9th Annual Ojai Valley Lavender Festival Planned for Saturday, June 23rd

The 2012 Ojai Valley Lavender Festival
In the Heart of Historic Downtown Ojai

This year the Ojai Valley Lavender Festival is holding its 9th Annual Mediterranean Marketplace on Saturday, June 23rd from 10am-5pm.  Each year the festival takes place at Libbey Park, in the heart of historic downtown Ojai.

Sip on lavender infused lemonade as you meander the tree lined aisles of artisan wares. From essential oils and lotions, to plants, art and jewelry, to delectable gourmet treats, informative classes and hands-on demonstrations – there is something for everyone at the must attend event of the summer! Relax and enjoy a picnic while listening to the soft sounds of festival musicians. Or dine at one of Ojai’s heralded eateries featuring lavender infused specially items. Come for the day or stay a while and enjoy local art galleries, shops and boutiques that are uniquely Ojai.

And new to the festival this year is “Lavender Sunday” on June 24th!  The focus of this day is designed to engage the senses through a variety of classes - from art and cooking to tips for growing drought resistant plants, like lavender, in your own backyard!  Classes are being held throughout the Ojai Valley, visit www.ojaivalleylavenderfestival.com to find out more. (The marketplace is on Saturday ONLY.)
For up to date information on the festival visit  www.ojaivalleylavenderfestival.org

Ojai Valley Lions Club Free Movies in the Park on Saturday Nights This Summer

www.ojairec.com

29th Annual Ojai Studio Artists Tour Planned for October 13, 14, 2012

Prestigious Ojai Studio Artists Tour set for October 13-14

The 29th annual Ojai Studio Artists Tour - one of the premier art events in California - is set for the weekend of October 13-14. The 2012 edition features 50 artists in working studios across the breathtaking Ojai Valley, along with surprise musical guests, a special Pre-Tour program on the 12th for early arrivals, and a gala dessert reception on the 13th. 

While largely self-guided, 2012 introduces a guided option as well: a day-long "Concierge Tour w/lunch" led by art expert and Ojai Valley Museum Director Michele Ellis Pracy. 

Proceeds from this "tour with a higher purpose" benefit the youth art scholarships OSA awards each Spring, as well as public school art programs, art books for the Library, and capital improvements for the Ojai Center for the Arts. 

Tickets are $20 in advance or may be purchased for $25 at the Ojai Art Center on October 13 or 14. Tickets and more information are available at Ojaistudioartists.org.

Come see why the LA Times, Sunset Magazine and others describe the Ojai Studio Artists as "world-class," and the Tour, "a rare experience."

TOUR FACTS:
October 13 & 14, 2012
Saturday & Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm
Reception, 7 to 8:30 p.m., October 13 at the Ojai Art Center
Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 during the tour weekend
Youth 16 and under are free

Tickets are available online at ojaistudioartists.org/studio_tour.html

About Ojai Studio Artists
The organization's mission is to create an environment where artists thrive _ professional and student alike - and fulfill the potential of the arts to enrich lives and build community.  The Ojai Studio Artists (OSA) are an approved 501 (c) 3 nonprofit.  Contributions to OSA are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.  For more information: www.ojaistudioartists.org.

35th Annual Ojai Art in the Park Memorial Day Weekend, May 26th-27th

On Memorial Day weekend, May 26-27 is one of Ojai’s main events, the 35th Annual “Art in the Park.” The open-air juried art show is presented by the Ojai Center for the Arts, the oldest nonprofit art center in California. Drawing artists from all over California, the Art Center accepts work in the following categories: oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolor, glass, wood, photography, sculpture, ceramics, fine jewelry, and mixed media. Cash prizes are awarded, but the weekend offers something more. Hours are 10am to 5pm.

Plan ahead and don’t let this Memorial Day find you still looking for something to do. Instead, take part in an Ojai tradition under the canopy of Libbey Park’s century-old oak trees. Enjoy the beautiful casual surroundings and mingle with artists and patrons throughout the weekend. Show hours are 10am to 5pm. For further information about Art In The Park, call (805) 646-0117.

Veterans History Project: "Healing Through Story" in Ojai on Saturday, May 26th

Veterans History Project: "Healing Through Story" 

Ojai Event to Honor US Veterans, Saturday May 26 

Veterans History Project: "Healing Through Story" is an event to thank and honor US Veterans – from all branches of the Armed Forces – in a memorable and dignified manner by providing them tools and venues to share their personal stories through spoken words

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Ojai Concert Series - Celtic, Folk and Roots Music!

The Ojai Concert Series is dedicated to bringing high quality live Celtic, Folk and Roots musicians to beautiful Ojai. Please join us, and help support community culture and the continuation of heart-felt live performances! Concerts take place at the Ojai Valley Woman's Club at 441 E. Ojai Avenue, Ojai (unless otherwise noted)

The Ojai Concert Series is excited to kick off the season with a new summer series of shows at Dancing Oak Ranch. We invite you to join us in a beautiful park like setting at a private home in the hills near Lake Casitas. We have a large beautiful stage (that doubles as a gazebo the rest of the year) under the oaks in a lovely quiet canyon off HWY 150 (half way between Carpinteria and Ojai). The seating area is a large grassy gentle slope, so bring deck chairs and a blanket (we will also have chairs if needed).

Upcoming Concerts (updated 4/26/11)

Tues. May 17th at 7:00PM $15 in advance, $18 at the door “David Francey”  One of Canada's most revered folk poets and singers.

"Scottish born, Francey is a two-time Juno Award winner whose straightforward songs te

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2nd Annual Ojai 2 Ocean Marathon and Half Marathon on Sunday, June 3rd

The 2nd Annual Ojai 2 Ocean Marathon and Half Marathon takes place on Sunday, June 3, 2012. Starting in beautiful Ojai near Nordhoff High School, the marathon course begins at 700 ft. altitude and gradually descends to sea-level finishing near the historic Ventura Pier. Lot of beautiful mountain and ocean scenery. The course is a fast, USATF certified Boston Marathon Qualifier. Course begins near Nordhoff High School.

The O2O Half-Marathon is a fast, beautiful 13.1 mile course consisting of 2 loops near the Ventura oceanfront, and finishing at the historic Ventura Pier with the Ojai 2 Ocean Marathon finishers.

For more information and to register, visit www.ojai2oceanmarathon.com.

26th Annual Ojai Wine Festival to Take Place Sunday, June 10th

The Ojai Wine Festival's VIP Lounge Debut Inspires 2012 Expansion

Sunday, June 10, 2012, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

The twenty-sixth annual Ojai Wine Festival will take place Sunday, June 10, 2012 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm on the shores of Lake Casitas. Producer of the event, Rotary Club of Ojai West, has made several enhancements to the festival. Last year's exciting addition was the VIP Lounge.  For an upgraded ticket, patrons had exclusive use of a large canopy tent and patio area on the lakefront.  The lounge included many amenities, and was the perfect place to sit down, relax and take in the natural beauty of the lake.

The VIP Lounge swiftly sold out and produced enthusiastic reaction from patrons and sponsors alike which has inspired the club to expand it for this year's festival.  They have already begun work to improve the site in order to accommodate a larger VIP Lounge that will better complement the Main Tasting Area.

"This year's VIP Lounge is perfect for wine and beer connoisseurs and "foodies" alike," states Wine Festival Executive Director, Angela May.   "Several wineries will be pouring their wines by the glass, including two outstanding Paso Robles wineries Le Vigne Winery and Nicora Wines.  Three craft Belgian draft beers: Stella Artois, Leffe and Hoegaarden will be served in specially designed take-home beer glasses to bring out the unique character of each beer.  A delicious selection of hors d'oeuvres will be served buffet style by Sakura Ojai Japanese and La Piu Bella Tavola Italian Catering.  Non-alcoholic beverages will also be served.  The expanded VIP area will have shared seating; shaded tables b

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9th Annual Ojai Valley Century Bike Ride on Saturday, June 2nd

The 9th Annual Ojai Valley Century bike ride on Saturday, June 2nd has four routes: metric century (62 miles/100 km), full century (100 miles), double metric century (124 miles/200km), hammerhead century (101 miles with morning hill climb) and half metric century (30 miles). All routes include tours out of Ojai, past Casitas Lake and up over the double Casitas Pass, a fast ride down the other side into Carpinteria and back down the coast to Ventura. Post race BBQ included! More information at www.ojaivalleycentury.org or call 805-302-0537.