Sat June 7, 2014
83rd Annual Monterey History and Art's La Merienda event to be held on June 7, 2014
SEE EVENT DETAILS
Celebrate the City of Monterey's 244th birthday with a very special barbecue, mariachis, pinatas and a festive "Californio" party in the historic Memory Garden on Custom House Plaza. La Merienda (Spanish word for picnic) includes great food and entertainment, a procession, and much, much more.
. This community event celebrates the founding of the City of Monterey in June 1770 when Father Junipero Serra and Captain Gaspar de Portola celebrated with a picnic overlooking the Monterey Bay.
A Very Unique Barbecue!
La Merienda includes a festive barbecue prepared and served by community leaders and local chefs. It includes a choice of tri tip steak or chicken, salad, beans, garlic bread, followed by dessert, a festively rose adorned cake baked by Layers bakery of Monterey. Unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks and water are inclusive. Cima Collina wines from Hilltop Vineyards' Carmel Valley tasting room will be serving their BOUGET, a Chardonay/Muscat blend, and MERITAGE, a blend of 5 red varietals. Peter B's Brewpub will be serving BLONDE, a light beer and their IPA home brewed dark beer.
Host a Party Within Our Party!
Invite friends, don a costume, decorate a table, and have fun at this festive event! Or… just come for the celebration, join a table and make some new friends! To host a table, contact Marge Edgren at 831-372-0776.
Come one, come all! Join elected officials, military leaders, and local dignitaries at this not-to-be-missed event! Children and grandchildren of attendees 4 to11 years old may celebrate with their very own "La Merienda para los Ninos "held concurrently at the MHAA/Stanton Center, featuring entertainer Juan Sanchez and a full program of activities including participation in the cake ceremony.
Monterey History & Art Association has hosted this party for the last 83 years and all proceeds go towards supporting Monterey's history and arts programs. Tickets are $55 for MHAA members and $75 for non-members (which includes a first time one-year membership) and $10 for children attending La Merienda para los Ninos. Family packages are also available.
For further information and to purchase tickets, go to https://www.museumofmonterey.org or call Carol Todd at (831) 372-4445 or Emily Griffith at (831)233-9585. If you have any questions regarding times, seating or change in meal selection, contact Carol Todd.
Festivities will include a raffle and live auction. Those wanting to contribute a tax deductible gift certificate, item, or service to the La Merienda raffle or live auction please contact Annamarie Della Sala-Stanton at amdstanton ( @ ) comcast dot net or (831)375-1598 dot Please contact Annamarie to volunteer to work at this fun event!
At a Glance:
What: 83rd Annual La Merienda Celebration - City of Monterey's 244th birthday party, is a colorful fiesta barbecue of delicious foods, wine, beer, soft drinks, gallant dons and donas, lovely senoritas, lively music and festive dance.
When: Saturday, June 7 from 11:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Where: Memory Garden, 20 Custom House Plaza, Monterey
Tickets: $55 for Monterey History and Art Association members and $75 for non-members. The non-member price includes a one-year membership to the Monterey History and Art Association and the Museum of Monterey at Stanton Center (new members only). Tickets are now available online at https://www.montereyhistory.org or at the Monterey History and Art Association's office, located above the Museum of Monterey at 5 Custom House Plaza. For more information or table seating, call Carol Todd at 831-372-4445 or Emily Griffith at 831-233-9585 or send a check to La Merienda - MHAA, 5 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940. This outstanding event attracts over 500 people. Due to limited space in the Memory Garden, tickets should be purchased by Friday, May 16, 2014.
Family Ticket Package:
Monterey History and Art Association is offering a special package to new families interested in Monterey's heritage. A family package for $150 includes a family membership in Monterey History and Art Association and the Museum of Monterey at Stanton Center, two adult tickets to La Merienda, and two children's tickets to La Merienda para los Ninos. Children and grandchildren of current members of MHAA/MOM are $10 per child for the celebration.
Information: For more information about Monterey History and Art Association and the Museum of Monterey at Stanton Center, go to https://www.montereyhistory.org
About La Merienda
La Merienda, Monterey's birthday party, is a colorful fiesta barbecue of delicious foods, wine, beer, soft drinks, gallant dons and donas, lovely senoritas, lively music and festive dance. La Merienda (the Spanish term for afternoon picnic or mid-day meal) re-enacts an elegant 18th century fiesta. It celebrates the founding of the town of Monterey on June 3, 1770 when Padre Junípero Serra, father of the California missions, and Captain Gaspar de Portola, a Spanish military leader, joined forces to establish the pueblo of Monterey, California's first Capital. Their meeting also honored the founding of the "Royal Presidio Chapel", which today is known as San Carlos Cathedral. After the ceremonies that day, everyone sat down for a picnic under a large oak tree near their ship, the San Antonio, which rested in the harbor.
The first modern Merienda was celebrated in 1929, two years before the formation of the Monterey History and Art Association. A ceremony at Colton Hall and a small luncheon at the Memory Garden marked the occasion. It was presided over by Carmel Martin and Harry Greene. The next year, 350 people joined Carmel Martin, who again acted as Master of Ceremonies, in the Memory Garden and once again celebrated Monterey's birthday. The Monterey History and Art Association has celebrated this important early California historic event every year since the Association was established in 1931 (except one year during World War II).
La Merienda can be described as a "party within a party" with uniquely decorated hosted tables.
La Favorita/Doncellas/La Duena
Each year since La Merienda was founded, a local young woman with historic connections to Monterey is chosen as La Favorita, and with her lovely court, reigns over this unique celebration of Monterey's history. Two other young women are selected to serve as her attendants ("Doncellas"). The women who are chosen for these roles, accompanied by a chaperone ("La Duena") can trace their ancestry back through Monterey history many generations. These attractive young women dress in traditional white Spanish gowns and mantillas (scarfs) and greet guests, cut the birthday cake, and hold court at the celebration. 2014 La Merienda Court includes Kaitlyn Williams- La Favorita; Lauren Allen- Doncella; Rosemary "Rose" Russo- Doncella and Edith (Edie) Adams McDonald- Duena. The Cake Bearers will be Nicholas Williams, Brother of Kaitlyn Williams, and David Brown.
About the event
The event includes a delicious barbecue and lively entertainment, as well as a huge 75-pound birthday cake beautifully decorated with fresh roses. The cake is carried in by local young men ("cake-bearers"), and is sliced with the sword of Colonel Roger S. Fitch, the first President of the Monterey History and Art Association. This event has been sponsored annually by the Monterey History and Art Association for over 80 years. Members of Monterey History and Art Association serve as voluntary hosts and hostesses in period costumes at colorfully decorated tables. All guests are also welcome to dress in 18th century costume.
The recipient of Monterey History and Art Association's most prestigious award, the Laura Bride Powers Award, is announced at La Merienda and the recipient in 2013 was Anne Petersen Burk. This award is named after the woman who is credited with conceiving both the idea of the Association and the Merienda celebration, which antedated MHAA's founding. Mrs. Powers was the Curator of the Custom House and First Theater and an ardent student of California history.
The colorful celebration is held in the Memory Gardens, located near the Custom House Plaza in historic downtown Monterey behind the Portola Plaza Hotel. Festivities begin at 11:15 A. M. with dancing by Juventud Latina Genesis. The doors open to Memory Gardens where the aromas of the delicious barbeque greet the guests. Day-long entertainment includes music by Mariachis and a procession of local and international dignitaries and costumed ladies and gentlemen, reenacting an old tradition. The gaily-decorated tables are hosted by more than 50 MHAA volunteers, who provide hospitality to the guests. After the steak, chicken and bean barbeque (served by another 25 well-known local volunteers) the traditional Merienda birthday cake is paraded around the Garden and then cut and served with much ceremony.
The La Merienda Barbecue is always served by well-known community members. In past years, La Merienda Barbecue servers have included Peter Coniglio, who coordinates this part of the event, Leon Panetta, Dan Albert, Dan Baldwin, Ted Balestreri, Sr., Teddy Balestreri, Bill Curtis, Marc and Eric DelPiero, Jay Hudson, George Kodama, Nino Palma, Dave Potter, Chris Shake, Carmelo Tringali , Russ Harris, Bert Cutino, Tony Leyva, Bob Masarro, Sal Ferrante, Dino Ferrante and John Lotz. The 2014 La Merienda crew will be determined closer to the event date!
This year, Hunter Finnell will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Following the barbecue and cake-cutting, entertainment is provided by the always-popular Mike Marotta Jr. Band (with a few special guests).
show less
. This community event celebrates the founding of the City of Monterey in June 1770 when Father Junipero Serra and Captain Gaspar de Portola celebrated with a picnic overlooking the Monterey Bay.
A Very Unique Barbecue!
La Merienda includes a festive barbecue prepared and served by community leaders and local chefs. It includes a choice of tri tip steak or chicken, salad, beans, garlic bread, followed by dessert, a festively rose adorned cake baked by Layers bakery of Monterey. Unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks and water are inclusive. Cima Collina wines from Hilltop Vineyards' Carmel Valley tasting room will be serving their BOUGET, a Chardonay/Muscat blend, and MERITAGE, a blend of 5 red varietals. Peter B's Brewpub will be serving BLONDE, a light beer and their IPA home brewed dark beer.
Host a Party Within Our Party!
Invite friends, don a costume, decorate a table, and have fun at this festive event! Or… just come for the celebration, join a table and make some new friends! To host a table, contact Marge Edgren at 831-372-0776.
Come one, come all! Join elected officials, military leaders, and local dignitaries at this not-to-be-missed event! Children and grandchildren of attendees 4 to11 years old may celebrate with their very own "La Merienda para los Ninos "held concurrently at the MHAA/Stanton Center, featuring entertainer Juan Sanchez and a full program of activities including participation in the cake ceremony.
Monterey History & Art Association has hosted this party for the last 83 years and all proceeds go towards supporting Monterey's history and arts programs. Tickets are $55 for MHAA members and $75 for non-members (which includes a first time one-year membership) and $10 for children attending La Merienda para los Ninos. Family packages are also available.
For further information and to purchase tickets, go to https://www.museumofmonterey.org or call Carol Todd at (831) 372-4445 or Emily Griffith at (831)233-9585. If you have any questions regarding times, seating or change in meal selection, contact Carol Todd.
Festivities will include a raffle and live auction. Those wanting to contribute a tax deductible gift certificate, item, or service to the La Merienda raffle or live auction please contact Annamarie Della Sala-Stanton at amdstanton ( @ ) comcast dot net or (831)375-1598 dot Please contact Annamarie to volunteer to work at this fun event!
At a Glance:
What: 83rd Annual La Merienda Celebration - City of Monterey's 244th birthday party, is a colorful fiesta barbecue of delicious foods, wine, beer, soft drinks, gallant dons and donas, lovely senoritas, lively music and festive dance.
When: Saturday, June 7 from 11:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Where: Memory Garden, 20 Custom House Plaza, Monterey
Tickets: $55 for Monterey History and Art Association members and $75 for non-members. The non-member price includes a one-year membership to the Monterey History and Art Association and the Museum of Monterey at Stanton Center (new members only). Tickets are now available online at https://www.montereyhistory.org or at the Monterey History and Art Association's office, located above the Museum of Monterey at 5 Custom House Plaza. For more information or table seating, call Carol Todd at 831-372-4445 or Emily Griffith at 831-233-9585 or send a check to La Merienda - MHAA, 5 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940. This outstanding event attracts over 500 people. Due to limited space in the Memory Garden, tickets should be purchased by Friday, May 16, 2014.
Family Ticket Package:
Monterey History and Art Association is offering a special package to new families interested in Monterey's heritage. A family package for $150 includes a family membership in Monterey History and Art Association and the Museum of Monterey at Stanton Center, two adult tickets to La Merienda, and two children's tickets to La Merienda para los Ninos. Children and grandchildren of current members of MHAA/MOM are $10 per child for the celebration.
Information: For more information about Monterey History and Art Association and the Museum of Monterey at Stanton Center, go to https://www.montereyhistory.org
About La Merienda
La Merienda, Monterey's birthday party, is a colorful fiesta barbecue of delicious foods, wine, beer, soft drinks, gallant dons and donas, lovely senoritas, lively music and festive dance. La Merienda (the Spanish term for afternoon picnic or mid-day meal) re-enacts an elegant 18th century fiesta. It celebrates the founding of the town of Monterey on June 3, 1770 when Padre Junípero Serra, father of the California missions, and Captain Gaspar de Portola, a Spanish military leader, joined forces to establish the pueblo of Monterey, California's first Capital. Their meeting also honored the founding of the "Royal Presidio Chapel", which today is known as San Carlos Cathedral. After the ceremonies that day, everyone sat down for a picnic under a large oak tree near their ship, the San Antonio, which rested in the harbor.
The first modern Merienda was celebrated in 1929, two years before the formation of the Monterey History and Art Association. A ceremony at Colton Hall and a small luncheon at the Memory Garden marked the occasion. It was presided over by Carmel Martin and Harry Greene. The next year, 350 people joined Carmel Martin, who again acted as Master of Ceremonies, in the Memory Garden and once again celebrated Monterey's birthday. The Monterey History and Art Association has celebrated this important early California historic event every year since the Association was established in 1931 (except one year during World War II).
La Merienda can be described as a "party within a party" with uniquely decorated hosted tables.
La Favorita/Doncellas/La Duena
Each year since La Merienda was founded, a local young woman with historic connections to Monterey is chosen as La Favorita, and with her lovely court, reigns over this unique celebration of Monterey's history. Two other young women are selected to serve as her attendants ("Doncellas"). The women who are chosen for these roles, accompanied by a chaperone ("La Duena") can trace their ancestry back through Monterey history many generations. These attractive young women dress in traditional white Spanish gowns and mantillas (scarfs) and greet guests, cut the birthday cake, and hold court at the celebration. 2014 La Merienda Court includes Kaitlyn Williams- La Favorita; Lauren Allen- Doncella; Rosemary "Rose" Russo- Doncella and Edith (Edie) Adams McDonald- Duena. The Cake Bearers will be Nicholas Williams, Brother of Kaitlyn Williams, and David Brown.
About the event
The event includes a delicious barbecue and lively entertainment, as well as a huge 75-pound birthday cake beautifully decorated with fresh roses. The cake is carried in by local young men ("cake-bearers"), and is sliced with the sword of Colonel Roger S. Fitch, the first President of the Monterey History and Art Association. This event has been sponsored annually by the Monterey History and Art Association for over 80 years. Members of Monterey History and Art Association serve as voluntary hosts and hostesses in period costumes at colorfully decorated tables. All guests are also welcome to dress in 18th century costume.
The recipient of Monterey History and Art Association's most prestigious award, the Laura Bride Powers Award, is announced at La Merienda and the recipient in 2013 was Anne Petersen Burk. This award is named after the woman who is credited with conceiving both the idea of the Association and the Merienda celebration, which antedated MHAA's founding. Mrs. Powers was the Curator of the Custom House and First Theater and an ardent student of California history.
The colorful celebration is held in the Memory Gardens, located near the Custom House Plaza in historic downtown Monterey behind the Portola Plaza Hotel. Festivities begin at 11:15 A. M. with dancing by Juventud Latina Genesis. The doors open to Memory Gardens where the aromas of the delicious barbeque greet the guests. Day-long entertainment includes music by Mariachis and a procession of local and international dignitaries and costumed ladies and gentlemen, reenacting an old tradition. The gaily-decorated tables are hosted by more than 50 MHAA volunteers, who provide hospitality to the guests. After the steak, chicken and bean barbeque (served by another 25 well-known local volunteers) the traditional Merienda birthday cake is paraded around the Garden and then cut and served with much ceremony.
The La Merienda Barbecue is always served by well-known community members. In past years, La Merienda Barbecue servers have included Peter Coniglio, who coordinates this part of the event, Leon Panetta, Dan Albert, Dan Baldwin, Ted Balestreri, Sr., Teddy Balestreri, Bill Curtis, Marc and Eric DelPiero, Jay Hudson, George Kodama, Nino Palma, Dave Potter, Chris Shake, Carmelo Tringali , Russ Harris, Bert Cutino, Tony Leyva, Bob Masarro, Sal Ferrante, Dino Ferrante and John Lotz. The 2014 La Merienda crew will be determined closer to the event date!
This year, Hunter Finnell will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Following the barbecue and cake-cutting, entertainment is provided by the always-popular Mike Marotta Jr. Band (with a few special guests).
Celebrate the City of Monterey's 244th birthday with a very special barbecue, mariachis, pinatas and a festive "Californio" party in the historic Memory Garden on Custom House Plaza. La Merienda (Spanish word for picnic) includes great food and entertainment, a procession, and much, much more.
. This community event celebrates the founding of the City of Monterey in June 1770 when Father Junipero Serra and Captain Gaspar de Portola celebrated with a picnic overlooking the Monterey Bay.
A Very Unique Barbecue!
La Merienda includes a festive barbecue prepared and served by community leaders and local chefs. It includes a choice of tri tip steak or chicken, salad, beans, garlic bread, followed by dessert, a festively rose adorned cake baked by Layers bakery of Monterey. Unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks and water are inclusive. Cima Collina wines from Hilltop Vineyards' Carmel Valley tasting room will be serving their BOUGET, a Chardonay/Muscat blend, and MERITAGE, a blend of 5 red varietals. Peter B's Brewpub will be serving BLONDE, a light beer and their IPA home brewed dark beer.
Host a Party Within Our Party!
Invite friends, don a costume, decorate a table, and have fun at this festive event! Or… just come for the celebration, join a table and make some new friends! To host a table, contact Marge Edgren at 831-372-0776.
Come one, come all! Join elected officials, military leaders, and local dignitaries at this not-to-be-missed event! Children and grandchildren of attendees 4 to11 years old may celebrate with their very own "La Merienda para los Ninos "held concurrently at the MHAA/Stanton Center, featuring entertainer Juan Sanchez and a full program of activities including participation in the cake ceremony.
Monterey History & Art Association has hosted this party for the last 83 years and all proceeds go towards supporting Monterey's history and arts programs. Tickets are $55 for MHAA members and $75 for non-members (which includes a first time one-year membership) and $10 for children attending La Merienda para los Ninos. Family packages are also available.
For further information and to purchase tickets, go to https://www.museumofmonterey.org or call Carol Todd at (831) 372-4445 or Emily Griffith at (831)233-9585. If you have any questions regarding times, seating or change in meal selection, contact Carol Todd.
Festivities will include a raffle and live auction. Those wanting to contribute a tax deductible gift certificate, item, or service to the La Merienda raffle or live auction please contact Annamarie Della Sala-Stanton at amdstanton ( @ ) comcast dot net or (831)375-1598 dot Please contact Annamarie to volunteer to work at this fun event!
At a Glance:
What: 83rd Annual La Merienda Celebration - City of Monterey's 244th birthday party, is a colorful fiesta barbecue of delicious foods, wine, beer, soft drinks, gallant dons and donas, lovely senoritas, lively music and festive dance.
When: Saturday, June 7 from 11:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Where: Memory Garden, 20 Custom House Plaza, Monterey
Tickets: $55 for Monterey History and Art Association members and $75 for non-members. The non-member price includes a one-year membership to the Monterey History and Art Association and the Museum of Monterey at Stanton Center (new members only). Tickets are now available online at https://www.montereyhistory.org or at the Monterey History and Art Association's office, located above the Museum of Monterey at 5 Custom House Plaza. For more information or table seating, call Carol Todd at 831-372-4445 or Emily Griffith at 831-233-9585 or send a check to La Merienda - MHAA, 5 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940. This outstanding event attracts over 500 people. Due to limited space in the Memory Garden, tickets should be purchased by Friday, May 16, 2014.
Family Ticket Package:
Monterey History and Art Association is offering a special package to new families interested in Monterey's heritage. A family package for $150 includes a family membership in Monterey History and Art Association and the Museum of Monterey at Stanton Center, two adult tickets to La Merienda, and two children's tickets to La Merienda para los Ninos. Children and grandchildren of current members of MHAA/MOM are $10 per child for the celebration.
Information: For more information about Monterey History and Art Association and the Museum of Monterey at Stanton Center, go to https://www.montereyhistory.org
About La Merienda
La Merienda, Monterey's birthday party, is a colorful fiesta barbecue of delicious foods, wine, beer, soft drinks, gallant dons and donas, lovely senoritas, lively music and festive dance. La Merienda (the Spanish term for afternoon picnic or mid-day meal) re-enacts an elegant 18th century fiesta. It celebrates the founding of the town of Monterey on June 3, 1770 when Padre Junípero Serra, father of the California missions, and Captain Gaspar de Portola, a Spanish military leader, joined forces to establish the pueblo of Monterey, California's first Capital. Their meeting also honored the founding of the "Royal Presidio Chapel", which today is known as San Carlos Cathedral. After the ceremonies that day, everyone sat down for a picnic under a large oak tree near their ship, the San Antonio, which rested in the harbor.
The first modern Merienda was celebrated in 1929, two years before the formation of the Monterey History and Art Association. A ceremony at Colton Hall and a small luncheon at the Memory Garden marked the occasion. It was presided over by Carmel Martin and Harry Greene. The next year, 350 people joined Carmel Martin, who again acted as Master of Ceremonies, in the Memory Garden and once again celebrated Monterey's birthday. The Monterey History and Art Association has celebrated this important early California historic event every year since the Association was established in 1931 (except one year during World War II).
La Merienda can be described as a "party within a party" with uniquely decorated hosted tables.
La Favorita/Doncellas/La Duena
Each year since La Merienda was founded, a local young woman with historic connections to Monterey is chosen as La Favorita, and with her lovely court, reigns over this unique celebration of Monterey's history. Two other young women are selected to serve as her attendants ("Doncellas"). The women who are chosen for these roles, accompanied by a chaperone ("La Duena") can trace their ancestry back through Monterey history many generations. These attractive young women dress in traditional white Spanish gowns and mantillas (scarfs) and greet guests, cut the birthday cake, and hold court at the celebration. 2014 La Merienda Court includes Kaitlyn Williams- La Favorita; Lauren Allen- Doncella; Rosemary "Rose" Russo- Doncella and Edith (Edie) Adams McDonald- Duena. The Cake Bearers will be Nicholas Williams, Brother of Kaitlyn Williams, and David Brown.
About the event
The event includes a delicious barbecue and lively entertainment, as well as a huge 75-pound birthday cake beautifully decorated with fresh roses. The cake is carried in by local young men ("cake-bearers"), and is sliced with the sword of Colonel Roger S. Fitch, the first President of the Monterey History and Art Association. This event has been sponsored annually by the Monterey History and Art Association for over 80 years. Members of Monterey History and Art Association serve as voluntary hosts and hostesses in period costumes at colorfully decorated tables. All guests are also welcome to dress in 18th century costume.
The recipient of Monterey History and Art Association's most prestigious award, the Laura Bride Powers Award, is announced at La Merienda and the recipient in 2013 was Anne Petersen Burk. This award is named after the woman who is credited with conceiving both the idea of the Association and the Merienda celebration, which antedated MHAA's founding. Mrs. Powers was the Curator of the Custom House and First Theater and an ardent student of California history.
The colorful celebration is held in the Memory Gardens, located near the Custom House Plaza in historic downtown Monterey behind the Portola Plaza Hotel. Festivities begin at 11:15 A. M. with dancing by Juventud Latina Genesis. The doors open to Memory Gardens where the aromas of the delicious barbeque greet the guests. Day-long entertainment includes music by Mariachis and a procession of local and international dignitaries and costumed ladies and gentlemen, reenacting an old tradition. The gaily-decorated tables are hosted by more than 50 MHAA volunteers, who provide hospitality to the guests. After the steak, chicken and bean barbeque (served by another 25 well-known local volunteers) the traditional Merienda birthday cake is paraded around the Garden and then cut and served with much ceremony.
The La Merienda Barbecue is always served by well-known community members. In past years, La Merienda Barbecue servers have included Peter Coniglio, who coordinates this part of the event, Leon Panetta, Dan Albert, Dan Baldwin, Ted Balestreri, Sr., Teddy Balestreri, Bill Curtis, Marc and Eric DelPiero, Jay Hudson, George Kodama, Nino Palma, Dave Potter, Chris Shake, Carmelo Tringali , Russ Harris, Bert Cutino, Tony Leyva, Bob Masarro, Sal Ferrante, Dino Ferrante and John Lotz. The 2014 La Merienda crew will be determined closer to the event date!
This year, Hunter Finnell will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Following the barbecue and cake-cutting, entertainment is provided by the always-popular Mike Marotta Jr. Band (with a few special guests).
read more
. This community event celebrates the founding of the City of Monterey in June 1770 when Father Junipero Serra and Captain Gaspar de Portola celebrated with a picnic overlooking the Monterey Bay.
A Very Unique Barbecue!
La Merienda includes a festive barbecue prepared and served by community leaders and local chefs. It includes a choice of tri tip steak or chicken, salad, beans, garlic bread, followed by dessert, a festively rose adorned cake baked by Layers bakery of Monterey. Unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks and water are inclusive. Cima Collina wines from Hilltop Vineyards' Carmel Valley tasting room will be serving their BOUGET, a Chardonay/Muscat blend, and MERITAGE, a blend of 5 red varietals. Peter B's Brewpub will be serving BLONDE, a light beer and their IPA home brewed dark beer.
Host a Party Within Our Party!
Invite friends, don a costume, decorate a table, and have fun at this festive event! Or… just come for the celebration, join a table and make some new friends! To host a table, contact Marge Edgren at 831-372-0776.
Come one, come all! Join elected officials, military leaders, and local dignitaries at this not-to-be-missed event! Children and grandchildren of attendees 4 to11 years old may celebrate with their very own "La Merienda para los Ninos "held concurrently at the MHAA/Stanton Center, featuring entertainer Juan Sanchez and a full program of activities including participation in the cake ceremony.
Monterey History & Art Association has hosted this party for the last 83 years and all proceeds go towards supporting Monterey's history and arts programs. Tickets are $55 for MHAA members and $75 for non-members (which includes a first time one-year membership) and $10 for children attending La Merienda para los Ninos. Family packages are also available.
For further information and to purchase tickets, go to https://www.museumofmonterey.org or call Carol Todd at (831) 372-4445 or Emily Griffith at (831)233-9585. If you have any questions regarding times, seating or change in meal selection, contact Carol Todd.
Festivities will include a raffle and live auction. Those wanting to contribute a tax deductible gift certificate, item, or service to the La Merienda raffle or live auction please contact Annamarie Della Sala-Stanton at amdstanton ( @ ) comcast dot net or (831)375-1598 dot Please contact Annamarie to volunteer to work at this fun event!
At a Glance:
What: 83rd Annual La Merienda Celebration - City of Monterey's 244th birthday party, is a colorful fiesta barbecue of delicious foods, wine, beer, soft drinks, gallant dons and donas, lovely senoritas, lively music and festive dance.
When: Saturday, June 7 from 11:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Where: Memory Garden, 20 Custom House Plaza, Monterey
Tickets: $55 for Monterey History and Art Association members and $75 for non-members. The non-member price includes a one-year membership to the Monterey History and Art Association and the Museum of Monterey at Stanton Center (new members only). Tickets are now available online at https://www.montereyhistory.org or at the Monterey History and Art Association's office, located above the Museum of Monterey at 5 Custom House Plaza. For more information or table seating, call Carol Todd at 831-372-4445 or Emily Griffith at 831-233-9585 or send a check to La Merienda - MHAA, 5 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940. This outstanding event attracts over 500 people. Due to limited space in the Memory Garden, tickets should be purchased by Friday, May 16, 2014.
Family Ticket Package:
Monterey History and Art Association is offering a special package to new families interested in Monterey's heritage. A family package for $150 includes a family membership in Monterey History and Art Association and the Museum of Monterey at Stanton Center, two adult tickets to La Merienda, and two children's tickets to La Merienda para los Ninos. Children and grandchildren of current members of MHAA/MOM are $10 per child for the celebration.
Information: For more information about Monterey History and Art Association and the Museum of Monterey at Stanton Center, go to https://www.montereyhistory.org
About La Merienda
La Merienda, Monterey's birthday party, is a colorful fiesta barbecue of delicious foods, wine, beer, soft drinks, gallant dons and donas, lovely senoritas, lively music and festive dance. La Merienda (the Spanish term for afternoon picnic or mid-day meal) re-enacts an elegant 18th century fiesta. It celebrates the founding of the town of Monterey on June 3, 1770 when Padre Junípero Serra, father of the California missions, and Captain Gaspar de Portola, a Spanish military leader, joined forces to establish the pueblo of Monterey, California's first Capital. Their meeting also honored the founding of the "Royal Presidio Chapel", which today is known as San Carlos Cathedral. After the ceremonies that day, everyone sat down for a picnic under a large oak tree near their ship, the San Antonio, which rested in the harbor.
The first modern Merienda was celebrated in 1929, two years before the formation of the Monterey History and Art Association. A ceremony at Colton Hall and a small luncheon at the Memory Garden marked the occasion. It was presided over by Carmel Martin and Harry Greene. The next year, 350 people joined Carmel Martin, who again acted as Master of Ceremonies, in the Memory Garden and once again celebrated Monterey's birthday. The Monterey History and Art Association has celebrated this important early California historic event every year since the Association was established in 1931 (except one year during World War II).
La Merienda can be described as a "party within a party" with uniquely decorated hosted tables.
La Favorita/Doncellas/La Duena
Each year since La Merienda was founded, a local young woman with historic connections to Monterey is chosen as La Favorita, and with her lovely court, reigns over this unique celebration of Monterey's history. Two other young women are selected to serve as her attendants ("Doncellas"). The women who are chosen for these roles, accompanied by a chaperone ("La Duena") can trace their ancestry back through Monterey history many generations. These attractive young women dress in traditional white Spanish gowns and mantillas (scarfs) and greet guests, cut the birthday cake, and hold court at the celebration. 2014 La Merienda Court includes Kaitlyn Williams- La Favorita; Lauren Allen- Doncella; Rosemary "Rose" Russo- Doncella and Edith (Edie) Adams McDonald- Duena. The Cake Bearers will be Nicholas Williams, Brother of Kaitlyn Williams, and David Brown.
About the event
The event includes a delicious barbecue and lively entertainment, as well as a huge 75-pound birthday cake beautifully decorated with fresh roses. The cake is carried in by local young men ("cake-bearers"), and is sliced with the sword of Colonel Roger S. Fitch, the first President of the Monterey History and Art Association. This event has been sponsored annually by the Monterey History and Art Association for over 80 years. Members of Monterey History and Art Association serve as voluntary hosts and hostesses in period costumes at colorfully decorated tables. All guests are also welcome to dress in 18th century costume.
The recipient of Monterey History and Art Association's most prestigious award, the Laura Bride Powers Award, is announced at La Merienda and the recipient in 2013 was Anne Petersen Burk. This award is named after the woman who is credited with conceiving both the idea of the Association and the Merienda celebration, which antedated MHAA's founding. Mrs. Powers was the Curator of the Custom House and First Theater and an ardent student of California history.
The colorful celebration is held in the Memory Gardens, located near the Custom House Plaza in historic downtown Monterey behind the Portola Plaza Hotel. Festivities begin at 11:15 A. M. with dancing by Juventud Latina Genesis. The doors open to Memory Gardens where the aromas of the delicious barbeque greet the guests. Day-long entertainment includes music by Mariachis and a procession of local and international dignitaries and costumed ladies and gentlemen, reenacting an old tradition. The gaily-decorated tables are hosted by more than 50 MHAA volunteers, who provide hospitality to the guests. After the steak, chicken and bean barbeque (served by another 25 well-known local volunteers) the traditional Merienda birthday cake is paraded around the Garden and then cut and served with much ceremony.
The La Merienda Barbecue is always served by well-known community members. In past years, La Merienda Barbecue servers have included Peter Coniglio, who coordinates this part of the event, Leon Panetta, Dan Albert, Dan Baldwin, Ted Balestreri, Sr., Teddy Balestreri, Bill Curtis, Marc and Eric DelPiero, Jay Hudson, George Kodama, Nino Palma, Dave Potter, Chris Shake, Carmelo Tringali , Russ Harris, Bert Cutino, Tony Leyva, Bob Masarro, Sal Ferrante, Dino Ferrante and John Lotz. The 2014 La Merienda crew will be determined closer to the event date!
This year, Hunter Finnell will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Following the barbecue and cake-cutting, entertainment is provided by the always-popular Mike Marotta Jr. Band (with a few special guests).
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Date/Times:
20 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940
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