Over The Top Mommy

Orange County

Buccaneer Cove at BOOMERS in Irvine is a Kids’ Paradise!

buccaneer-cove3Last week, we spent the perfect day with friends at Buccaneer Cove inside BOOMERS in Irvine! If you haven’t been there yet, it’s somewhere you should definitely hit up THIS summer with the kids!

buccaneer-cove-2 Buccaneer Cove is a giant water play area (inside of a self-contained gated area) located inside of BOOMERS in Irvine. It features 5 different water slides, each catering to adventure seekers of different heights and ages. In addition to the water slides, Buccaneer Cove also has a wet tunnels, spray loops, spray cannons an interactive Aqua Dome, and a huge splash bucket! It’s like a kids’ paradise. Let’s talk a little bit more about the slides though. First of all, they each have a name.

yellow-slideThe Yellow Slide is the tallest and longest slide in Buccaneer Cove. It’s 380 feet, from start to finish. You’ll climb up to the top (on the 4th level) and slide down this fully enclosed yellow tube. As you slide down, you’ll twist through a figure 8, then pick-up speed with a straight chute and spiral to the end!
blue-slideThe Blue Slide is one of three slides that begin on the 3rd level. This slide is one curvy ride! Also an enclosed slide, once you push off into the blue tube, you’ll whirl through a figure 8, pick-up steam in a straight run, then sling through a power bend to the end!
red-slideThe Red Slide is another one of the three slides that begin on the 3rd level. This one is fast! When you drop off into the enclosed red tube, you’ll quickly fly through a splashy S-curve, then plummet through a spiral to the end!

open-slideThe Open Slide is the only non-enclosed slide intended for the bigger kids! It also starts up on the 3rd level and puts you through the paces. You’ll whirl through a counterclockwise spiral and then suddenly sail through another spiral in the opposite direction. Then – splash! It’s over, and time to do it again!

kiddie-slideThis is the perfect slide for the smaller water babies. It’s a two-lane open slide and both lanes start at the 1st level. It’s a gentle slide but a big thrill for kiddies under 36” with parental supervision. orange-slideIn addition to the water slides, Buccaneer Cove also has wet tunnels, spray loops, spray cannons,  an interactive aqua dome,  and a huge splash bucket! It’s literally a water wonderland for kids!


As a mom, one of my favorite parts about the entire place is that you can see your kid(s) from most locations that you’d choose to sit at. It doesn’t require that you, too, go on all of the slides or be in the water play area, unless that’s your sort of thing. There is plenty of seating all around Buccaneer Cove.

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rent-a-cabanaBuccaneer Cove offers guests the option of renting a cabana for the day.  For a very reasonable price of $75 for the entire day, the cabana includes services of a host or hostess for an hour and a bucket of bottled water for your party. You can order food from your host or hostess, which they can bring to you.

IMG_8936The cabana comfortably accomodates 6 guests but we actually had more. Also, the kids in your group will most likely never come into the cabana except to eat.  Cabanas at Buccaneer Cove are limited so you’ll want to plan ahead of time and even reserve one online here.

food-options

Right inside Buccaneer Cove is a snack bar where you can purchase snacks, sweets, and beverages. You are also able to walk over to the snack bar inside of BOOMERS to order food that you can bring inside of Buccaneer Cove. The BOOMERS snack bar has items on the menu such as chicken fingers, hot dogs, nachos, and salads. (The Caesar salad was delish!) They also serve entire pizzas which are perfect for a big group. Please note: there is no outside food or drink permitted inside of Buccaneer Cove. 

yummy-salad

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Buccaneer Cove is Open from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.

The hours are as follows:

Monday – Friday 11:00am to 6:00pm / Weekends Only 11:00am to 7:00pm

For more information about tickets and operating hours for Buccaneer Cove, click here.

Connect with Boomers in Irvine on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

I’d like to thank the entire staff at Buccaneer Cove for your hospitality and hosting us for the afternoon! 

The 2015 OC Fair is Here and it’s Going to Be #OneBigParty!

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It’s the time all of Orange County has been waiting for! The 2015 OC Fair has returned to the Costa Mesa Fairgrounds and it’s  going to be”One Big Party”!

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Our family can’t get enough of the OC Fair! We love the food, the rides, the animals, all of the entertainment, and and so much more!

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hours This summer the fair will be open from July 17 through August 16! (Wednesdays through Sundays).

Fair hours are as follows: 

  • Wednesday-Friday   Noon-Midnight
  • Saturday-Sunday      10 am-Midnight
  • Monday-Tuesday     Closed

admissionYou have 2 options for fair admission. You can purchase either a single day admission or an even better value would be to purchase a Super Pass.

Single-Day Admission prices are as follows:

  • General (13-59) $12
  • Senior (60+) $7
  • Youth (6-12) $7
  • Children 5 and younger are free

Single day admission to the Fair can be purchased either online here when you print at home or at the OC Fair Box Office at the Pacific Amphitheatre. To check Box Office Hours click here.

The Super Pass is an option that gives you access to the fair for all 23 days. It also includes Express entry at all public gates during Fair hours, as well as 2-for-1 discount for tickets to select Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena Concerts and events.

The Super Pass also includes:

  • 20% off Fair apparel
  • 2015 OC Fair souvenir pin
  • Free Admission to the Orange County Market Place (valid through December 27, 2015)
  • A Carnival value book (2-for-1 ride on La Grande Wheel, 2-for-1 carnival games, Free water bottle with a $10 purchase of treats from carnival food vendor, Free refill with a souvenir cup purchase in the carnival)

The Super Pass can be purchased at The OC Fair Event Center Box Office, The Hangar Box Office or any OC Fair admission gate through Friday, August 14, 2015.

parkingFees for parking at the OC Fair:

  • General Passenger Car $10
  • General Buses & Limos $20
  • Pacific Amphitheatre VIP $30

Important: Parking is cash only. There are no in-and-out parking privileges. General parking is not available for advance purchase and can only be purchased when you arrive at the Fair.

Free Off-Site Parking is also available on Saturday & Sunday Only
Free parking and shuttle service is available on Saturdays and Sundays from the Experian parking structure located off the Bristol Street exit of the 405 Freeway. Follow the signs to “Experian.” The shuttle operates from 10 am-1 am weekends only.

fair-discountsThe OC Fair offers a TON of different discounts to fair-goers. Here are just a few, but click here to find ALL of them!

Active Military & VeteransFree admission for active-duty military and veterans with appropriate military ID (DD214, etc.) Not valid for spouses or dependents
Read & Ride
Bookworms ages 5-11 can read 2 books to earn 3 free carnival rides.  To download the book report form, click here.
Completed book report forms can be redeemed for ride tickets at the Centennial Farm Information Booth during Fair hours. Tickets are valid July 17-August 16, 2015 only. Note: Official OC Fair Read & Ride Form must be used in order to participate in program.
We Care Wednesday    Presented by  

FREE admission and one (1) free carnival ride per person each Wednesday with appropriate donation (donation changes weekly.) Acceptance of donated items is at the discretion of the OC Fair. Promotion is limited to one free admission and one free carnival ride per person. Guest must be present with donation to receive free ticket.

  • July 22, Noon-3 pm Food Drive: Free admission with donations of 5 cans of food. SecondHarvest
  • July 29, Noon-3 pm Children’s Book Drive: Free admission with donation of 3 new or gently used children’s books. ThinkTogether
  • August 5, Noon-3 pm Clothing Drive: Free admission with donation of 5 new or gently used clothing items GoodWill
  • August 12, Noon-3 pm School Supply Drive: Free admission with donation of NEW school supplies valued at $5 or more. Accepted items: pens, pencils, crayons, notebooks, notebook paper and school backpacks. Receipt Required. SOS

$30 Unlimited Carnival Ride Wristband (on Wednesdays and Thursdays only)

Enjoy all the rides you can handle for one price plus 2 free games. (Sold until 5 pm. Valid until 8 pm. Required Fair admission sold separately.)

Kids Day is every Thursday!

Children 12 & under receive FREE Fair admission all day. (why not combine the free admission with the $30 unlimited carnival ride wristband?) rides-collage-1024x1024

So tell me, what’s YOUR favorite thing about the OC Fair? Mine are the piglets!

pigletsVisit the OC Fair on Facebook and connect with them on Twitter and Instagram as well!

2015 Mickey’s Halloween Party Dates Released! We Can’t Wait! #HalloweenTime

Guess what’s returning to the Disneyland Resort on September 11? Halloween Time! We are SO excited for it’s return too! If you’ve never been to the parks during Halloween Time, it’s something you’ll want to make happen this year.

halloween-timeWith the Disneyland Resort’s Diamond Celebration already happening in the parks this year, guests will get to enjoy extra sparkly Halloween decorations this year. There are also seasonal attractions to experience such as Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain’s “Ghost Galaxy”.

One of the biggest events of the year at the Disneyland Resort is Mickey’s Halloween Party! This is an after-hours Halloween party that requires the purchase of a separate ticket. (don’t worry, it’s totally worth it!) The party is held inside Disneyland and guests of all ages are invited to wear their favorite costumes for the occasion. There is plenty of trick or treating throughout the park and the characters will be out and about in their own Halloween costumes.

IMG_0126This year, guests in attendance at Mickey’s Halloween party will be able to watch a special “Halloween Screams” fireworks show, in addition to the “Paint the Night” parade. It’s truly a party not to be missed!

With your Mickey’s Halloween Party ticket you get:

  • Admission to Disneyland Park up to 3 hours prior to the event’s start time.
  • Parking for one standard-size vehicle. (Larger vehicles may require an additional fee.)

Here are the dates for Mickey’s Halloween Party 2015: 

  • Friday, Sept. 25
  • Monday, Sept. 28
  • Wednesday, Sept. 30
  • Friday, Oct. 2
  • Monday, Oct. 5
  • Wednesday, Oct. 7
  • Friday, Oct. 9
  • Monday, Oct. 12
  • Wednesday, Oct. 14
  • Friday, Oct. 16
  • Monday, Oct. 19
  • Thursday, Oct. 22
  • Friday, Oct. 23
  • Sunday, Oct. 25
  • Tuesday, Oct. 27
  • Thursday, Oct. 29
  • Saturday, Oct. 31

Tickets for Mickey’s Halloween Party sell out every year and you’ll want to plan now for your date and grab a ticket as soon as they go on sale. This year, you’ll also be able to purchase your Mickey’s Halloween party tickets early on your mobile device. How cool is that?

Here are the dates for ticket sales: 

July 22: Ticket sales to Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders, Disney Rewards Visa card holders and Disney Vacation Club members.
July 29: Ticket sales begin for the general public.

The hours for each day of Mickey’s Halloween Party vary slightly from day to day. The prices also vary. For more information about times and ticket prices, visit the official Disney site here.

Braintastics Now Open at Kaleidoscope With Classes and Camps That Focus on Science, Technology, Education, Arts & Math!

braintasticBraintastics, a unique new program for kids that fosters brain development in a fun-filled environment, has opened its first location at Kaleidoscope in Mission Viejo. Based on a national movement dubbed S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Education, Arts and Math), the focus of Braintastics is to provide more science and technology exposure to kids to foster brain development and help with educational advancement.

Braintastics was created by Heidi Landraf, who through her own brain research in her Masters program and her experience within a classroom, saw a need for a program that gives kids the time and space to explore their curiosities. Heidi has partnered on Braintastics with Cheryl Beck, owner of Bold Girlz, also at Kaleidoscope, since Cheryl’s mission is focused on building self-esteem and empowerment.

braintastic-kids-2Braintastics offers an environment for true brain development and cognitive growth while having fun in a setting that is inviting, stimulating, and exciting. Caine and Caine also suggest that a brain-compatible learning environment should go beyond rote memorization and rote memory thinking and processing. Braintastics allows children’s imagination and creativity to reach their full potential of self-expression.

braintastic-kidsBraintastics’ schedule includes daily workshops and weekly Summer Camps, including a Robotics class taught by James Reynolds, a Robotics teacher and advisor at Mater Dei. There are also a variety of Birthday Party packages available with themes including Braintastics Fun, Robotic Fun, Minecraft® Mania, and It’s All an Act, in which party-goers get to be the star of the show and produce their own video.

braintastics-mapsBraintastics is located on the upper level of Kaleidoscope at 27741 Crown Valley Pkwy, Ste. 315, in Mission Viejo. It’s open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.  For more information, please call 949-348-1844 or click here. You can also visit Braintastics on Facebook!

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. Images and video property of Braintastics. 

Movies Under the Stars at Rancho Las Lomas Benefitting Rancho Las Lomas Wildlife Foundation!

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Rancho Las Lomas will be hosting a Friday night movie series as a fundraiser for the facility and its Rancho Las Lomas Wildlife Foundation. Tickets are $15.00 each and include access to their zoo and the movie of the week. Gates will open on Fridays at 6:00pm for guests to enjoy the property, grab a drink from our bar and find a seat for the movie. Look at the great selection of movies to choose from: 

  • July 10th – “Dirty Dancing”
  • July 17th – “Beethoven”
  • July 24th – “Braveheart”
  • July 31st – “Jumanji”
  • August 7th – “Top Gun”
  • August 14th “Forest Gump”
  • August 21st “ Jerry Maguire”

Why not have a family night, date night or even a girls night out at Rancho Las Lomas?  Guests are encouraged to bring low back chairs, a blanket and even a picnic dinner!

If you’d like to attend, you must RSVP prior to [email protected] or  call 949-589-7900, as there is limited seating.

I’m also giving away a 4-pack of tickets to one of my lucky readers for their choice of movie night at Rancho Las Lomas. To enter, just comment on this post and tell me which movie you’d like to win tickets to see. The giveaway will close on Wednesday, July 15th at 11:59 p.m. and I’ll choose one winner from the Random Number generator on Thursday, July 16th. Winner will be notified by email. 

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. 

Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour Restaurant’s 6th Annual Splendiferously Superific Summer Spectacular Ice Cream Eating Challenge, benefitting CHOC Children’s® and Make-A-Wish®

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Farrell’s recently hosted a super duper fun event at their Brea location, featuring KTLA’s Henry DiCarlo, to kick off their 6th annual Splendiferously Superific Summer Spectacular Ice Cream Eating Challenge, benefitting CHOC Children’s® and Make-A-Wish®! Did I mention that they started filming at 4:45 a.m.? Yep! You can never get too early of a start, right?

henry-di-carloSome of the fun guests in attendance that I got to meet included Choco Bear from CHOC Children’s, Tooba from Goon Holler on Vine, the knights from Medevial Times, the pirates from Pirates Adventure Dinner, and last year’s champion and professional eater, Naadar “Freak8r” Reda!

farrells-collage Farrell’s was so generous to provide an abundance of coffee, served in mustache cups (of course) and a breakfast feast fit for a king! Farrell’s doesn’t do anything small! 

breakfast-at-farrellsWith the qualifying period for Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour Restaurant’s 6th annual Splendiferously Superific Summer Spectacular Ice Cream Eating Challenge under way, let’s talk a little bit more about the details. Since this event gives 100% of its proceeds to CHOC Children’s® and Make-A-Wish®, anyone can enter to win. You don’t even have to be competitive eater to enter. Farrell’s is rallying to get as many people to enter as possible, including those who simply want to donate. From June 19 through July 12, it’s everyone”s chance to come into any California Farrell’s location to shine like the ooey gooey whipped cream and sprinkle covered star they are and qualify! (or simply make a donation)

challengeHere are the 3 easy ways to enter to win:

DonateGive a minimum of $20 to Farrell’s event (don’t forget 100% of proceeds go to CHOC Children’s and Make-A-Wish) and receive a limited edition event T-shirt, $5 off your next vist to Farrell’s and a 3-scoop qualifying sundae to enjoy at your Leisure. Everyone that donates goes into a drawing to win a year of free Farrell’s ice cream. Each Farrell’s location will draw a winner! IMG_7289Qualify – Trying to qualify is fun and delicious! There are 6 different categories. In addition to receiving a limited edition event T-shirt and a $5 off coupon for your next vist to Farrell’s, you’ll receive a qualifying sundae to eat as fast as you can while being timed. The fastest in each category will be invited back to compete in the July 19, Championship event at Farrell’s in Brea, CA. Even if you don’t qualify, everyone that tries will still be entered into the drawing to win a year of free Farrell’s ice cream. Each Farrell’s location will draw a winner! qualifying-sundaesChampionship – Be a champion! The fastest qualifiers in each category get invited back to Farrell’s Championship event in Brea on July 19. Farrell’s shuts down the street, puts up a stage and all qualifiers battle spoon-to-spoon to see who are the fastest ice cream eaters. Every first place winner receives a year of free Farrell’s ice cream, a trophy and, the winner of the Solo Zoo Challenge, $750 in cold hard cash!

ice-cream-challengeIf you’re in it to win it, here are the categories and details:

Men’s Individual Pig’s Trough Challenge (Ages – 16+)
-Qualifying Cost- $20 per person
-Qualifying Sundae – 3-scoop sundae
-Championship Sundae – Farrell’s Famous Pig’s Trough, 6-scoop sundae
-Grand Prize – One Year of FREE Farrell’s Ice Cream

Women’s Individual Pig’s Trough Challenge (Ages -16+)
-Qualifying Cost – $20 per person
-Qualifying Sundae – 3-scoop sundae
-Championship Sundae – Farrell’s Famous Pig’s Trough, 6-scoop sundae
-Grand Prize – One Year of FREE Farrell’s Ice Cream

Kid’s Individual Jr. Pig’s Trough Challenge (Ages – 9 – 15)
-Qualifying Cost – $20 per person
-Qualifying Sundae – Jr. 3-scoop sundae
-Championship Sundae – Jr. Pig’s Trough, modified smaller 6-scoop sundae.
-Grand Prize – One Year of FREE Farrell’s Ice Cream

The Big and Small Pig’s Trough Challenge (2-persons, ages 16+ and 9 and under)
-Qualifying Cost – $20 per adult / child team
-Qualifying Sundae – 3-scoop sundae
-Championship Sundae – Farrell’s Famous Pig’s Trough, 6-scoop sundae
-Grand Prize – One Year of FREE Farrell’s Ice Cream

The 4-person Zoo Challenge (4-person team, ages 16+)
-Qualifying Cost – $20 per person ($80 total for the 4-person team)
-Qualifying Sundae – 3-scoop sundae
-Championship Sundae – Farrell’s Famous 30-scoop Zoo to eat as a team
-Grand Prize – One Year of FREE Farrell’s Ice Cream

Solo Zoo Challenge (Ages – 16+)
-Qualifying Cost – $40 per person
-Qualifying Sundae – A modified Farrell’s Famous Pig’s Trough, 6-scoop sundae
-Championship Sundae – Farrell’s Famous 30-scoop Zoo to eat individually against Professional Eater and past champion Naader “Freak8E” Reda.

Grand Prize – The 1st place winner at the Championship event will receive a year of free Farrell’s ice cream, a trophy and $750 BIG ONES!!!!

Championship Details – The main event at the Championship will be the Solo Zoo Challenge. This will be a true head-to-head event with the one (1) fastest qualifier racing Naader “Freak8r” Reda to see can finish a Farrell’s Famous Zoo Sundae first. The winner will walk away with a trophy, a year of free Farrell’s ice cream, AND $750!!!!

IMG_7327Those who would like to donate to the event but not compete in qualifying, will receive the 3-scoop sundae, the limited edition Ice Cream Eating Challenge t-shirt, and the $5 off coupon but will not be timed. Visit FarrellsUSA.com for complete details.

100% of the proceeds from this event benefits CHOC Children’s® (Children’s Hospital of Orange County) and Make-A-Wish®. The 6th Annual Splendiferously Superific Summer Spectacular Ice Cream Eating Challenge is sponsored by Service Champions Heating & Air Conditioning, Carnival Services, Studio Three Sixty Advertising, Man Eating Chicken, and Brea Downtown.

Kia Motors America Renews Partnership With San Juan Capistrano-Based Eco-Education Center to Support Awareness and Education about Food, Water Supply and Energy Conservation

Kia Motors America announced the renewal of its partnership with The Ecology Center, a San Juan Capistrano, California-based non-profit eco-education center, engages individuals, families, and students in fun, hands-on activities that teach practical, environmental solutions at the household and community level. It seeks to bring all members of the community together in a solutions-based educational setting to inspire and create a healthy and abundant future for all of Southern California. dedicated to creating a healthy and abundant future for all of Southern California and beyond.
In its third year as a “Visionary” partner, Kia is providing the use of a 2015 Soul EV to The Ecology Center, which complements the two electric vehicle charging stations installed as part of the partnership last year. With the opportunity to use the Soul EV, they can carry the message of sustainability to more members of the community in Southern California and beyond.

kia-soulKia and The Ecology Center will organize and carry out sustainability-themed learning projects at the KMA campus in Irvine, California, and in the surrounding community, and both organizations will continue work together to plan hands-on conservation and volunteer activities at The Center.

the-ecology-centerThe Ecology Center is a rich environment for learning and education for all ages, and this summer the calendar has multiple opportunities and experiences, including:

Farm Film Series (Select dates June – August)
Free outdoor educational film screening for the entire community. Web

Permaculture Design Certification Course (Every other weekend; now through August 23)
A three-month hands-on apprenticeship program mentoring future sustainability leaders on how to apply the principles of permaculture design to address our environmental challenges. Web

Farm Lab Camp (July 8 -11; July 15 -18; August 11 – 14)
Four-day summer camps for kids 5-6 & 7-9 with hands-on activities such as planting, exploring the biodiversity in soil, seed harvesting, caring of farm animals, cooking from the garden, and more. Web

Green Feast (September 12)
The Ecology Center’s annual farm-to-table fundraising dinner bringing together 20 top chefs, 250 sustainability leaders, and local-only ingredients sourced within 250 miles. WebTo learn more about The Ecology Center, click here. Connect with The Ecology Center on Facebook and Twitter.

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post.

Aliso Viejo Community Association Presents Free Concerts and Movies in the Park!

With the return of summer, the Aliso Viejo Community Association is hosting their annual series of free summer concerts and movies in the park.  Families are invited to bring blankets, low-back chairs and even a picnic dinner to enjoy at the events. All events are free and will be held in Grand Park!

concert-seriesThe summer concert series will be held on Sundays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Guests are permitted to come to the park, earlier in the day, to leave blankets and chairs to reserve spots. However, there is no roping off or caution tape, and tarps are not allowed. All tarps will be removed by AVCA due to the damage they cause on the grass. AVCA is not responsible for any unattended items.

The following is the schedule for the 2015 Summer Concert Series: 

movie-nightsFamily movie nights will be held on Fridays at Grand Park. Movies will begin at dusk. Below is a schedule for the 2015 Summer Movie Nights including the rating of each movie, the length, and a short synopsis.

  • July 10th – The Lego Movie (PG) 100 Minutes Emmet is an ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average Lego minifigure who is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which Emmet is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared. Emmet’s primary adversary is an uptight CEO who has a hard time balancing world domination with micro-managing his own life.
  • July 24th – Big Hero 6 (PG) 93 Minutes Big Hero 6 is an action-packed comedy-adventure about robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada, who learns to harness his genius – thanks to his brilliant brother Tadashi and their like-minded friends: adrenaline junkie Go Go Tamago, neatnik Wasabi, chemistry whiz Honey Lemon and fanboy Fred. When a devastating turn of events catapults them into the midst of a dangerous plot unfolding in the streets of San Fransokyo, Hiro turns to his closest companion – a robot named Baymax – and transforms the group into a band of high-tech heroes determined to solve the mystery.
  • August 7th – Finding Nemo (G) 100 Minutes After his son is captured in the Great Barrier Reef and taken to Sydney, a timid clownfish sets out on a journey to bring him home.
  • August 21st – Toy Story (G) 81 Minutes A cowboy doll is profoundly threatened and jealous when a new spaceman figure supplants him as top toy in a boy’s room.

Connect with AVCA on Facebook and Twitter!

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. Image credits: ACVA

37th Annual Greek Festival Brings a Taste of Greece to Orange County – June 26-28, 2015 (Free Admission Inside, Too!)

 

2015_GreekFestival_WebsiteFreeAdmissionOrange County’s 37th annual “A Taste of Greece” festival will be held on June 26-28 at St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church. The three-day festival, which will feature traditional Greek cuisine, wine tasting, live music, authentic Greek dancing with lessons and boutique booths reminiscent of the Plaka, a well-known picturesque historical neighborhood of Athens, and is expected to draw more than 12,000 guests.

greek-festival1Festival hours are as follows:

  • Friday, June 26-5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Saturday, June 27-noon to 10 p.m.
  • Sunday, June 28-noon to 9 p.m.

Festival admission is just $3 per person with free admission on Saturday, June 27 from noon – 4 p.m. for seniors older than 65 years. Children under the age of 10 are admitted free (with parents or an adult) throughout the three-day festival. Free festival parking will also be available, with complimentary shuttle buses transporting guests from public parking sites in Irvine.

greek-festivalGreek cuisine and hospitality will be the focal points as the festival will feature authentic recipes for traditional Greek dishes, delicious pastries and a variety of beverages, highlighted with a wine “Taverna,” offering Greek wine and beer. The traditional Greek menu will include Chicken, Lamb Chops, Greek French Fries, Gyros, Pastichio (Greek lasagna), Loucanico (Greek sausage), Spanakopita (spinach and feta pie), Dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves), Saganaki (Greek brandy-flamed cheese), Loukoumathes (Greek doughnut holes), Greek Salad, Calamari and more. There will also be a Greek coffeehouse set up by Portola Coffee Lab to serve Greek and American coffee drinks in a traditional Plaka setting. The Philoptochos, the church’s philanthropic group, will bake around the clock during the weeks leading up to the festival to prepare traditional Baklava and other exquisite pastries.

greek-festival-2A family-friendly affair, the festival will offer free Greek dance lessons throughout the weekend, and also feature boutique shops, a variety of games and a full-scale carnival. Event attendees can also enter an opportunity drawing for the chance to win one of three premiere prizes, with a Grand Prize of $1,000 and 2nd Prize of a 50” Flat Screen TV, 3rd Prize of a Dell Inspiron Laptop Computer, and 4th Prize of a GoPro Hero Camera.

To grab free admission, click here

St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church is located at 4949 Alton Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92604 (between Culver Dr & Jeffrey Rd)

Please visit http://www.IrvineGreekFest.com  for more information about the “A Taste of Greece” festival.