PAFF’s late founder, Debbie Bennett, with one of George Bristle’s birds. Photo by Jaime Bennett, copyright 2006.

The Pescadero Arts and Fun Festival, one of the Coastside’s favorite summer events, will take place August 16 and 17 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at the I.D.E.S. grounds in historic downtown Pescadero. The festival features non-stop live music, arts and crafts, a fine art show, country cooking and a Kids Korral. And, best of all, admission is free.

The festival kicks off Friday night     August 15 with the South Coast Artist Alliance Art Show opening. One of the primary social events of the year, the art show premiere offers a chance to meet the local artists, showing work in a variety of styles and mediums, while enjoying wine and tasty appetizers and reconnecting with old friends. Proceeds from the raffle go to support art programs for the kids in the community.

The outdoor festival area hosts over 70 booths featuring hand-crafted pottery, clothes, jewelry, wood carvings, and more — as well as information about grassroots community organizations. Other booths offer delicious BBQ chicken and ribs, homemade tamales, french-fried artichokes, cotton candy and other goodies to make your stomach smile.

The main stage highlights non-stop music by our local favorite bands: Dave Walker, Mark Reid, Gary Gates, This Way Up, Lighthouse, Blue, Billy Talbot, Paula Brisker, Tim Hudson, and Mariachi Los Cachorros. There’s also the ever-popular South Coast Children’s Services Fashion Show. MCs Dee Harley and Janet Periat will keep you laughing between sets while announcing the winners of the great raffle prizes throughout the day.

All proceeds from the festival go to support local youth programs and college scholarships. So follow Paffy the dancing cow to beautiful downtown Pescadero for a day of fun, fun, fun!

For more information, visit pescaderoartsandfunfestival.com.