This Weekend! Walk Pier to Pier, Race a Pumpkin, plus More

After a summer long drought, that first Southern California rain storm is a real treat: clouds, thunder, lightning, and the pitter patter of raindrops all seem so magical.

Yeah, and then we get over it.

Let’s hope that the rain clears up for this weekends events.  Folks will be walking from pier to pier, racing pumpkins in Manhattan Beach, and tasting all kinds of goodies on Abbot Kinney and in Downtown LA.

Read on to find out more!

Skechers Pier 2 Pier Walk 2010, Manhattan Beach

This Sunday, Manhattan Beach based Skechers is back with a great event that raises awareness and funds in support of our kids and our communities, the Pier 2 Pier Friendship Walk.

The walk benefits The Friendship Circle, “an organization devoted to making a dramatic difference in the lives of children with special needs and their families through one-on-one peer mentoring and social recreational programming.”  Also benefitting are the educational foundations for Manhattan Beach, El Segundo, Hermosa Beach, Torrance, Redondo Beach and Palos Verdes.

The walk starts at the Manhattan Beach Pier and heads south on the Strand to the Hermosa Beach Pier and then returns. Water and first aid stations are provided along the way as well as a few surprises.

To get signed up and get more info, check out their website.

• Sunday, October 24, 8 AM – Noon
  http://www.pier2pierwalk.com

World Famous Pumpkin Race, Manhattan beach

Here’s an event for the whole family.  Immediately following the Pier 2 Pier walk, hang around for the World Famous Pumpkin Race!

With a history that dates back twenty years, the Pumpkin Race is a South Bay tradition.  The event founders agree that “The World Famous Pumpkin Race has rekindled a sense of good old-fashioned family fun for our own families and for hundreds of other families and friends who attend the race each year.”

The event also includes a costume parade for the kids and a sunset concert after the races by a special guest.

Wanna race?  OK!  Its free and no license is required (what would THAT road test look like!?).

Start with your pumpkin and race car kit, available for purchase at Grow Produce in Manhattan Beach and at the festival while supplies last.  Then, make sure you are familiar with the rules of the race.  Finally, be sure to brush up on tips from the pros.

You’ll be speeding your pumpkin down the fast lane in no time!

• Sunday, October 24, Noon – 6 PM
  http://www.pumpkinrace.com
  

Taste of Abbot Kinney, Venice

The typical stroll down Abbot Kinney Blvd on an empty stomach might cause some soul searching and indecision.  There are so many great places to try: the crafty eats at Joe’s Restaurant and Bar, the succulent cafeteria fare and namesake beverages at Lemonade, or the best cup o’ joe you ever had at Intelligentsia Coffee and Tea.

Its enough to drive a foodie crazy!

Well, put your straight jacket back in the closet and head to Venice this Sunday for the Second Annual Taste of Abbot Kinney.

Along with the aforementioned venues, you’ll have the opportunity to graze and sip from the some of the best restaurants in West LA.  Food Trucks will be getting in on the act as well.

For more info and to get your tickets, check out the Taste’s website.

• Sunday, October 24, 3 – 7 PM
  http://www.tasteofabbotkinney.com

Artisanal LA, Downtown LA

Yes, there are events taking place on Saturday of this weekend too!  In particular, you might want to check Artisanal LA, “a weekend long community event celebrating the city’s finest local, sustainable and handmade edibles all under one roof”.

Taking place in a Downtown LA penthouse, this event brings together food, beverages, and other products from local artisan vendors.

Included in the line up are the South Bay’s own Sweet Détente, offering “elegant, individually-sized, organic, international desserts”; and Domestic Doll, who reinvent “the retro 1950’s apron with vibrant colors, playful patterns, and intriguing cuts”.

Visit the Artisanal LA website for the complete line up of vendors and to get tickets.  This event is a bargain at $10 advance and $15 at the door, both of which get you in Saturday and Sunday.  Your admission includes samples of food and spirits (21+) along with classes from the vendors.

• Saturday and Sunday, October 23-24, 11 AM – 6 PM
  http://artisanalla.com