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Dear Friends of Occidental,

We would like to take a moment and give you a heads-up on upcoming Occidental major events that are being planned by the Occidental Chamber of Commerce, the Occidental Bohemian Farmers Market, the Occidental Center for the Arts, the Occidental Community Council and the Occidental Y Extension. Here's a rundown on event activities:

October 28th and 29th (Friday and Saturday) is the first annual Occidental Harvest Market Festival
The Festival will kick off with the traditional children's costume parade through town at 10am. (A special thanks to all of the Salmon Creek Teachers, Staff and Students for their participation). Occidental businesses will offer up "Tricks and Treats" all day Friday and Saturday. (Note: don't forget to check out all of the Scarecrows throughout town - and be sure to participate in Scarecrow Contest!) Applications are available online in the Calendar section of www.occidental.org

The parade will be followed by an afternoon of festivities at the Occidental Bohemian Farmers Market (last market of the season) including Pumpkin Carving and Painting (by Chris Hataway and Leslie Zumwalt), a Scarecrow Contest (with great prizes donated by our friends at Howard's Station, Negris, Osmosis, Pignoli, The Union Hotel and more), a Paella Feed (by Gereard Nebesky), Chef Food Presentation (by Jackie Martine of Seaweed Café), Children's Activity Area sponsored by the Occidental Y Extension and entertainment from 4pm until dusk. Kate Price will be officiating as Master of Ceremonies.

Later in the evening on Friday night, from 7:30- 9:30pm there will be preview of The Occidental Haunted House (a special collaboration between O'Reilly Media's MAKE Magazine team, local actors, artists and technologists). Friday Evening's Adults Only Haunted House and Costume (optional) Fundraiser is for the Occidental Center for the Arts. This special evening activity will include a pumpkin pie and port (or other beverages) party at the Occidental Center for the Arts campus, formerly Harmony School.

The following day Doc. Occ's Haunted House will be open for a not too scary tour from 5:00-6:00pm (Saturday) for the smaller children and a bit more spooky performance from 6:30-9:00 for older children, families, locals and adults. The Occidental Y will also be hosting the annual Halloween Carnival Fundraiser this year at the Occidental Community Center and will be open from 6:00-9:00pm - with all of the traditional family play, raffles and games of years past, and great food. Don't miss out on the First Annual Occidental Harvest Market Festival.

November 12th (Saturday) is the first Occidental Heritage Days event
On November 12th the Chamber of Commerce and the Occidental Center for the Arts will be kicking off Occidental Heritage Days. This first event is an introduction to an ongoing series of presentations and activities that will help establish a framework/forum for Occidental to celebrate, share and continue to record our colorful and rich history. Early in the day, we will offer three docent led Occidental Walking tours (11:00am, 11:30am and noon - with a special stop off at The Inn at Occidental), and starting at 1:30pm there will be presentations by local historians Harry Lapham and Simone Wilson, a children's story telling session by Georgia Churchill, a slide show presentation by the Russian River Historical Society, a photo gallery of historical Occidental, digital archiving and reproduction for guests with photos and artifacts and more. The day's activities will begin at 11am and continue throughout the day at the Occidental Arts Center. Occidental Heritage Day participants can also continue to participate in the festivities through the evening by dining at our local restaurants serving up special menu items at prices turned back to days of old. And at 8:00pm enjoy an evening concert by the Redwood Arts Council at the Community Church. More information on this special event will continue to be posted on the Calendar Section of www.occidental.org

December 10th and 11th (Saturday and Sunday) The 20th Annual Occidental Community Council Holiday Craft Faire
Mark your calendars for December 8th and 9th (Saturday and Sunday)! The Occidental Community Council will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Occidental Community Council Holiday Crafts Faire. This event has become a tradition in Sonoma County, featuring hand made crafts and unique holiday gift items from many local artists and crafters. In addition to an amazing holiday arts and craft shopping experience, you will experience delicious food, holiday music and special entertainment throughout the day. Participate in the famous raffle extraordinaire - and win amazing prizes!

Enjoy the festivities of the season at this special 20th anniversary event and spend a wonderful day or two in Occidental during the holidays. We look forward to seeing you!

If you are interested in getting more information, volunteering and/or participating in any of these events or their activities you can contact:
Sherry Huss, Renga Arts - 874-9407 (sherry@renga-arts.com)
Heidi Schmidt, Hand Goods - 874-2161 (heige@sonic.net)

Thanks in advance for your support and cooperation! We look forward to your participation.

Best,

Sherry and Heidi

P.S. We've attached an Occidental Harvest Market Festival Event Overview and Event Flier. Please print out copies to share, post (at your favorite local hangouts), and distribute to interested parties.