The Morgan Hill Mushroom Mardi Gras Festival, now in its 33rd year of turning Memorial Day weekend into a celebration of the mushroom, has unveiled its plans for the free festival.
The two-day festival of family fun takes place this weekend and includes live entertainment on two stages, arts and crafts, gourmet offerings, mushroom educational exhibit, chef demonstrations, strolling musicians, street performers and several city blocks of booths with “finds” that include everything from carved wooden mushrooms to news that you can use. Munchkin Land is on track to captivate kids with rides, games and continuous entertainment.
The mushroom is the festival star, which can be tasted in soup, stuffed, sandwiched, deep-fried, marinated, over rice and more. Local mushroom growers are hosting educational exhibits on how mushrooms grow and the latest nutrition research and the availability of just-picked, locally grown Portabella, Crimini and white mushrooms – the ultimate take-home souvenir.
Wide ranging food choices, such as local barbecue and fruits hand-dipped in chocolate, are available in food booths throughout the festival and in nearby restaurants.
Entertainment headliners will be Evolution, with their Journey tribute; and the popular Joe Sharino Band. Music, on two stages for listening or dancing, will include zydeco, classic rock and the blues of the local favorite Red Beans & Rice.
Back is the announcement of Ms. Mushroom and Mr. Fungi winners of a broadcast competition sponsored by MHAT local cable access. Street performers include the Mama’s Wranglers (formerly Kid Fiddlers), who will roam the town with Jimbo the Clown, Monty the Mushroom, minstrels, jugglers, jesters and a walker.
Shoppers can entertain themselves for hours browsing fine arts, handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, home and garden wares and marketplace vendors. Specialty shops and merchants in Morgan Hill’s charming downtown area are only a short walk away.
In addition, Tyler Stone, one of America’s rising stars in the next generation of chefs, will be on hand. Saturday morning will also feature the fruit and vegetable stands at the weekly Morgan Hill Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Depot St., between Main and Second streets.
Admission and parking are free in surrounding parking lots and throughout downtown Morgan Hill.
Details: (408) 778-1786 or go to www.mhmmg.com
