WATSONVILLE

Obon Festival coming in July

The Watsonville Buddhist Temple Obon Festival at noon July 20 at 423 Bridge St., Watsonville.

Obon is a joyous gathering to honor and remember ancestors who have provided a strong and lasting foundation. It is meant to show gratitude to those who came before us by celebrating with delicious foods, children’s games, arts and craft vendors, and entertainment. Watsonville Taiko will perform at 3 p.m. and the celebration concludes at 4 p.m. with Obon Odori (Japanese Folk Dancing) Everyone is welcome to the celebration and to participate in the dancing.

SANTA CRUZ

Market Street Theater hosts benefit show

The Market Street Theater will be hosting a benefit show, “Come Fly With Us,” featuring the men of the Market Street Theater from 4-5:30 p.m. Sunday at the Market Street Senior Center, 222 Market St. The suggested donation is $10 and doors open at 3:30. Guests are encouraged to bring their own snacks and beverages.

BEN LOMOND

July 4 event celebrates 130th anniversary

For over a century, the community has gathered at the historic Alba Schoolhouse to celebrate Independence Day. Enjoy a day filled with classic American BBQ, live music, local history, and family fun — all set in the stunning redwoods of Ben Lomond Mountain.

This year’s event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sequoia Retreat Center, located about a mile and a half up Alba Road from Highway 9, at 11445 Alba Road.

Can’t make it but want to support the Alba Schoolhouse? Visit the Friends of the Alba Schoolhouse Facebook page to learn more. All donations are tax deductible through the nonprofit, Friends of the Alba Schoolhouse.

CAPITOLA

Mid County Senior Center to host benefit dance

The Mid County Senior Center will be hosting a benefit dance and concert featuring the Ten O’Clock Lunch Band from 7-9 p.m. Friday at 829 Bay Ave.

Cost of admission is $10. Bob Folker will teach a Basics of East Coast Swing Class at 6:15 p.m., free with paid admission to the dance. Mid County Senior Center provides a variety of programs and activities for the local community. Ages 18 and over are welcome to participate in the dances.

SANTA CRUZ

Bike Santa Cruz County to host community ride

Following the success of two community rides held in Watsonville in April and May, Bike Santa Cruz County is gearing up for another family-friendly community bike ride in Santa Cruz from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday.

The free family-friendly group bike ride will be staged at Frederick Street Park, 168 Frederick St. Enjoy bagels, juice and coffee, and socialize with fellow Bike Santa Cruz County members and supporters. Learn about cycling safety basics prior to the ride. Members can pick up their member schwag. The ride will descend the Arana Gulch Trail into the west harbor area, travel south to Atlantic Avenue and over to the Santa Cruz Natural History Museum, where riders will be greeted by docents to discuss the renovated gray whale sculpture. From there it’s back to Frederick Street Park.

Go to bikesantacruzcounty.org for information.

SANTA CRUZ

Prostate Cancer Support Group returns at a new time

The monthly meeting of the Santa Cruz County Prostate Cancer Support Group will take place at the Dominican Wellness Center located at 21340 E. Cliff Drive, June 25 at a new time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Masks are suggested, but not required, for in-person attendees.

The virtual meeting code and link will be sent out June 24. To receive a Zoom link, email scprostate1992@gmail.com. If you’d like to participate but don’t have confidence in your technological skills, please let the support group know and a board member will be glad to assist you. The mission of the Santa Cruz County Prostate Cancer Support Group is to provide hope and support to improve the lives of those affected by prostate cancer and educate the general population on the importance of early detection.

There is no charge to participate, but registration is required. For information and to register, visit tinyurl.com/yham6ae8 or call 831-462-7770.

APTOS

World’s Shortest Parade returns July 4

On July 4, Aptos will celebrate our freedoms with the World’s Shortest Parade and a party in Aptos Village Park. This year’s parade will honor Firefighting Heroes as the Grand Marshals.

The parade begins at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Soquel Drive and State Park Drive, and ends at Parade Avenue and Soquel Drive. To sign up to be in the parade, go to aptoschamber.com or call 831-688-1467. The Party in the Park at Aptos Village Park runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with activities for the whole family, including games, food, beverages, craft vendors and dancing to the band The Joint Chiefs. A $5 donation is suggested for the party.

T-shirts for this year’s parade are on sale at the following locations: The Aptos Chamber of Commerce, Aptos Feed, Deluxe Foods, The Farm Bakery Cafe & Gifts, Pixie Deli, Sockshop & Shoe Co. Aptos and The Seascape Beach Resort. For details, visit aptoschamber.com/4th.

CAPITOLA

Store to host annual summer sale all week

The Family Service Agency of the Central Coast announced that The Daisy Store, located at 1601 41st Ave. in the King’s Plaza Shopping Center, will celebrate summer with a weeklong sale. Everything in the store is 50% off.

The sale runs through June 28. Store hours are Monday and Tuesday 1-4 p.m. and Wednesday to Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed Sundays. (Please note Tuesday morning will be closed for a membership event.)

For information about Daisy coupons and gift cards, Daisy Auxiliary membership and how the Daisy Store supports Family Service Agency programs, visit fsa-cc.org/daisy.

WATSONVILLE

Cars and Coffee fundraising for Jacob’s Heart

Join Watsonville Cars and Coffee at the East Lake Village Shopping Center at 936 E. Lake Ave., every Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. This week’s car show will be a fundraiser for Jacob’s Heart, a children’s cancer support services group.

The event showcases an amazing collection of classic cars and hot rods at this people-friendly, family-friendly and pet-friendly gathering while also supporting the small local businesses in the shopping center.