SLO HomeStore: The Buyers' Resource

Every August, on the weekend one week prior to the 3-day Labor Day holiday, the community of Grover Beach puts on quite a party called the Stone Soup Music Faire. And it is truly affordable because there is no cost of admission, as in “Free”. Two days of diverse music, a community health fair, children’s activities at the Exploration Station, along with food and merchandise from a broad selection of vendors has now been part of this community for over 17 years.

On the streets, centered near 9th and Ramona Avenue, (one block north of Grand Avenue) facing Ramona Garden Park, you will find a communing throng of people who come every year or maybe for the first time, to share an interest in that which is likely not part of their everyday lives.  In recent memory this has included music from a world renowned Celtic rock band lead by a Norwegian (Tempest), a taiko drumming group from Los Angeles that has toured Japan (Satori Daiko), a touring band made up of balalaikas (Big Rock Balalaikas) led by a elementary school teacher from King City and touring artists from as far away as Cameron and Madagascar.

The festivities start on Saturday at 10:00 AM, running all day and then conclude with a street dance from 7:00 PM to about 9:30 PM. The health fair is also on Saturday. On Sunday, the day begins at 11:00 AM until the Faire closes at 5:00 PM. Sunday also includes a Salsa (food not dancing) contest in the early afternoon. On both days, you will also find a juggler and a storyteller to make the whole family happy they came.

All you have to do is show up to enjoy this celebration of musical and cultural diversity. However, if you need more information you can contact the Grover Beach Chamber of Commerce at 805-489-9091 or visit their website at www.groverbeachchamber.com.

For those of heartier stock, on Saturday before the start of Stone Soup, the Dune Run-Run takes place at 9:00 AM. This event includes a 5K walk along with a 5 and 10K run out to the Pismo Dunes and back to Ramona Garden Park. For information and race registration call Grover Beach Parks and Recreation at 805-473-4580 or visit the City’s website at www.grover.org.