Santa Monica Festival May 7

Commemorating its twentieth year, the Santa Monica Festival has evolved into a celebration of the unique intersection of art and the environment. On Saturday May 7th, 2011 from 11am – 6pm, festival-goers can celebrate Mother Earth and all moms this Mother’s Day weekend with an eclectic mix of live music and dance, DIY art workshops utilizing recycled and repurposed materials, guilt-free shopping from vendors featuring earth-friendly artistic wares and local resources offered by a variety of City and local non-profit organizations.

Fresh and local foods will be in abundance from an assortment of food trucks, including Mexican, Indian and Asian cuisines as well as a variety of desserts. Cooking demonstrations will be offered throughout the day by chefs and farmers that have been paired by Laura Avery of the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market.

Attendees will have an opportunity to take part in a community flash mob, brought to you by Dance Attack and led by Ryan Heffington.

An array of environmental organizations will be sharing their wealth of knowledge and tips about living sustainably.

“The festival embodies both the pulsating energy and compassion that the City of Santa Monica has always emitted, but with a new twist!” says Katie Bergin, Executive Director of Community Arts Resources, the Festival’s producer.

Allison Ostrovsky, Cultural Affairs Supervisor for the City of Santa Monica says, “The City is excited to be reimagining this community jewel presenting the 20th anniversary festival.”

The City of Santa Monica’s Cultural Affairs Division and Office of Sustainability and the Environment (OSE) present the Santa Monica Festival. Cultural Affairs supports the arts, culture and the creative economy in Santa Monica. OSE is charged with protecting the environment and safeguarding the public health to create a more sustainable future.

Festival producer, Community Arts Resources (CARS) designs, installs and oversees a myriad of cultural events and has been dubbed by the New York Times as "Los Angeles' preeminent festival producer".

The festival is sponsored by Chobani Greek Yogurt, SOYJOY, Numi Organic Tea and Wyndham Vacation Resorts. The Santa Monica Festival is a solar-powered, near zero-waste event.

The festival is free and open to all ages.

The event is held at Clover Park, 2600 Ocean Park Blvd., between Cloverfield Blvd. and 28th Street.

Free and ample parking is available but attendees are encouraged to take public transportation, walk or bike. Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus Line 8 serves Clover Park. This year’s festivities include a free and safe Bike Valet located at 25th Street south of Ocean Park Blvd. Clover Park is wheelchair accessible.

For more information please visit www.smgov.net/festival.