Art Faire:Central Coast:June

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Artichoke Festival - May 20 - 21, 2006

Downtown Castroville, CA

Schedule: Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Cost: Admission $6, $3 children under 12

Primary Phone: (831) 633-2465

Web site: www.artichoke-festival.org

Going strong since Ms. Monroe's debut as queen in 1948, this festival pays homage to its patron veggie with a car show, a parade, an agro-art show (with works of art made from fruits and veggies), a 10K race, live music from rock 'n' roll to mariachis, craft booths, and lots of fun stuff for the kids. Oh, and artichokes prepared every conceivable way.

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June 17, 2006 - Japanese Cultural Fair

Mission Plaza Santa Cruz, CA

Schedule: 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Cost: Free Primary Phone: (831) 462-4589

Web site: www.jcfsc.org

The revered traditions of Japanese culture are celebrated with traditional folk dancing, storytelling with Megumi, martial artists, and taiko drumming. Also on tap are flower arranging (ikebana), paper folding (origami), calligraphy workshops, shiatsu massage, and delicious Japanese foods.