Well, last Saturday I attended my third Soroptimist Bingo Bash. Unlike your grandmother’s church bingo, this one features appetizers, free-flowing wine, dinner, raffle prizes and 10 bingo games with the value of each game’s prize package being between $ 800-$ 1000. As you can see, some people found the evening shocking.
Last Saturday was the annual Permaculture Festival and Potluck at the Zeni Ranch. Located 15 miles down Fish Rock Road and high up on a ridgetop between Mendocino and Sonoma Counties, the Zenis have been working this land for well over 100 years. One of the great things about this continuity is that a discussion with any Zeni about sustainable farming and perennial agricultural systems is usually bolstered by stories of moonshining and revenuers.
Sallie Mac will once again transform their garden into a Paris Flea Market for Columbus Day Weekend, Friday, October 10 through Sunday, October 12. Early birds in line on Friday will be treated to hot coffee and French goodies. Unique items from the European countryside and one-of-a-kind vintage pieces will be marked down up to 50%. It’s a great opportunity to browse, Parisian-style, and find a great accent piece for your home, or just get a jump on your holiday shopping.
As the primary fundraiser for the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, Art In The Gardens features local artists and winemakers showcasing their works in vignettes and venues spread throughout the 47 acre coastal botanical gardens. 
Well, I can’t attest to the fact that it was the World’s Largest, but it sure was big.
I heard that more than 4,000 people were there, but it seemed to me that there were 40,000! They had several large barbecues going and chefs from every walk of life, in cluding local congressman Mike Thompson, manning them.
First held in 1970, the proceeds from the event go to restore and preserve the wild Pacific salmon resources. There was corn on the cob, salad, garlic bread and more slamon than you could shake a stick at. Live music was playing and everyone was having a good time. Set in picturesque Noyo Harbor, the day couldn’t have been nicer.
Fourth of July in Mendocino and the place to be was on Main Street. More than 5,000 people, locals and visitors alike, lined both Main and Lansing Streets to watch the parade of cars, floats, bands, circus performers and anyone else that wanted to get in on the act. The Kelley House Museum had a big barbecue that ran from the morning through the parade and then the big after-parade bash was held in Friendship Park.
This event never fails to entertain young and old alike. Sometimes, if it isn’t too long, it even goes around twice!