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SAUSALITO…WORLD-CLASS ALL THE WAY!

By Rob Franco

Sausalito is "world class" for many reasons! Its views, ambience, architecture, hotels, restaurants, its many unique points of interest and the fact that people from all over the world flock here each year to enjoy its world class beauty, all make Sausalito a world class city. I could go on… But there is a "world class" event coming up this month, held annually over Labor Day weekend and its right across the Bay from San Francisco.

Sausalito is currently gearing up for its 49th Annual Sausalito Art Festival, rated the #1 Fine Arts Festival in America. Often considered one of Northern California’s and the Bay Area’s best kept secrets, the Sausalito Art Festival draws over 60,000 visitors and artists from around the world.

Over 1,200 artists, internationally, apply to exhibit and sell their work at one of the most prestigious juried non-profit art festivals in the nation. Festival-goers have the opportunity to meet 270 artists selected to participate in this spectacular outdoor festival. More than 20,000 original works of art, including paintings, watercolor, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, metalwork, fiber art, fine glass, woodwork, 2 & 3D mixed media, wearable art, photography and digital arts, will be showcased on the visually stunning Bay front festival grounds.

Attendance is further enhanced with top name entertainment on two stages, fine gourmet food served throughout the festival, fine wines and premier beers and a children’s theater as well as art and other activities the whole family can enjoy. This years entertainment includes Richie Havens, John Hammond, the Murasaki Ensemble, Malo with Jorge Santana, Jefferson Starship, Wonderbread Five, Nicholas Glover & Wrey, The Bacon Brothers and Dan Hicks & his Hot Licks.

The festival is located at The Bay Model Visitor Center and Marinship Park on the historic Sausalito waterfront, where the liberty ships were built during World War II. Known worldwide as one of the most unique artist communities, Sausalito and the Marinship area holds the largest concentration of working art studios in the country. Long before the Golden Gate Bridge was built, Sausalito was the meeting place of artists, writers, poets, musicians, philosophers and other creative and free thinking people. Now it is also the home of the Nation’s top rated Fine Arts Festival.

The GALA that launches the Festival is always a memorable event experience in itself.

The Sausalito Cultural Arts Foundation and the Friends of the Festival invite you to join the artist in advance celebration at the Festival’s GALA Premiere on Friday, August 31, 2001 which runs from 6:30pm to midnight. Meet the artist and preview the art during an evening of exquisite dining presented by Dan McCall & Associates with hosted spirits, dancing and entertainment on three stages including Dick Bright’s "SRO" Orchestra. Attendees of the GALA can freely walk the Festival grounds, preview all the art and meet the artists. The theme this year is Mardi Gras, so you have a choice of black tie dress or you can wear costumes, masks, beads, and be ready to Let the Good Times Roll…all night long!

Ticket prices are $15.00 for general admission. $7.00 for seniors and $5.00 for juniors 5-12 years old. Children under 5 years of age are admitted free. A $2.00 discount off the $15.00 general admission price is available for advance group ticket sales of 40 or more. For advance Blue and Gold Fleet direct ferry service and Festival tickets call (415) 705-5555. Golden Gate Ferry service is also available. For GG Ferry schedule information call (415)923-2000. To order advance GALA and group festival tickets, contact festival headquarters by August 15, 2001. Travelers planning to stay in the area over Labor Day weekend may contact the Sausalito Chamber of Commerce for lodging referrals and information. Please make your reservations well in advance if possible.

One of the most unique aspects of this World Class Festival is that, over the years, it has been organized and run by thousands of dedicated volunteers from the community. The passion and dedication of these volunteers has made the Festival the great success it is year after year. Many thanks to all festival organizers, volunteers and supporters for sharing their time, energy and enthusiasm. If you are interested in volunteering at least four hours of your time to work during the Festival, in return you will be given free admission, a festival shirt and refreshments. Feel free to call the Festival office if you are interested.

Call the Festival recorded information HotLine at (415) 331-3757 for more information or try the Sausalito Art Festival website at www.sausalitoartfestival.org.