2007 MENDOCINO COAST WHALE FESTIVALS SET FOR MARCH 3 & 4 IN MENDOCINO, MARCH 17 & 18 IN FORT BRAGG
 

MENDOCINO COAST, Calif. – Oct. 1, 2006 – Gray whales, comedy, food, wine and microbrew tastings, a marine art exhibit, a crafts fair, plein air painting demonstrations, a whale run/walk, a classic car show, concerts, and whale watching by horseback, sea, air and foot are just a few of the highlights of the 25th Annual Mendocino Coast Whale Festival. Major festival events are concentrated over two March weekends: 3rd and 4th in Mendocino and 17th and 18th in Fort Bragg. Details available for all events at www.mendocinocoast.com from the Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce at (707) 964-6300.
 
Mendocino Festival (March 3 & 4)
On Saturday, March 3, the Village of Mendocino kicks off the 2007 celebration with docent-led whale watching walks from the Ford House Visitor Center on Main Street. Wine tasting provided by Mendocino County wineries, chowder tasting by top local chefs and a marine wildlife art exhibit at the Mendocino Art Center are planned. Tickets are $25 per person, which covers food and wine tastings on Saturday and Sunday and includes a 2007 Whale Festival wine glass. Air, sea, and horseback whale watching tours offered.
 
Fort Bragg Festival (March 17 & 18)
The 2nd Annual Whales on Parade will feature nearly 50 wooden whales decorated by some of the Coast’s top artists. Regional microbreweries will offer their best pilsners, stouts and ales for tasting at historic Eagle’s Hall along with barbecue, including oysters and sausages. Other events include the Whale Run, a 5K and 10K walk and run along the ocean (www.theschedule.com), a classic car show, an arts & crafts fair, chowder tasting, art exhibits and guided whale walks and watching at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, MacKerricher State Park, and Point Cabrillo Light Station State Park & Nature Preserve. Air, sea, and horseback whale watching tours offered.
 
Point Cabrillo Light Station State Park and Nature Preserve (March 3, 4, 17 & 18)
This 300-acre California State Park with a restored, working lighthouse, has planned a series of docent walks, activities for children, history tours and docent-led whale watching 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. March 3, 4, 17 & 18. Tours of the new Lighthouse Inn at Point Cabrillo will be available. The Lighthouse Inn is located in the original head lightkeepers residence built in 1909.

When you see the crab pots stacked along the docks and boats at Noyo Harborgets you thinking the Crab & Wine Days which begins the last week of January.

There are charater boats such as the Rumblefish and Telstar Charters who take crab lovers on cruises and crabbing trips. Noyo Women for Fisheries introduce working crab fisherman to visitors at the Coast Guard Station in Noyo Harbor to tell them what crabbing is all about.

In addition featuring fresh Dungeness Crab on the menus, participating restauraqnts host winemaker dinners and offer Mendocino wines by the glass of bottle to go with their carab specialties.

Many of the winery a tasting rooms in Mendocino County’s three wine regions have crab appetizers to taste with their wine.

December 26, 2006 - February 28, 2007

From Fort Bragg Advocate News:

In the ruins of Fort Bragg High’s once proud agriculture program, an enthusiastic new group put down roots on Sunday, or at least they planted some garlic and a green delicious apple tree.

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