BODEGA, CA–(Marketwire – July 14, 2010) –  The Bodega Seafood, Art & Wine Festival — Northern California’s largest seafood feast — will celebrate its 16^th anniversary August 28 and 29, 2010. 

One of the most popular festivals in the Bay Area, the event annually attracts thousands of foodies, art aficionados, wine and beer connoisseurs and music lovers to picturesque Watts Ranch in the village of Bodega, where Alfred Hitchcock filmed his classic thriller, “The Birds.”

More than 30 wineries and 15 micro breweries will pour wine and beer, while 15 restaurants and catering companies will offer a bounty of seafood classics, including barbecued oysters, crab cakes, Key Lime calamari, clam chowder and other delicacies. Vegetarian options will also be available. 

The work of 100 artists and craftsman will be featured at the juried art show and sale, which attracts exhibitors from throughout the United States. In addition to seafood, wine, beer and art, the festival also has three stages with a variety of musical entertainment, a Wild Wonders Animal Show and other activities for children, plus the ever-popular rubber duck races.

Headline entertainment this year includes saxophonist Jules Broussard (Saturday afternoon), who has performed with Van Morrison, Carlos Santana, Ray Charles and many others; plus Dan Hicks and The Hot Licks (Sunday afternoon), whose eclectic performance is best described as a blend of swing, jazz, folk and country music.

“There’s something for everyone — from toddlers to senior citizens,” said event manager and artist Janet Ciel, who co-founded the festival with her business partner and then husband, Michael Ecton, 16 years ago. Although divorced for more than seven years, the couple continues to work together to produce the event, which sprung from their joint interest in similar shows they noticed while doing festivals in Florida.

Proceeds from the event will support two important causes — Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods, which works in partnership with the California State Parks Foundation to provide environmental stewardship programs, and the Bodega Volunteer Fire Department.

Festival hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 28, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 29. Tickets purchased in advance are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $8 for children between the ages of 12 and 18, and free for children less than 12 years of age. Tickets at the door are $15/$13/$11, respectively. Watts Ranch is located at 16855 Bodega Highway in the village of Bodega. For additional information, go online to www.winecountryfestivals.com.