Walking and biking were the preferred mode of transportation for guests to arrive at the 28th annual Coronado MainStreet’s Garden Party. More than 300 people of all ages enjoyed music, bidding on silent auction items, winning raffles, and tasting a delicious sampling of savory and sweet bites, along with a no host cocktail wine and beer bar, all for a good cause. Special thanks to Gaby and the Garza Castro family for graciously opening their abundant garden and home at 708 A Avenue for this highly anticipated end of summer affair. Through the years, this event was hosted at this previously pink home by the Darnell family on two occasions. This year, guests got to experience the remodeled home and gardens of this historic 1914 home.
“It was all hands-on deck for more than five months for all the MainStreet Board Members and many of their spouses to prepare for this event, which is their biggest fundraiser of the year,” commented Rita Sarich, Director, Coronado MainStreet. “In particular, my husband Darrell Sarich willingly picked up a variety of items in his truck.” She anticipates that they will reach their $20,000 goal which will be used to help maintain the 16 median gardens on Orange Avenue, an integral part of Coronado’s village charm.
“Coronado MainStreet strives to keep a vibrant, diverse and authentic downtown to help preserve the charm and property values of our community,” commented Sarich. This summer tradition is always hosted in landmark venues in Coronado, with the very first one at the Benzian home, and I am told that several local residents have attended the event all 28 years. “We appreciate the support of our generous business and residential community and have kept the same casual formula where neighbors can mingle, eat and talk to friends,” says Sarich. This year’s event featured 74 auction items and 10 raffle prizes, ranging in value from $40 to $800. A year’s worth of Robbins’ Rum Cakes and Root 75 floral arrangements were two of the most popular items on which guests were bidding. I was pleased to have won several other great items.
My husband Flavio and I, along with all the guests, enjoyed plentiful bites and desserts provided by the following generous restaurant sponsors: Boney’s Bayside Market, Botko artisan plant-based foods, The Brigantine, The Henry, Leroy’s Kitchen and Lounge, Miguel’s Cocina, MooTime Creamery, Tartine Café. The following restaurants also provided food: Bluewater Boathouse, Café 1134, Clayton’s Bakery & Bistro, Crown Bistro, Island Pasta, Il Fornaio, Peohe’s, Poke 123, Robbins’ Rum Cakes, Saiko Sushi, and Tyler’s Cookies. It would be hard to pick a favorite, they were all so delicious, but Sarich pointed out that the tasty roasted Brussels sprouts from the Brigantine lived up to their mouthwatering aroma and I heard several guests exclaim that the Bon Bons from MooTime were a nice way to cap off the evening.
When asked about the event, City Councilmember Marvin Heinze had this to say, “Thank you to the MainStreet Board of Directors for organizing a fun end to summer, and to our Coronado businesses for supporting MainStreet in their efforts to preserve and beautify Coronado’s downtown. The enjoyable music of the Sophisticats also added to the atmosphere and was just right!”
