People from across the globe are converging on the Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara this Friday and Saturday, March 5 and 6, for the California Women’s Festival. The event is timed to celebrate International Women’s Day (March 8) as well as Women’s History Month. It’s purpose, said organizers, is to help women excel in every aspect of their daily lives by connecting them with a wealth of opportunities and resources.
Organizers said they hope that this and their other festivals create a stable and fertile environment to promote networking and referrals, and to encourage participants to address “crucial issues,” both personal and humanitarian. Amid a warm ambiance provided by Island View Nursery decor, and with food tastings and product trials provided by other gracious exhibitors, participants may enjoy lectures and workshops by over 40 renowned presenters—ranging from C.E.O.s of various corporations including Microsoft, to authors, to movie producers including Martha De Laurentiis), to Santa Barbara community leaders including Mayor Helene Schneider.
There will be numerous musical performances, by Soulfege and Sing For Hope among others; as well as hula hoop dancing performances by Hoopnotica, a professional business expo, an awards program, and student advisors from the UCSB women’s center and other campus organizations.
The theme this year is connectivity, and organizers are promoting this as an extraordinary opportunity for anyone looking to connect to their surroundings as well as their own futures by creating better health, relationships, businesses, and philanthropy. It is “a great opportunity for men and women alike, as well as young and old,” said founder Patty De Dominic.
Some of the programs will also be in Spanish, and persons in financial need can fill out the scholarship application on the event website. There is a discount for seniors as well as students: Pay only $25 for both Friday and Saturday. Normal rates are $20 for Friday and $25 for Saturday. For more information, directions, or any other questions please see the Womens Festivals website.