You Are Invited!

California Cowboys

Dear Friends – or Shall we Say,
Howdy Folks!

Sonoma’s 18th annual Salute to the Arts – the Wine Country’s most colorful, energetic, beloved, and emulated food, wine, and art festival, is the perfect time to celebrate the indomitable spirit of the west as we showcase the culinary, winemaking, visual and performing arts, July 25, 26, and 27, 2003.

Taste, sip, and swirl as you stroll down Buena Vista Winery’s tree-shaded lane and kick up your heels beneath the stars to original California Cowboy tunes and country western rock at The Salute Celebration. Pass through a tent filled with juried art competition entries and bid on works you can’t resist. (This will be your only chance to acquire works at silent auction. Those that aren’t sold on Friday evening will be offered at retail prices in Sonoma Plaza throughout the weekend.)

Visual Art Competition Exhibit & Sale in Sonoma Plaza

On Saturday morning gather in Sonoma Plaza at 8 a.m. for a hike from the Plaza to the Sonoma Overlook Trail. Catch glimpses of the event from the hills above town and arrive back in time for the opening of Salute to the Arts in Sonoma Plaza.

You’ll savor fine wines and regional cuisine at Salute to the Arts in the Sonoma Plaza on Saturday and Sunday; enjoy cooking demonstrations presented by Viking Range Corporation; meander through fine art exhibits; add your own brush stokes to the Sonoma Valley Arts Alliance mural for all ages; attend open air performances from theater and opera to country western, rock, and swamp boogie blues.

Salute Celebration 2002

The entertainment continues at the Salute to the Arts Live Auction & Dinner at Chateau St. Jean on Saturday evening. Indulge in sumptuous hors d’oeuvres and dinner by Executive Chef Michael McDonald of The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, then raise your paddles high for the arts. Dozens of tantalizing lots – both live and silent - await your bid. The line up includes large format bottles of wine painted by well-known local artists, the original 2003 Salute to Arts poster artwork by prominent artist Dick Cole, and vacation packages including eight nights in the Hawaiian Islands and five nights in Bermuda contributed by The Fairmont; winemaker dinners, and more! >> Auction Teaser

Please join us to partake of Northern California’s magnificent Wine COUNTRY event. Become a patron, benefactor, or sponsor. Immerse yourself in the art of living and well being – and help raise funding for some twenty arts, cultural and educational organizations.

We look forward to Saluting the Arts with You!

Salute to the Arts Live Auction 2002

Karen Collins and Steve Dale, Co-chairs
Salute Celebrities, Fundraisers for the Art

See Also:

• Calendar of Events
• Auction Teaser
• The Menu
• Wine List
• Art Tasting in Sonoma Plaza
• Ticket Information
• About Salute to the Arts
• Proceeds Benefit...
• site map

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