Point Reyes Weekend

You Mon Tsang July 20th, 2009

Head out to Far West Fest this Saturday, July 25th!  This day, voted Best Music Festival in Marin, benefits Community Radio KWMR and the Love Field Open Space — both beloved West Marin institutions.

The Far West, in its fifth year, expects 2,000 attendees in 2009. It is a green event with 100% recycling/ zero-waste, carbon offset options, and no plastic packaging on site. Food vendors are local purveyors of organic, sustainable offerings including oysters, fresh produce, grass fed meats, and baked goods.

The festival hosts two stages, offering a lineup of blues, country, rock, folk, experimental, bluegrass and world music, internationally touring acts and local favorites.  This year’s festival features Lyrics Born, Sean Hayes, Albino, Red Meat, The Green String Farm Band with Arann Harris, Chris Haugen and The Far West Fest All Stars, The Honey Dewdrops, Susan Z, Tim Cain and The Mushrooms!

In addition to two music stages, the Far West Fest offers a supervised Kidz Zone that features interactive activities, healthful snacks, and kid-centric live music and storytellers. Clowns, jugglers, and other circus acts dot the landscape throughout the day. Dozens of regional arts and crafts vendors line the periphery, and a “Localization Zone, sponsored by “Think Local First” offers area nonprofits an opportunity to interface and share their mission with the community.

The details:
July 25th: The 3rd Annual Far West Fest at Love Field
11171 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard- 1st Driveway on the left when you turn off Hwy 1.

Gates: 10:30am
Music: 11am-7:30pm

Pricing:
Kids under 10 = free!
Youth (10-18) = $10
Adults Advance = $25
Adults at Gate = $30

Check out music and images on the Festival’s MySpace page.

Images courtesy of RKado

• Local Scene , Music
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You Mon Tsang June 1st, 2009

The Western Weekend during the weekend of June 6 and 7, 2009 celebrates the ranching roots of West Marin, with 4-H exhibits and homecoming queens.  If you are coming through for just the day, plan to watch the parade on Sunday at noon thru at Point Reyes Station.  The Western Weekend parade is the real electic mix of the area, combining the cowboy with the local food and the local artists.  It’s real local fun.

2009 Western Weekend Schedule

Saturday, June 6th
* 4-H Livestock Show and 60th Western Weekend Fair Exhibit
* West Marin’s 4-H Clubs present their livestock and handiwork from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Dance Palace. The food booth has burgers, dogs and soft drinks. Admission free.
* Western Weekend Queen Coronation and Homecoming Barn Dance at the Dance Palace 7:30 to 10:00 pm, Marshall Plucker Band, Special family rate admission – $25 (two adults and the kids) or $14 adult, $12 senior, $5 youngsters

Sunday, June 7th
* Dance Palace Silent Auction 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, admission free
* Art in the Schools Exhibit, all day Toby’s Gallery, admission free
* 60th Western Weekend Parade at 12 noon along Main St, admission free
* Marin Farm Bureau & Organics BBQ immediately following the parade at Toby’s,
* Regular BBQ: salad, beans, chicken, bread, beverage, ice cream $10
* Organic: chicken, salad $10
* West Marin Senior Services Chili/Cornbread/Pie Cook-off also at Toby’s, prices vary
* Raffle Winners and Parade Prizes announced during BBQ and Cook-off

See photos of the 2006 Western Weekend and the 2008 Western Weekend.

Photo by artolog.

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You Mon Tsang September 17th, 2008

West Marin and the Point Reyes area has more than its fair share of creative personalities. Kelly from the Olema Cottages created a Obama sign that mimics the Olema town sign.

Sign for town of Olema, CA

Sign for Obama that mimics the Olema town sign

• Art , Local Scene
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You Mon Tsang June 17th, 2008

[Note: the 2009 Western Weekend is scheduled for the weekend of June 6 / 7.]

Steve Kroiss was kind enough to share these great photos from 2008 Western Weekend parade, which took place on June 8, 2008 at Point Reyes Station.

One of the many aspects of the Point Reyes area that I enjoy is the progressive rancher feel of the area. The Cowgirls for Peace photo represents this well.

Apparently a flamethrowing, 4-wheeling, fire-shooting missile. Dr. Strangelove style with cowboy hats.

Meat carving demonstration by Marin Sun Farms.

The rest of the photos look more like a pleasant rural community.

Thanks again, Steve Kroiss for the photos.

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You Mon Tsang June 13th, 2008

I am always shocked when I meet people who were born in the Bay Area or who have lived here for many years and who have never been to Point Reyes. To me, Point Reyes is still an authentic rural area. But it’s fair to worry that it can tip over and become a Carmel or a Napa-like getaway. That is the subject of this article on Weekend America. A snippet:

Geologically speaking, there has not been much dramatic change to this place since the earthquake of 1906. But in the last few years, the town itself has gone through a continental shift from mostly cow-town to mostly tourist… All the actual cows are gone.

Many of the older locals used to say that when the cows left — taking the smell and the flies with them — that would be the end of Point Reyes Station.

Read the whole article: Authentic Pt Reyes on Weekend America.

Photo credit: Krissy Clark

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You Mon Tsang June 5th, 2008

[Note: the 2009 Western Weekend is scheduled for the weekend of June 6 / 7.]

Western Weekend takes the ranching history of the area and adds a bit of the quirkiness of the residents of the area. Take a look at my previous post on Western Weekend. Head to the parade, which will start at noon on Sunday, June 8th.

The schedule is further below…

Photo by David Wasley

Photo by David Wasley

Photo by David Wasley

Western Weekend Parade, Pt Reyes Station, originally uploaded by CommandZed.

Friday, June 6
9:00 pm
Western Weekend Kick-off Party
at the Old Western Saloon, PRS. Pink Sabbath, Conjoined Twins Reunion Burlesque Review and Tinsletown Rebellion. $5-8, care to come clad in cowboy costume? or wearing your western threads? receive admission discount.

Saturday, June 7
10:00 am
Western Weekend Historic Tour with Dewey Livingston – registration required: 663-1158
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Synchrony In Motion ballroom lessons ,Dance Palace dancers incorporate styles of Ballroom and Latin Dance. Swing dance lesson/demonstration at 3 pm. free
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Synchrony In Motion performance , Dance Palace
7:00 pm
My Friend, My Horse
a documentary by John Korty. Two dozen riders of all ages share their experience and insight into the relationships possible between animals and humans at Take 2 Cinema, 54 B Street, PRS, 663-1932
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Country/Western dance lessons, Dance Palace
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Western Weekend Queen’s Dance , Dance Palace Music by Jenny Kerr multi-instrumentalist, a native of Northern California, known for her roots in traditional Americana: country, blues, folk and rock, will begin at 8 pm, following a Western County Dance lesson at 7 pm. The crowning of Western Weekend Queen, Lianne Nunes’ is scheduled for 9 pm. General admission is ($15, teens are $5, seniors and under 12 are free.

Sunday, June 8
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Parade entry sign-in C street at Hwy 1
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Silent Auction, Dance Palace
Over 200 items will be auctioned off including overnights stays at Pelican Inn, Sorenson’s Resort, Vichy Springs, Terri’s Homestaymeals, tickets to events, fine arts, crafts, expert services, gift certificates, and local wares.
12:00 pm – 1:00 ish
59th Western Weekend Parade on Main Street
1:00 ish – 3:00 pm
Marin Farm Bureau & Organics BBQ At Toby’s, sponsored by Marin County Farm Bureau and Marin Organic
1:00 pm – 3:00 ish
Kevin Russell and Moonlight Rodeo – a well-known Sonoma county picker, singer and songwriter is joined by one of his many bands, a five piece acoustic-electric band that plays western swing, alt-country, blues & rock music. Our thanks to music sponsors: Marin Farm Bureau, WM Chamber of Commerce, WM Lions Foundation, and WM Rotary Club
1:00 ish
West Marin Senior Services 9th Annual Chili-Cornbread/Pie Cook-off at Toby’s
2:00 ish
Raffle Winners Announced, Parade Prizes Awarded at Toby’s
the Halleck Creek Cow Flop Drop at Toby’s
7:00
My Friend, My Horse: a documentary by John Korty. Two dozen riders of all ages share their experience and insight into the relationships possible between animals and humans at Take 2 Cinema, 54 B Street, PRS, 663-1932

Sunday, June 8
Music at the Old Western Saloon:
1:00 – 5:00 pm – Billy Boys
5:00 – 6:30 ish – Tony MeGee
7:00 – Sweet Baby J

Updated Schedule courtesy of Bodega Bay Navigator via Kelly at Olema Cottages

• Kids , Local Scene , Summer
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You Mon Tsang June 27th, 2007

I have not yet been to this, but I must must go.  Every July 4th, the towns of Stinson and Bolinas have a tug of war over the channel that separates the two towns.  Despite being yards away from each other, the towns have very different feels (to say the least).  That is what makes this event that much more fun.

harder! Pull!, originally uploaded by Luiza.

A good writeup of the 7/4 event at the Marin Independent Journal; some highlights:

At the beach, a reputed 200-pound weight requirement for Bolinas tuggers may have made the difference, but Stinson partisans complained that a celebrant was offering free food stamps, whale blubber steaks and intoxicants to energize the Bolinas tugging team. Race officials said it was a case of sour grapes. “It was a fair match,” said Mike Bagley, an official who monitored fruitless efforts by both the Stinson men and women teams.

Read the entire article…

And from the Point Reyes Light:

Every year the tug-of-war provides a chance for the two towns to symbolically spar. Bolinas has a reputation for tapping into its population of hardy, outdoorsy hippies, while Stinson is known for unabashedly using power and influence to recruit outside help.
…
According to local lore, Stinson has imported brute pulling strength in the form of 500 pound Samoans, the Berekely rowing team and, one year, a jeep, which resulted in a broken arm and the suspension of the contest for several years. This year, seven members of the Golden Gate rugby team, collectively weighing in at more than two tons, tossed a rugby ball around on the sidelines, keeping warm while awaiting their chance to pull Stinson to glory.

Read the entire article…

Updated: The 2009 contest was captured by Bill and June at swerbo.com. It’s a great video.

And great photos by Luiza…

The rope comes in, originally uploaded by Luiza.

Stinson, originally uploaded by Luiza.

Go!, originally uploaded by Luiza.

• Beach , July , Local Scene , Summer
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You Mon Tsang June 9th, 2007

Folks who live in West Marin are an independent bunch. No one seems to take a lot of crap from anyone else, so it is certainly interesting to watch disagreements unfold. Recently, two controversies have been top of mind for the residents of West Marin:

Population management of fallow and axis deer. 

The Park Service wants to reestablish the natural ecosystem of Point Reyes by managing the non-native deer. 

In its 2001 Management Policies, the National Park Service instructs parks such as Point Reyes National Seashore to re-establish natural functions and processes in human-disturbed components of natural systems. The Management Policies include non-native species as an example of a human-caused disturbance that can have severe impacts on natural biota and ecosystems.

Others feel that the plan is inhumane.

…the Marin Humane Society, In Defense of Animals, and WildCare respectfully request non-violent management of the deer instead of inhumane slaughter

As of this writing, the Park Service’s plan is being implemented.

The new management of the local newspaper, The Point Reyes Light.

Since the newspaper changed hands in 2005, some are put off by the direction of the new management. Others looked forward to a more stable local paper (the Light was facing some serious financial difficulties before its recent sale) and many are pleased by the handsome new look.  But the turmoil between the new publisher, the old publisher and the local residents has been top of news.

The feud got national attention when The New York Times wrote last year:

The nasty public feud between the past and present owners of The Light. Mr. Mitchell, a gangly, corncob-pipe-smoking 62-year-old who looks like an aging folk singer and won a Pulitzer Prize, and Mr. Plotkin, a 36-year-old onetime prosecutor with a GQ fashion sense who describes himself as “a man of action, like James Bond” has captivated the 14 far-flung villages here on the western tilt of Marin County.

Aging folk singer vs James Bond!  Pretty great contrast.

The San Francisco Chronicle weighed in today:

The 37-year-old publisher has been attacked from all sides since he vowed to turn the Light into the New Yorker magazine of the West. His hyperbole struck a sour note in the rural area of 15,000 residents, who live in such places as laid-back Bolinas, historic Point Reyes Station and Woodacre, home of an internationally recognized meditation center inspired by a big boulder known as Spirit Rock. The locals say they don’t like the idea of Manhattanites with pens hustling around their communities.

A new local newspaper (West Marin Pilot) is in the works, despite the Point Reyes Light’s publisher’s assertion (which I agree with) that “there are not enough advertisers to support two newspapers in most markets – particularly in the coastal wilderness of West Marin.”

So for all you visitors coming through Point Reyes Station on your way to the wonderful beaches and trials, know that the local community is alive and kicking.

Photos from top to bottom: Fallow deer from Mike Loukide; Photos of Robert Plotkin and David Mitchell, current and former publishers of The Point Reyes Light are from The New York Times.

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You Mon Tsang May 30th, 2007

Point Reyes Outing. Originally uploaded by _e.t

Jon Carroll of the San Francisco Chronicle is a terrific writer and he muses about his visit to West Marin.  It is a worth a read, especially if you want the good sense of the area. 

re: “espresso-free establishment” sign at the Bovine Bakery

West Marin is at the cutting edge of many new beverage trends, and the Bovine Bakery is at the cutting edge of the cutting edge. Did the sign mean that the Great Latte Bubble has burst? Was the zeitgeist shaking its furry head and moving on to other forms of caffeine? Chai, anyone?

re: The commotion at the Point Reyes Light

The editor who ran that story, Dave Mitchell, recently sold the paper to Robert Plotkin. Then, in a quiet sort of way, all hell broke lose.

Read the entire article…

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You Mon Tsang May 30th, 2007

[Note: the 2009 Western Weekend is scheduled for the weekend of June 6 / 7.]

Western Weekend Parade, Pt Reyes Station, originally uploaded by CommandZed.

Western Weekend is a great time to get a taste of the local scene in West Marin, especially the parade the goes through Point Reyes Station. In 2007, the parade is scheduled to go through town on Sunday, June 3 from 11am to 1pm.

Expect to see everything from funky art floats to tractor displays. It is a real slice of West Marin.

Notes:
Good for Kids
Local Scene

These photos are from the 2006 parade taken by Zara Evens.

Western Weekend Parade, Pt Reyes Station, originally uploaded by CommandZed.

Western Weekend Parade, Pt Reyes Station, originally uploaded by CommandZed.

Western Weekend Parade, Pt Reyes Station, originally uploaded by CommandZed.

• July , Kids , Local Scene , Summer
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