Wed, 23 May 2012 12:14:02 -0800WeeblyThu, 20 Oct 2011 10:15:35 -0800http://www.saladbowlfestival.com/1/post/2011/10/102-things-to-do.html102 items on the Salad Bowl Festival Committee's To Do List for the Salad Bowl Festival and Grease & Greens Car Show.  Wow!  So we are attacking the list with energy, hilarity, and a sense of "Did-we-forget-something?"  It won't matter if we do forget something, 'cause it is going to be a great party in Guadalupe on Saturday!  

Here are some helpful hints for those who are coming:

1.  Bring sunscreen--I know the rumors that it is cold and windy in Guadalupe, but we will have 74-degree weather with off-shore breezes.  That means the residents of Guadalupe will swear there is a heat wave and people from inland cities will flock here to escape the heat.

2.  Car show participants MUST enter from the north side of highway 1.  If you get confused about which way is north and south, there will be someone at the entry gate to point you in the right direction.  If you come on Friday night for the pre-registration and cruise, please turn east (there will be a barricade at that street--that is the way you want to go--really!--go that way!) and sign up at the 9th Street Barber Shop.  After registering, you can eat in one of our local restaurants and cruise up and down Highway 1 to your heart's content.  We just ask that you keep all four wheels on the ground at all times.

3.  Vendors & Sponsors please enter from the south side of Highway 1.  This way you won't run into the car show participants.  You can enter, drop off your stuff and then park your car in the vendor parking lot. 
 
4.  We have bounce houses for free.  That's right--we have a place for those kids who never sleep at night.  Bring them here and help them expel all that energy.  You will have a peaceful night's sleep!

5.  Volunteers--please register at the volunteer tent!

6.  Bring your smart phones or the dumb phone that works sometimes so that you can catch the clues for the Twitter/Facebook Scavenger Hunt. Completed entries (One (1) per person) must be turned in by 1:00 p.m. to be entered into the drawing for (insert drumroll here) an ipod touch, $100 gas card, and $50 Visa card.  Tip for potential winners:  You may want to view Minute to Win It tests for a preview of what's to come!

7.  Bring money!  We have restaurants that are pulling out all the stops (not quite sure how that phrase came into being) to make sure you have fab food to eat!  We will have a beer/wine garden in the gazebo located in the Veteran's Memorial Plaza.  Of particular note is the Guadalupe Especial Pale Ale brewed especially for the Salad Bowl festival by Creekside Brewery.

8.  Vote for your favorite car so the owner will get a trophy.  Pick up your ballot at the Salad Bowl Festival information booth.  Only one ballot per person--and yes, we will stamp your hand.  But it is a really pretty stamp with pretty colors.  And for the guys, it is a cool stamp with cool colors!

9.  Runners:  It is a 5K run...or walk...You can even skip if you want. The Guadalupe Sports Hall of Fame sincerely apologizes for the last-minute change in course length for the 1/2 marathoners.  It was unavoidable and they feel terrible about it.  So please no nasty e-mails--they tried really hard.  But the 5k will be a blast through the fields.  Hey, it doesn't get more green than that!  Plus, they have pretty cool shirts, too!
10. Foodies:  Bring your SALAD DRESSING!  That's right...the one that is the family secret.  Enter it in the Salad Dressing Contest.  We have real chefs judging this year!  Download the rules and entry form from the website.  After all, who eats naked salad?

We have a ton more things to do--well 102--so we need to get busy.  Can't wait to see you there! ]]>Sun, 04 Sep 2011 18:31:12 -0800http://www.saladbowlfestival.com/1/post/2011/09/the-salad-bowl-festival-12-marathon-and-5k-run-is-on.htmlWe are excited to announce the the Salad Bowl Festival Run in on for this year!!!!  For a while we didn't think we'd be able to do it and so we had to hold off on announcing it.  But we just got the green light from the Guadalupe Sports Hall of Fame so all you runners out there visit the Run page of this site to sign up! 

The Guadalupe Sports Hall of Fame is once again teaming up with the Salad Bowl Festival to sponsor the run on October 22, 2011 at 9:00 am.  The course will begin at Central Park [not to be confused with NYC's Central Park, because that park is as big as our wonderful little town--if not a bit bigger :)] and continue out and back along the Santa Maria River Levee. Walkers are welcome for the 5k.

The entry fees are $40 for the 1/2 marathon and $20 for the 5k. All proceeds from the run will benefit the Guadalupe Sports Hall of Fame scholarships and youth programs.

Last year we had over 100 runners from locations near and far and we are expecting at least that many for this year! This year's Salad Bowl Festival is going to be a fantastic fun time for all. We are bringing live music, great food, Grease & Greens Car Show, and now our 1/2 marathon and 5k run! Can't wait to see you all there.

For more information regarding the run email GuadalupeRun@gmail.com.


]]>Sun, 28 Aug 2011 21:13:56 -0800http://www.saladbowlfestival.com/1/post/2011/08/1st-annual-grease-greens-car-show-is-going-to-be-a-hit.htmlWe are so excited about adding the Grease & Greens Car Show to our Salad Bowl Fesitval.  The car show will be a part of our festival on Saturday, October 22, 2011 starting at 10a and awards will be presented at 3p. This car show is open to all cars and motorcycles.  Cars that pre-register will get a dash plaque and a t-shirt.

We are also excited to announce the bands we have got lined up for our event; The Hydromatics, Pryor Baird and the Deacons, and Electric Grease!!  Valente Pastor will also be making a special guest appearance.

Click on the Grease & Greens Car Show link above to get more information or download the poster art or registration form.  Space is limited so be sure to register early!


]]>Sat, 20 Aug 2011 17:02:13 -0800http://www.saladbowlfestival.com/1/post/2011/08/cabbage-bowling-is-back.htmlThanks to one of our sponsors, FreshKist, we will be Cabbage Bowling again at this year's Salad Bowl Festival!!!  FreshKist has so generously offered to provide all of the cabbage for this fun game of "skill" and "strategy." But don't worry, none goes to waste, a herd of local goats are eagerly awaiting their opportunity to be on the "clean up crew."  Be sure to mark your calendar for Saturday, October 22, 2011 for Cabbage Bowling; and tell a friend!
]]>Wed, 22 Jun 2011 09:05:27 -0800http://www.saladbowlfestival.com/1/post/2011/06/salad-bowl-festival-2011.htmlThis year's Salad Bowl Festival is going to be even more amazing than last year!  We had 1,200 people come through (Yes, we counted!) last year.  So here are the new additions to this year's Salad Bowl Festival:

The Grease 'n Greens Car Show--This is an open show for all cars.  Dash plaques will be given to all car registrants.  Registration will be limited to first-come, first-serve as we are limited on space.  The registration forms will be up on the website shortly so if you want to be notified of when and where, make sure you sign up to be notified of Salad Bowl Festival information.  There will be three divisions--Judges Choice, People's Choice, and Mayor's Choice.  The awards will be unique and one-of-a-kind, so you won't want to miss out!  We are also working on a barbecue and cruise at the end of the evening.  There will be a ton of things to see and do!

Salad Bowl Logo Contest:  Time is running out on this!  only eight--count them 8!--days left to turn in entries for the Salad Bowl Logo Contest.  Please refer to rules on this website.  Someone called me last Tuesday and asked if we had received their entry--and no, we haven't.  So please make sure you send it to the correct address listed on the Artist Release Form.  Remember, there is prize money for this, so get your entries in as soon as possible!

Skateboarding Demonstration:  The skatepark is on its way to Guadalupe.  (I keep asking for a tennis court--I am on the list, but not at the top.  I can live with that.)  We are celebrating with a Skateboarding Demonstration at the Salad Bowl Festival.  It is sure to be a blast to watch!  I think we need to bring out the Roller Derby Ladies as well.  Hmmm...this could be very interesting!

Salad Dressing Contest:  Calling all cooks!  We are working on celebrity judges to judge the contest this year.  Also, it will be open to the public to view the judging.  However, we are unable to allow the public to taste the entries--health codes and all that stuff.  We are excited to see what you come up this year!

Excellence in Agriculture (EIA) Award:  Nomination Forms are on this website.  Please get your nominations in by June 30th!  The awards reception will be held at the historic Muse building in Guadalupe.  This building is not open to the public, so we are really excited about being able to use it.  We are having a retro, upscale 60's cocktail party--Madmen cool! We are even working on a super-secret, amazing cocktail for this event.  I could give details, but you will have to wait to hear more about that.  I can't wait for the mixing party.  The EIA Award Reception will be on October 21st.  Our major sponsors will be there and will be recognized as well.  

And the race?  YES, It is on!  The return of the 10K and 5K Run/Walk will be the morning of the Salad Bowl Festival.  The Guadalupe Sports Hall of Fame is working feverishly to get all the information to us, so we can get it to you, so you can get it back to us...For those of you who ordered shirts last year (because you registered late) your shirts will be here shortly.  This year, if you register late and there are no shirts, you will be out of luck. Really...no late orders...really!

Cabbage Bowling:  It's back.  Blast those rabbits and gophers with a head of cabbage.  Take that!  And that!  Loads of fun--and the cabbage goes to the goats in town--real goats.  It makes them happy.

Sponsors:  Yes, of course, we are still accepting sponsors.  We are thrilled to have the following sponsors on board already:  Apio, Ball Horticulture, New Times, The Sun, The Beat 95.7, Byrd, Defined Business Solutions, Guadalupe Cultural Arts & Education Center, Servwell Insurance Services, Rancho Harvest, Santa Maria Fairpark, and the Santa Barbara Foundation.  There is plenty of room and time to add more to this list.

Finally, we are thrilled, pleased, and okay...we are really happy to announce that the proceeds from our event go to fund college scholarships for local kids.  The scholarships are managed by the Santa Barbara Foundation within our parameters.  The Salad Bowl Festival Committee is not responsible for picking the recipients.  Our first scholarship will be given out in early 2012, so we can't wait to see who will be receiving the award(s).  

Wow, that is a lot of information.  Got questions?  E-mail us, 'cause we got answers (for the most part).

We can't wait to see you at the Salad Bowl...Until then,

Greens to You,

Veronica Forest
Salad Bowl Festival Director



]]>Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:31:01 -0800http://www.saladbowlfestival.com/1/post/2010/09/12-marathon-update.htmlWe only have about 9 days left until the Guadalupe 1/2 Marathon & 5K.  This is the point where I start to eat, breathe, and dream run planning.  Crunch time is upon us!  Although we initially hoped to have our 1/2 Marathon go over the dunes at Guadalupe Beach and we wanted race courses to tour our beautiful city, due to forces outside our control, we were unable to secure the required permits.  Consequently, we returned to use the tried and true courses along the Santa Maria River Levee.  Runners won't have to compete with car traffic, and they can still view the beautiful valley and tour the Salad Bowl Festival and city venues after the races.  I hope you will join me on Sunday, the 12th!

Stephanie Krouse
Run Director]]>Tue, 29 Jun 2010 08:27:17 -0800http://www.saladbowlfestival.com/1/post/2010/06/guadalupe-12-marathon-5k.html"I am so excited about the Guadalupe 1/2 Marathon & 5K this year! This is my fourth season as race director, but this year we have joined forces with the Salad Bowl Festival to provide many areas for onlookers, aid stations and bathroom stops. 
 
The 5K race really highlights the agricultural and historical nature of the city. There are no hills at all on this course and so it is easy for both serious runners and walkers. The Guadalupe 1/2 Marathon & 5K at the Salad Bowl Festival offer something for every kind of athlete. I sincerely hope to see you there!" -- Stephanie Krouse]]>Tue, 29 Jun 2010 08:25:13 -0800http://www.saladbowlfestival.com/1/post/2010/06/post-title-click-and-type-to-edit.htmlYeah!!! The Salad Bowl Festival made its first public appearance and what a reception!!  Several committee members were able to man (and woman) our booth at the 2010 Business Trade Show hosted by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce.  What a turn out!!!  We had a great time talking about our “party.” We were such a hit, that KCOY chose to interview us which is fantastic considering how many other booths were there.   And might I add we had a great looking booth that boasted of Guadalupe’s Best; even our mayor was there—talk about getting VIP treatment!  Our huge and festive balloon arch (so generously donated by Anna Marie’s Balloons…thank you Anna Marie) drew in a lot of attention.  Plus, we had a great big banner that promoted our festival and its remarkable sponsors—we have 22 so far and counting. 

 

Speaking of counting, there are only 2 ½ months left before are party begins.  We are excited about the entertainment and games that we are getting lined up.  And for all of you runners don’t forget to signup for the ½ marathon and 5k run.  This year the run has a new route and it will take you out to our beautiful and preserved Guadalupe Beach.  Considering the hills and sand, this course will definitely be more of a challenge than in past years.  As for you non-runners, be sure to mark your calendars anyway for Sept 12, 2010 because we will have plenty of food, fun, entertainment for everyone.  Our 1st Annual Salad Bowl Festival is “where being healthy is fun!” -- Olivia Alvarez]]>Fri, 14 May 2010 18:51:16 -0800http://www.saladbowlfestival.com/1/post/2010/05/in-the-beginning.html

I was getting ready to go to the Merchant's Association meeting.  My husband, Roger, keeps calling it the Merchants Guild.  It must be reminiscent from his D&D days.  The memo said we were to come up with ideas that we would like to see implemented in the City of Guadalupe.  CALIFORNIA, people--not Mexico.  I didn't think there was a city called Guadalupe in California, but I was mistaken.  Now I live here--and I so love it!  (Side note: No there are no houses for sale.  There is a screening process that is being put in place before you can move here.  We have happy cows and insist on having happy people. If you are grumpy, move to Nevada.)

Back to the looming meeting...so my husband and I were talking about the different things we would like to see happen.  I thought the town needed a good festival (who doesn't love a good party?), and since we are surrounded by agriculture, we should have a Salad Bowl Festival.  Roger liked the idea, so I made him go buy the domain names.  YOOHOO! They were available!  It was a miracle.  We bought the names and headed out to the meeting.

At the meeting: We met the movers and shakers of Guadalupe.  Well, at least we met people who want to see improvement.  We all went around the table and shared our ideas.  People seemed to like the idea of the Salad Bowl Festival.  We all felt good about our sharing in the circle, and went home.  

A few weeks later I receive the new memo for the Merchants Association meeting.  The only thing on there to be discussed were the ideas Roger and I shared.  Uh-oh!  So now what do I do?  I go to my friend, Google.  "How to put on a festival."  Fortunately for me, there is a lot of information.  I wasn't too concerned about planning as I have planned conferences, parties, etc., but nothing outdoors for a community I don't really know yet.

Next meeting...The Merchants Association is all over the Salad Bowl Festival.  It seems some other residents thought of this idea about eight years ago.  They are on board.  We have a new city manager, Regan Candelario, who says, "Make it work."  He also says a lot of other things which totally crack me up, but I can't print them here.  You would have to get to know him, and go to the meetings.

So the Salad Bowl Festival has its own meeting times now.  People are on board.  The Kiwanis are donating the sound system, the fire department offered to police the alcohol tent (I think I need to get the police department to police the fire department), dignitaries are going to judge the salad dressing competition, local growers are donating produce, we are actively seeking great food and entertainment.  The Guadalupe Sports Hall of Fame is hosting the 1/2 Marathon and 5K Run/Walk.  I am thinking of fun things to do with veggies--like cabbage bowling.  No, I haven't tried it yet.  I will work on that this weekend.

My favorite part of planning the festival--the businesses and citizens who are excited to see it happen and donate cash, ideas, and resources.  We grow the green stuff and we need the green stuff.  Here are some of our donors so far:

Santa Maria Fairpark

We have more donors committed and their names will be posted when we receive their information.  Let me know if you have any good ideas for games with produce.  Maybe we should do a sculpture contest with vegetables.  Hmmm...I will have to think about this one.  Now you see how my brain works, one thing after another.  I will stop the writing now and give my brain a rest.

Greens to you!

Veronica Forest

]]>Fri, 07 May 2010 15:32:53 -0800http://www.saladbowlfestival.com/1/post/2010/05/first-post.html
The Salad Bowl Festival is established to promote the City of Guadalupe and the Central Coast through a quality celebration of all the produce that make a great salad.]]>