Ring in the summer week with an old-school “Garden Party” soiree at the ever so classy Norton Simon Museum Garden.  “The Poet Is In” and “Salsa Night” at Union Station will make you love the Station even more. Watermelon is so delish and fresh this time of year and you can get a mouthful or 2…or more at “The California Watermelon Festival”. If you got a hankering for Vintage, then I’ve got good news for you. Oh my! There’s so much going on I almost forgot to mention July 4^th.  I have a couple of suggestions on how to celebrate.  Happy Fourth Tomatoes!

June 29. Norton Simon Annual Garden Party

What Tomato doesn’t like to don a pretty hat, an airy summer frock and enjoy the pleasure of a picturesque and soothing sculpture garden inspired by Monet’s Giverny? It is definitely my cup of tea Ladies.  Well, The Norton Simon Museum is the host of this delightful outdoor gathering. And what a perfect place for it Tomatoes!

The Norton Simon Museum is known around the world as one of the most remarkable private art collections ever assembled, so, why not take full advantage and arrive early to check out some of the Museums gallery exhibitions and then extend your Museum experience to outdoors. And here’s the best part my ladies…the garden party is totally free with the price of admission to the museum. Refreshments are available at the Museum Café and you can enjoy live jazz all evening.  Express your inner artist with fellow art enthusiasts by utilizing a variety of art supplies for your artistic creations all the while enjoying the garden, listening to music and watching the sunset.  How loverly.

June 28 & July 5. Poetry & Salsa

Union Station has two marvelous events being presented by Metro Art Los Angeles. First up, and make note it is tonight, is the return of  “The Poet is In”,  an interactive poetry exchange. And next Friday it is time to shake your booty at Union Station under the stars of the South Patio with “Salsa Night”.  For poetry and dance lovin’ Tomatoes that is.

“The Poet is In” is inspired by a program originally conceived by poet Marie Howe and produced by MTA Arts and Design (New York) and features 12 Los Angeles based poets who will collaborate with station visitors to create personalized poems and all accompanied by Paraguayan Harp. It’s free and open to the public. How super cool! “Salsa Night” features live music from Son Mayor, Rumbankete and SitaraSon with music by Super DJ Robby spinning in between sets, and dance lessons by instructor Kati Hernández. And yes, this too is free and open to the public Tomatoes.

June 29- 30. California Watermelon Festival

Watermelon will certainly get you in the mood for the 4th of July celebrations and you can gorge on watermelon till the cows come home at “The California Watermelon Festival” at Hansen Dam.Any way you slice it gals, there is nothing better than juicy ice-cold watermelon on a hot summer day so pucker up Tomatoes!

This year “The California Watermelon Festival is hosting their largest event yet with over 60,000 pounds of fresh-off-the-farm California watermelons, chilled, sliced and served fresh to you! Free unlimited servings of prime watermelon all day long with the price of your ticket.  Besides FREE watermelon (I feel that needs to be said again), there’s a full day of fun with delicious foods, carnival rides and attractions, games, contests, entertainment, a Kids Zone, and more. Co-presented by the Sunland-Tujunga Lions Club and the Sunland Tujunga Chamber of Commerce in Lakeview Terrace at the Hansen Dam Park Complex, the event kicks off with the celebration tradition of paying tribute to the early days when watermelons were the prized crop of the eastern San Fernando Valley foothills. AND it is a fundraiser, Ladies.  Proceeds from the festival will benefit charitable projects in the community. That makes the Watermelon Festival even more enticing and mouthwatering Tomatoes!

Fourth of July Celebrations

Slap your knee and kick up your heels Tomatoes, just like the good ole days, with a real “Barn Dance” on America’s b-day at Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum.  And on the other side of town is another flash from the past way to celebrate with “The Grand Park July 4^th Block Party”presented by the Music Center. Remember Barn Dances & Block Parties Tomatoes?

Well I do and I love those memories. You can have those fond and nurturing feelings again at the “Barn Dance” or the “Block Party”.  You are never too old or too young to enjoy a down-home Barn Dance in beautiful Topanga Canyon or old-fashioned fun at a Block Party under the amazing DTLA skyline. Both will keep your bellies full, your spirits happy and will tickle you pink in many glorious 4^th of July holiday ways Tomatoes.

June 30. Pickwick Vintage Show

 “The Pickwick Vintage Show” is back and that is sure to delight and excite the depths of many a Tomato’s soul.  My heart is skipping a beat Ladies. It’s definitely a one stop shop with a wide range of offerings from over 65 California vendors for vintage aficionados and lovers.  Be still my heart.

Not only will there by vintage clothing but you’ll also be able to shop an assortment of jewelry, accessories, items from Victorian era trims and findings to estate jewelry, from classic shapes to Avant Garde designer pieces, and wearable to collectible. The Pickwick Vintage Show has treasures for all tastes and all budgets Tomatoes.