meet more than 20 artists as they work in their San Francisco bay side studios at the free Sausalito Artists @ Work event. While many artists around the country open their doors to the public, this event is different, as you will have the opportunity to see art being made. Observing art as it happens builds a connection between the viewer, the artist, and art object; offering the viewer insight into the motivations for the work.

Explore inside the ICB Art Studios August 31st, September 1st and 2nd from 11am to 6pm for this yearly event. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe each artist's unique approach to the creative process. Visitors will discover artists working in a variety of media including; painting, sculpture, stained glass and digital arts.

"A growing number of my collectors purchase pieces they have observed in process. I think many
people like to meet the artist in person before making their purchase", says Sausalito Artist @ Work, Sue Averell. Most of the Sausalito Artists welcome visitors throughout the year by appointment. If your Labor Day Weekend plans are full, contact the studios to schedule a studio visit with your favorite artists.

For the 6th year in a row Sausalito Artists @ Work open their studios Labor Day Weekend. The ICB Art Studios are a 10 minute walk from the Sausalito Art Festival and a 15 minute drive from San Francisco. Stroll the halls of the ICB Art Studios and discover artists creating new and fascinating works of art.

The ICB Art Studios are home to almost 100 artists and offer visitors the opportunity to see inside the working studios of some of the Bay Area's most talented artists. Nestled close to the San Francisco Bay, toward the North end of Sausalito, is this landmark historic building, steeped in the area's ship building roots, and rekindled by the creative juices of a vibrant community of artists.


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Sausalito Artists @ Work
Labor Day Weekend 2013
The ICB Art Studios
480 Gate Five Road, Sausalito
Saturday, Sunday & Monday
August 31, September 1, 2
11am to 6pm

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Long Beach, CA: The Queen Mary Delicious Chili & Brewfest 9.1

1st Year Culinary and Craft Beer Festival Added to the Ship’s Labor Day Weekend Event Lineup

The Queen Mary is pleased to announce the inaugural Delicious Chili & Brewfest will be joining the exciting list of events planned on the ship and surrounding grounds over the Labor Day holiday weekend. The first-year festival will take place on Sunday, Sept. 1 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Queen Mary’s beautiful Waterfront Events Park and celebrate the best in culinary and local breweries.

Delicious Chili & Brewfest will present various local food and craft beer vendors and an extreme chili cook-off featuring some of the best Southern California chefs. Chefs interested in participating in the chili cook-off can obtain more information and submit to compete in the event online here. Delicious will also offer live entertainment and a family friendly Kid’s Country where the little ones can keep busy with obstacle courses, a bounce house, games, face painting and much more.

General admission tickets for Delicious Chili & Brewfest start at just $10. VIP experiences are available beginning at $39 and include early VIP admission, a souvenir mug, five tasting tickets and access to a VIP lounge.

Delicious Chili & Brewfest is just one of the many special events planned at the Queen Mary over the Labor Day holiday weekend. The festivities begin with the Art Deco Festival, celebrating the opulence of “The Great Gatsby” era, Aug. 30 – Sept. 2. Shoreline Jam music festival follows with Pepper, Tomorrow’s Bad Seeds and more artists performing on Saturday, Aug. 31. The Delicious Chili & Brewfest will then premier on Sun., Sept. 1. More information and tickets to all of the holiday events and activities at the Queen Mary can be found by visiting The Queen Mary online.


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The Queen Mary
1126 Queens Highway
Long Beach, CA 90802
Information: (877) 342-0738
Hotel Reservations: (877) 342-0742
QUEENMARY.COM

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San Diego, CA: 5th San Diego Spirits Festival August 24-25

San Diego Spirits Festival and San Diego Cocktail Week highlight the cocktail and culinary community and the talented bartenders and chefs who are shaking up San Diego’s vibrant scene. Its all about Cocktails, Culinary and Culture set on San Diego Bay! San Diego Spirits Festival is all about Lifestyle, make San Diego your Lifestyle Destination and Join for Year 5!

SHAKE it UP at the end of summer in San Diego, August 24-25, with a fresh and booming cocktail and culinary scene at the San Diego Spirits Festival! The preeminent West Coast COCKTAIL CULINARY and CULTURAL event where the world of CRAFT spirits, high profile liquors and fine cuisine unite overlooking a sun-drenched San Diego Bay and make a huge splash! You know it's bound to be a party when MÖTLEY CRÜE front man VINCE NEIL showcases his Tatuado Vodka at the San Diego Spirits Festival with a spectacular launch.

This one of a kind weekend, held at the spacious Port Pavilion, brings together hundreds of distinct liquors and gourmet morsels in a festive and fun loving environment. Sample any of the spirits you come across, whetting your whistle with tasty tequilas, raucous rums, magnetic moonshines, vivacious vodkas, genteel gins, wild whiskeys, marvelous mezcals, and more.

Need to fill up a bit? Delicious cuisine is on hand for your culinary needs as well. During the day, witness cocktail battles, pitting expert bartenders against one another, along with chef/bartender battles, burlesque shows, samba dancers and even a craft beer section.

For information or to get your all Inclusive tickets with UNLIMITED TASTINGS visit San Diego Spirits Festival.


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San Diego Spirits Festival
Contact Liz Edwards
5580 La Jolla Blvd, #436 La Jolla CA 92037
Venue - San Diego Spirits Festival
Port Pavilion On Broadway Pier
1000 N. Harbor Dr.
San Diego, CA 92101
858-551-1605

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San Diego: San Diego RV Resort

San Diego RV Resort simplifies the all-important family vacation with activities that will delight parents and children alike. The brand new San Diego 5-Day Trolley Itinerary uses the MTS Trolley, located just moments from the resort, to help families explore the area’s top attractions with ease.

This itinerary hits all the major sites in San Diego, beginning with San Diego Zoo. Day two takes visitors to the wild waters of SeaWorld and neighboring beaches. After all the sun and fun of days one and two, SDRV recommends hopping the trolley to Old Town for a low-key day touring historical buildings and enjoying a delicious meal at a family-friendly Mexican restaurant. Day four is all about downtown and features Little Italy, Gaslamp Quarter, the USS Midway Museum and Seaport Village. With just one day left to explore, take the trolley downtown and board the ferry for a quick 15-minute sail to famous Coronado Island. Coronado Beach, voted the country's best beach in 2012, gives parents a chance to relax on the last day of vacation while the kids build sandcastles and play in calm waves.

Thanks to San Diego RV Resort’s ideal location and budget-friendly pricing, families can make the most of their Southern California trip without breaking the bank. View San Diego RV Resort’s 5-Day Trolley Itinerary in its entirety at http://www.sdrvresort.com.

About San Diego RV Resort:
San Diego RV Resort, a Sunland RV Resort property, puts the best of Southern California at your fingertips. The award-winning San Diego RV Resort is centrally located with convenient freeway access. Spacious lots with full hookups and quality amenities welcome guests; while nearby attractions ensure there is never a dull moment. Our comfortable, pet-friendly enviroment is the perfect location for short trips or extended stays. To learn more, visit http://www.sdrvresort.com.

San Diego RV Resort‎

7407 Alvarado Road San Diego, CA 91941 (877) 717-6667

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Orange, CA: Spin! Neapolitan Pizza

SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza’s first franchise location is now open in Southern California in the City of Orange near Honda Center and Angels Stadium of Anaheim in Orange County. The restaurant is operated by Hofman Hospitality Group (HHG), which has completed a franchise agreement to open 37 SPIN!® restaurants throughout Southern California. SPIN!’s award-winning, premium fast-casual concept is known for its exceptional artisan food made from fresh ingredients without the gourmet price, its eclectic, affordable premium wines, and its inviting and warm culture and environment.

SPIN!’s first franchisee, HHG, also founded and operates two successful restaurant concepts in the West including 17 Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que locations in California, Arizona and Nevada, and five Hof’s Hut restaurants in Southern California. HHG will open a second SPIN! in early 2014 in Los Alamitos, Calif.

Named a “Breakout Brand” in 2013 by restaurant industry authority Nation’s Restaurant News and honored as one of the “Rest of the 101 Best Restaurants” in the nation by top foodie website TheDailyMeal.com, SPIN! serves authentic Neapolitan pizza coupled with the types of salads, sandwiches and sides that appeal to a more healthful and eclectic American palate. One of its more popular pizzas, the Margherita, was crowned one of the best dishes of 2012 by a national restaurant publication, its architecture won Best of Show, and it has been awarded best pizza honors by numerous publications in its hometown of Kansas City.

Unique Distinctions:

SPIN! was founded in 2005 by restaurant industry veterans Gail and Richard Lozoff and Edwin Brownell, who are experienced in large multi-unit expansion, franchising, and operations. The Lozoffs had visited pizzerias across Italy and wanted to create a warm and fun modern dining experience built around the earthy flavors of Italy with a fresh and healthy emphasis. They partnered with James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Smith to create a broadly appealing menu that features authentic Neapolitan pizza with a modern culinary twist. The award-winning concept has five locations in Greater Kansas City with a sixth under construction.

“At SPIN!, our goal is to serve a perfetta (perfect) pizza to every guest and to make each guest feel totally cared for,” said Gail Lozoff. “In Italy, pizza is an important part of the fabric of life, shared almost every day with friends and family. We wanted to bring that casual, delicious experience to the U.S. and are thrilled to have found a like-minded franchise partner like Craig Hofman.”

SPIN! also is recognized for its pioneering hybrid service model, which combines traditional
fast-casual ordering in the restaurant’s lobby with a robust full-service experience at the table. The “premium fast-casual” system is more appealing to diners, such as families and employees on lunch break, who want to control the speed of their meal without sacrificing service.

Craig Hofman, president of HHG, says SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza’s unique service model, authentic Neapolitan pizza, and menu offer a new kind of dining experience in Southern California. “Before I partnered with the founders of SPIN!, I was on a quest to create my own Neapolitan pizza brand. When I first visited SPIN! in Kansas City, the menu and the attention to quality and innovation immediately impressed me. I am convinced that SPIN! will appeal tremendously to pizza and fresh artisan food lovers here in Orange County,” said Hofman.

Lauded by Food Critics and Guests:

SPIN! offers a diverse selection of hand-spun, stone-fired, traditional thin-and-bubbly crust, rustic whole wheat crust, and gluten-free pizzas. SPIN!’s pizza dough is made fresh every day using several types of flour including one imported directly from Italy, and its gluten free crust is renowned for its flavor. SPIN! takes the unique step of roasting all toppings and ingredients in its stone hearth ovens each day, including mushrooms, caramelized onions, artichokes, and even capers, pecans, pineapples, pine nuts, and pancetta. SPIN! offers both traditional Pizza Rossa (red pizzas with crushed Roma tomato sauce) and Pizza Bianca (white pizzas with roasted garlic olive oil glaze), and a variety of hand-grated cheeses.

SPIN! also offers a variety of appetizers, soups, salads, signature Panini and Italian deli sandwiches, and gelato. All of SPIN!’s soups, salad dressings, pizza toppings, and ingredients are prepared fresh daily from fresh produce and meats.

Wine enthusiasts will appreciate SPIN!’s approach, which centers on offering a wide variety of premium wines well below traditional full-service restaurant prices. SPIN! also offers white, red and blood orange sangrias and a selection of craft beers.

SPIN!’s new Orange, Calif. location is at 1623 West Katella. SPIN! also has Missouri locations in Kansas City and Lee’s Summit and Kansas locations in Overland Park, Lenexa, and Olathe. For more information, please visit http://www.spinpizza.com.

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Camarillo, CA: Casa Pacifica Wine and Food Festival

The Casa Pacifica Angels are very excited to present the 20th Anniversary of the Casa Pacifica Angels Wine and Food Festival hosted by the Zarley and Van Huisen families! Twenty years of wonderful history in bringing great food, wines, brews, and entertainment to Ventura County for all to enjoy. Twenty years of expanding from just a few restaurants and wineries to featuring exhibitors from all over California. Twenty years of growing to now offer the largest Silent Auction in Ventura County. Twenty years of providing significant support for vital programs and services of Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families through the event’s proceeds, essentially providing for our community’s most vulnerable children – abused, neglected, and at-risk youth – and their families. Sunday, June 2nd, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at California State University Channel Islands will be a special day, marking and celebrating the invaluable support of the community for Casa Pacifica in a festive, joyful, and unmatched fun-filled atmosphere!

The Angels are also looking forward to holding the 3rd Annual Yummies Culinary Competition, which will seek out the top chef creations among Festival exhibitors. The Yummies Culinary Competition is an action-packed culinary showdown involving Ventura County’s top restaurants and chefs. Celebrity emcee, television and movie actor, Oded Fehr will welcome top restaurants and chefs to fire up their stations and compete for first, second, or third place in one of two categories: Savory and Sweet.

Yummies winners will be determined by a panel of Celebrity Culinary Judges comprised of television and print media personalities, food editors and columnists based on which chef’s dish they feel is the yummiest. The select panel of celebrity culinary judges includes; Executive Chef and Food & Beverage Director at the Playboy Mansion, William S. Bloxsom-Carter; Chef-Host of “Dinner & A Movie,” Claud Mann; and two-time Food Network’s Cupcake Wars Champion and owner of Sweet Arleen’s Cupcakes, Arleen Scavone. Each of these judges, along with the others, will use their expert tasting skills to find the best entry in each category, judged on flavor, presentation, innovation, and quality. Yummies winners will earn bragging rights and receive a prize package sponsored by Gold Coast Broadcasting, LLC, Le Creuset, Cumulus Media, National Association for Catering and Events, 805 with Tom & Sandy, VC Buzz, and Yelp.com. For more information about the Yummies competition and past winners, please visit the Wine & Food Festival website at http://www.cpwineandfoodfestival.com.

Entertainment Sponsor, The Patio Restaurant at The Players Casino on Johnson Drive has ensured that festival-goers will once again enjoy a day full of upbeat, dance. Live entertainment includes Boogie Knights, a comedic 1970s disco cover band who will provide a lively backdrop for wining and dining guests. The exclusive V.I.P. Lounge presented by Wells Fargo will feature its own musical fun offered by the band Sound Effect. Bruce Barrios will assist the captivating entertainers as the Master of Ceremonies and Disc Jockey. Guests will also be surprised by a special musical guest!

General Admission and V.I.P tickets can be purchased online at http://www.cpwineandfoodfestival.com! General Admission tickets are on sale for $125 until sold out. Food and beverages are included in the price of admission. V.I.P tickets are available for $200 each, offering Festival-goers early admission at 12:00 noon. V.I.P. ticket holders will receive V.I.P parking, and exclusive access to the V.I.P. Lounge presented by Wells Fargo. In addition to exclusive entertainment, the Lounge will feature the Anheuser Busch Belgium Beer Garden, Plated Events by Chef Jason, Malibu Family Wines and more! V.I.P. guests will enter through the beautiful and historic CSUCI bell tower where their day will start off being catered to by the world class Mastro’s Steakhouse.

It’s not too late to sign up as an exhibitor or to connect your name or business to this "Can't Miss" event by taking advantage of some great sponsorship opportunities! For sponsorship information, contact Casa Pacifica Event Specialist, Kristin Palos at (805) 366-4014, kpalos(at)casapacifica(dot)org or visit the Festival sponsor page at http://www.cpwineandfoodfestival.com.

Casa Pacifica encourages all Festival-goers to participate responsibly. Roundtrip reservations are available thru the Roadrunner Safe Ride Program by calling (805) 389-8196, or visiting http://www.rrshuttle.com/casapacificawinefestival.

About Casa Pacifica Centers for Children & Families:
Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families is a crisis-care and residential treatment facility for abused, neglected, or at-risk children in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. The agency is the largest non-profit provider of children’s mental health services in both counties and along with its campus-based programs administers a number of community-based programs which are designed with the intent to strengthen families and keep children in their homes. For more information about Casa Pacifica visit its website http://www.casapacifica.org or call the Development Department at (805) 445-7800.


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Pismo Beach, CA: Best Western Plus Shore Cliff Lodge

The Best Western Plus Shore Cliff Lodge, in Pismo Beach, CA, has beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. This oceanfront hotel features 100 guest rooms, including six deluxe family suites, remarkable service, unmatched ocean views and well-appointed amenities. They even have a limited number of dog friendly rooms.

Every guest room at the Best Western Plus Shore Cliff Lodge offers scenic ocean views from a private balcony or patio and features pillow top mattresses, a compact refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker with Seattle’s Best Coffee and Bath and Body Works toiletries.


Relaxing sounds and sights of the ocean can be observed from many different look out points on the Pismo Beach hotel’s grounds. You may even catch a glimpse of a swimming dolphin or whale from the hotel.

The Best Western Plus Shore Cliff Lodge is located just blocks from the Pismo Pier and downtown Pismo Beach in the heart of San Luis Obispo County. Be sure to enjoy the local attractions including championship golf courses, hiking and biking trails, kayaking, Pismo Beach and other area beaches, wine tasting, Hearst Castle, Oceano Dunes and much more in Pismo Beach, California.

One guest said,

"This hotel is one of my top 10 places to go for a relaxing get a way. Love the views! California coast is always beautiful but the Central Coast is an almost sure guarantee for good weather. I will definately be back!"

Whether you long for a romantic getaway, a successful business trip or just need a convenient stop between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the Best Western Plus Shore Cliff Lodge will make your next Pismo Beach vacation unforgettable.


The Best Western Plus Shore Cliff Lodge
2555 Price Street Pismo Beach, CA 93449
http://www.shorecliff.com/


   
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Santa Ana, CA: Courtyard Costa Mesa South Coast Metro

Travelers can now shop until they drop and then fall asleep in plush accommodations thanks to the newly renovated Courtyard Costa Mesa South Coast Metro.

Spread out over four floors, 133 rooms and 12 suites, the Santa Ana hotel has completely remodeled every room with new design features every visitor will love. The $800,000 makeover included new luxury bedding, thicker mattresses and the addition of more fluffy pillows. Guests can work or play while enjoying the comforts of an ergonomic chair, large work desk and complimentary high-speed Internet access.

Other refreshed amenities in the guest rooms include spacious bathrooms, separate seating areas with comfortable chairs or couches and flat-screen TVs. Guests on vacation or on the job can be connected and productive as well as refreshed and relaxed in the same day. In the morning, visitors can enjoy in-room coffeemakers.

With its convenient location as a Santa Ana hotel, the property is just a few miles away from popular attractions such as Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm and Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Angels, who play at Angel Stadium. John Wayne Airport is 15 miles away, while the even-closer South Coast Plaza offers luxury shopping for everyone.

The South Coast Plaza houses 250 boutiques. Top department stores include Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy’s. Many top designers and fashion brands also have stores in the mall, which also boasts 30 restaurants.

Nearby Laguna Beach offers family fun with calm ocean waves and shopping within easy walking distance of the sand. Three golf courses less than 4 miles away from the hotel offer driving ranges and 18-hole layouts.

Guests returning to the hotel in Santa Ana can enjoy dinner at The Bistro – Eat. Drink. Connect, which features a wide selection of starters, salads and sandwiches, including the Bistro burger topped with Wisconsin cheddar, bacon and Bistro sauce. Craft, domestic and imported beers are also available. Starbucks coffee is ready to go for late nights or early mornings.

Visitors who need a snack anytime can visit The Market, a 24/7 convenience store in the lobby.

Travelers can unwind in the fitness center with cardiovascular equipment and free weights or enjoy the heated outdoor pool all year long.

Guests can lounge by the pool in the Southern California sun while using the hotel-wide free Wi-Fi or use the business library to finish their work. The library features several computers, a free printer and a separate computer station solely for checking flight times as well as printing boarding passes.

For even more productivity, visitors can use 1,352 square feet of meeting space for business get-togethers or any social event. Catering is available for easy on-the-job meals.

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Courtyard Costa Mesa South Coast Metro
3002 South Harbor Boulevard
Santa Ana, California 92704
For information, visit http://www.marriott.com/SNASA.

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Buellton, CA: Buellton Brew Fest

The 2nd Annual Buellton Brew Fest kicks off Santa Ynez Valley’s Craft Beer Week on Saturday, May 11 at River View Park. Tickets are now available for $35 advance purchase and $45 from May 1-May 11, the ticket includes a commemorative tasting glass, lunch, live music from Burning James and The Funky Flames, and unlimited tastings. The Festival sold out in pre-sale last year during its inaugural year.

The Buellton Brew Fest’s festivities will feature over 25 breweries breweries, including local Craft Breweries Figueroa Mountain, Firestone, and Tapit; and regional favorites Stone Brewing, Ninkasi, and Trumer Pils showcasing the best in craft beer. Local restaurant Avant will provide lunch to all attendees, with additional food and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase.

The Buellton Brew Fest is the first Craft Beer Festival in the Santa Ynez Valley, and a popular event in an area known for its wine but gaining major attention for Craft Beer. With awards from the Great American Beer Festival on its walls, Firestone Walker Brewing, and Figueroa Mountain Brewing call the Santa Ynez Valley home. Tapit, with its Gold Award for their IPA from the Great American Beer Festival is right up the road in San Luis Obispo; it’s clear that the Central Coast of California is solidifying its place among the top regions for Craft Beer.

Holly Holliday, with the Buellton Brew Fest states, “After a phenomenal Inaugural year, it’s awesome to see the excitement continue to build in this area for beer and the art of craft beer. We look to continue to bring the best of the best to the Santa Ynez Valley, in order to inspire future beers to come. This event is beer at its best, we’re proud of that.”

More information can be found on the web at, http://www.Buelltonbrewfest.com, and tickets can be purchased online at Eventbrite or through the Buellton Chamber of Commerce.


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