ABOUT THE EVENT

Connoisseurs’ Marketplace
Celebrates 26 Years

Menlo Park’s Popular Festival Salutes The Best of Summer

This year, Menlo Park's venerable Connoisseurs' Marketplace marks 26 years as one of the Bay Area's top summer festivals. It's a sun-splashed weekend featuring world-class art by 250 of America's top artists, two days of stellar music, enlightening chefs' demos, fabulous food and drink, tons of fun for kids, artisan specialty food purveyors, a collector car show, home and garden exhibits, health and wellness displays, an organic and green products showcase, and the cool new Cuda Lounge. The festival takes place on July 21-22 in downtown Menlo Park. Presented by the Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce, large crowds are expected to pour onto the downtown streets for this vibrant celebration of visual, performing and culinary arts. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Admission is free. Take a leisurely stroll down charming, tree-lined Santa Cruz Avenue and experience a world-class sampler for the senses.

How It All Began … 25 Years Ago

Menlo Park’s longtime signature attraction and one of the Bay Area’s top festivals, Connoisseurs’ Marketplace was launched in 1987 as the first major fund-raiser for the Chamber of Commerce. The name was chosen to reflect the community’s well-educated, sophisticated population. In designing the event, the founders went for an all-out elegant look and brought in a juried art show, gourmet foods, super-premium wines and a chefs’ demonstration tent that set the festival apart from the formats seen at most other street fairs. "For 25 years now, Connoisseurs’ Marketplace has been Menlo Park’s largest annual event," said festival co-chairman Rick Ciardella. "Every year, the festival brings thousands of visitors into town and generates tremendous exposure for our merchants and city. With our charming, tree-lined downtown, the festival serves as a superb showcase for Menlo Park."

Arts and crafts booths Glass art booth Art booth HeartStrings Music

Fine Art, One-Of-A-Kind Crafts

Pacific Fine Arts brings their world-class stable stable of exceptional artists and craftmakers to the festival. "Festivalgoers will find original art and fine crafts with a variety of price points. Every item is handcrafted from beginning to end — it’s a prime opportunity to meet the artists that conceive and do the work," said Dana Hale-Mounier, Director of Pacific Fine Arts. Buyers and browsers will find thousands of beautiful, handcrafted items by 250 of America’s top artists and craftmakers in well- stocked booths covering several city blocks. Featuring original work in sculpture, paintings, photography, glass, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, leather, wood, metal and mixed media, the festival is considered among the top art shows in the Bay Area. Gorgeous vases, flatware, clocks, dishes, wall and table decorations, paperweights, stained and beveled glass, etchings, sculptures, photography, oil and watercolor paintings, beadwork, gold and silver jewelry, vests, handbags, hats, wallets, footwear, windchimes, and waterfalls are among the one-of-a-kind items available.

Stellar Live Music

Rock On! The best of the Bay Area music scene comes to Menlo Park with eight dynamite bands playing an eclectic, fun-filled mix of classic rock ‘n roll, rhythm and blues, jazz, dance and party music on stage and street. The free "Saturday After-Hours Concert" will feature David Martin’s House Party, the Bay Area's legendary, high-energy dance band known for their popular Motown hits, trademark great voices, sweet harmonies, matching flashy outfits, and slick dance moves, from 5:30-8 p.m. in Fremont Park. Also performing are OTR, Wally's Cocktail Combo, the Brian Ho Trio, SF Bay Jazz, HeartStrings Music, Bob Culbertson and Jeffrey Michael. In a new twist, the Bay Area’s legendary classic rock station, KFOX 98.5 FM/102.1 FM, hosts the Classic Rock Stage on Sunday.

Chefs’ Demo Tent

Menlo Park’s Top Chefs (and one from Hollywood) take center stage, not to compete and contest, but to instruct, enlighten and entertain. Always a festival favorite, talented chefs from top local restaurants (and food trucks)—Left Bank, Trellis, Bistro Vida, Sultana, Carpaccio and Butterscotch On The Go—put on a fabulous, engaging show, preparing dishes that reflect their imagination and style, while offering festivalgoers creative ideas and tips to try in the kitchen at home. A dollop of Hollywood stardust tossed with farm-fresh produce will be on the marquee for Sunday afternoon (2 pm), when soap opera star Deidre Hall shares recipes from her book Deidre Hall’s Kitchen Close-Up, along with co-author and Pescadero resident Lynne Bowman. Best known for her portrayal of Dr. Marlena Evans on Days of Our Lives, Hall has also been an advocate of green living, dedicating herself to the fight for nutritional lunches in American schools.

AutoVino Collector Car Showcase

The AutoVino Collector Car Showcase is back with a special display of world-class automobiles. AutoVino, a Menlo Park based "Preserve for Fine Cars and Wine", will be showing fabulous array of their vehicles including a 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, a 1957 Citroen Delivery Van — as recognizable a French icon as the Eiffel Tower, a 1951 MG TD Competition Model, the king of sports cars from its era, and a "Miami Vice" Ferrari Daytona Spyder, the same model actor Don Johnson drove in the hit 1980s TV show and for many years the fastest production car sold in the USA.

Smoked turkey & roasted corn Enjoying Festival microbrews Fun for the whole family

Festive Food & Drink

Festival eateries will be serving up a world of flavorful, stroll-around fare — fresh roasted corn-on-the-cob, artichoke hearts topped with crab and shrimp, samosas, tandoori chicken, lamb and vegetarian, spit-roasted gyros, falafel, Philly cheesesteaks, fried calamari with cilantro-lime sauce, barbecued oysters, crab cakes, smoked turkey legs, tri-tip and portobello mushroom sandwiches, garlic fries, Hawaiian shredded pork sandwiches, smoked bratwurst and Polish dogs, tamales, tacos, garlic chicken and pork kebobs, pupusas, fish tacos, fish and chips, strawberry shortcake, smoothies, kettle corn, sorbet, Italian ice and fresh-squeezed lemonade. Complementing the food will be exceptional wine, microbrews, refreshing margaritas and mojitos.

Microbrew & Wine Tasting Tent

Sample exceptional, seasonal brews like Anchor Summer Beer, Anchor Liberty Ale, Ballast Point Big Eye IPA, Anderson Valley Summer Solstice, Pyramid Hefeweizen, Full Sail Session Lager, Full Sail Session Black, Full Sail LTD, Full Sail IPA, 21st Amemdment IPA, 21st Amemdment Back in Black, 21st Amendment Watermelon Wheat, Mendocino Brewing Red Tail Ale, and Mendocino Brewing Company White Hawk IPA. Special thanks to our sponsor, DBI Beverages, for making the beer tasting possible. Taste the world-class varietals from Woodside Vineyards, one of the oldest and smallest California wineries, boasting estate wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains that are carefully nurtured from vineyard to bottle. Enjoy their outstanding 2008 Kings Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003 Estate Brut Sparkling Wine, and 2009 Woodside Chardonnay. Special thanks to Woodside Vineyards and Buff Giurlani for making the wine tasting possible.

Artisan Specialty Food

Festivalgoers can sample and purchase incredible artisan-produced edibles, all using the very finest ingredients — balsamic vinegars and oils, Kona coffee, macadamia nuts, mustard blends, curds and scone mixes, marinades and finishing sauces, exotic jams and jellies, honey and honey products, butters and chutneys, vinaigrettes and dressings, flavored almonds, cashews, pistachios and pecans, dessert sauces, spices, herbs, salts, organic dog treats will be among the mouth-watering offerings.

Kids’ Fun Zone

The action-packed Kids’ Fun Zone will fascinate kids with endless amusements. Super cool henna tattoos, bubble art, balloon artists, face painting, inflatible bounces, carnival and train rides, a 24-foot climbing wall, miniature diecast cars, mini Lego figurines, handmade tutus, halos, umbrellas, dresses, shoes and hair accessories for kids are among the exciting attractions. On Saturday, from 12 noon to 2 pm, the Radio Disney Road Crew and Lite Sprites will offer interactive play, themed games and dancing with fabulous prizes to boot. Take a stroll down the red carpet and get your free photo taken with cut outs of the Lite Sprites characters.

The Cool New Cuda Lounge

Barracuda Networks is bringing the cool new Cuda Lounge to this year's festival. The Cuda Lounge is THE spot. Escape the teeming crowds, take a break and hang out with friends watching your favorite sporting events on flat screen TVs while relaxing on comfy couches. Pick up free Barracuda Networks swag and enjoy tasty samples from Larabar, Cascadian Farm and Purity Organic Juice.

Home & Garden Exhibits

For home improvement ideas, check out product displays and chat with representatives from Heavenly Greens, Bay Home & Window, Armstrong Installation Services, Renewal by Andersen, Clear View Screens, Cutco Cutlery, Gutter Helmet, BathFitter, Kitchen Experts and The Craftsmens’ Guild.

Organic & Green Products Showcase

This year’s festival will feature the latest and greatest exhibits featuring Organic, Natural, Healthy and Eco-Friendly products. Enjoy free product samples and demos while experiencing first-hand how these products can help you live a better, healthier and "greener" lifestyle and be a positive catalyst for change. Sponsors include SunWize Technologies, Stanford Chiropractic, Crystal Geyser Alpine Spring Water, Farm Fresh To You, Larabar, Cascadian Farm, KC Custom Green Homes, American Laser Centers, Peak Performance Chiropractic, Menlo Medical Clinic, Cobalt Power Systems, Renewal by Andersen, Recology of San Mateo County, One Lawn, Mrs. Meyers Clean Day, and University Chiropractic.

Spectacular Sponsors

Win great prizes, enjoy free samples, meet the personalities and experience the latest products from festival sponsors: Ford Experience Tour, San Mateo Credit Union, Wells Fargo, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Wyndham Vacation Resorts, Valley Credit Union, DBI Beverage, Sam Adams Summer Ale, Boston Lager, Blue Moon Belgian White, Coors Light, California State Automobile Association, AT&T The Real Yellow Pages, AutoVino, Barracuda Networks, Radio Disney, WowWee Toys, Yelp, Sauza Original Margaritas, Cruzan Rum Premium Mojitos, Bay Area News Group, The San Jose Mercury News, Got Daily Deals, The San Mateo Daily Journal, CBS 5, The CW –– Channel 44, KOFY TV 20, Comcast, Alice 97.3 FM, KBAY 94.5 FM, KEZR 106.5 FM, KFOX 98.5/102.1 FM, KOIT 96.5 FM, KCBS 740 AM/106.9 FM, KSFO Hot Talk 560 AM, The Almanac, Palo Alto Weekly, Metro, Recology of San Mateo County, The City of Menlo Park, Tyco Thermal Controls, Sharon Heights Shell, Menlo Chevron, Peak Performance Chiropractic, Ciardella Associates, and Friends of the Chamber.

Zero Waste Initiative

The Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce will once again partner with Recology of San Mateo County and the City of Menlo Park to promote and encourage Zero Waste. Free-standing containers will be positioned throughout the festival pedestrian route for recycling glass and plastic bottles and aluminum cans. Additionally, there will be large recycling containers for cardboard and mixed paper as well as glass, plastic and aluminum in strategic locations for event staff, vendors and sponsors. Beer, margaritas and mojitos will be served in recyclable plastic cups (as well as in festival glassware). "Every day we talk about ways to reduce, re-use, and recycle," said Fran Dehn, President/CEO of the Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce. "We’re on a mission to make this a Zero Waste festival — it’s a big priority for us and something we diligently plan for and try to improve every year." The festival is also encouraging the use of public transportation and bicycles to minimize carbon emissions and reduce vehicular traffic. Downtown Menlo Park has more than 80 bicycle parking racks along Santa Cruz Avenue. The Caltrain/Samtrans station conveniently drops riders off one short block from the festival.

Public Transportation

Caltrain and SamTrans will be running their normal weekend service both days. The Menlo Park Caltrain/SamTrans station drops riders off one block from the festival grounds. For Caltrain and SamTrans schedule information, call 800-660-4287 or visit www.caltrain.com or www.samtrans.com. For VTA information, call 800-894-9908 or visit www.vta.org.

Street Closures/Vehicle Parking/Bicycle Parking

Santa Cruz Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic from El Camino Real to Johnson Street for the two-day festival. Parking will be available in the parking plazas adjacent to Santa Cruz Avenue, on side streets surrounding the festival area, and at the Caltrain station on Merrill Street. Bicycle parking racks are available at several locations on Santa Cruz Avenue.

No Pets, Please

Pets are not allowed at the festival. For the safety, comfort, and courtesy of your pets and festival-goers, please leave your pets at home.

Festival Dates/Hours/Location

The festival runs July 21-22 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Santa Cruz Avenue from El Camino Real to Johnson Street in Menlo Park. Admission is free.

Info-Line

For festival information, call the Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce at 650-325-2818.