ARTIST ALLEY
SALINAS — Artists Ink and Co-Lab Studios are bringing the inaugural Artist Alley Block Party, an art festival to celebrate the arts, community and creativity, on Sunday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sherwood Park, famously known for its Hats in Three Stages of Landing artwork, at 920 N. Main St. in Salinas. This free event is open to the public and includes more than 50 art and artisan vendors, a diverse lineup of food vendors, live musical performances and DJ sets and a dedicated kid’s zone, where young artists can unleash their creativity and imagination.
PLANT SALE
CENTRAL COAST — Monterey Bay Master Gardeners will kick off their annual Fall Plant Sale on Oct. 9, with the online pop-up nursery open through Oct. 15. For Central Coast gardeners, fall is the best time to plant cool-weather food crops, California native plants and other perennials, when the soil is still warm and can get established with winter rains. The fall plant collection features drought-tolerant, water-wise and native and/or pollinator perennials with a robust selection of winter vegetables and herbs. The collection also includes a selection of indoor plants, succulents and bulbs ready for the garden. All orders will be fulfilled by appointment, with appointments available in Salinas and at the demonstration garden in Watsonville. All funds benefit the all-volunteer UC Master Gardeners of Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties. Visit mbmg.ucanr.edu for more information.
CHAMBER AWARDS
KING CITY — Nominations are now open for King City Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture’s 2023 Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year, Friend of the Community and Hermie Robles Youth of the Year awards. Forms can be downloaded from kingcitychamber.com, requested via email to kc**************@ki*************.com, or picked up at the Chamber office at 200 Broadway St., Suite 40. Call 831-385-3814 for more information.
BONUS BRIEF: BANNED BOOKS WEEK
MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Free Libraries is celebrating freedom to read with Banned Books Week, which runs from Oct. 1-8. This year’s theme is “Let Freedom Read.” During Banned Books Week, libraries will have displays to highlight books that have been challenged or banned because of content. Notable books include the Bible and the “Harry Potter” series of books. Look for creative displays at local branches and visit MCFL’s social media to learn more about banned books.
