Sweet dreams are made of Yelp parties and a Midsummer Night's Yelp was no exception. 1200+ South Bay Yelpers and over 50 local businesses had one heck of a night to raise $10,000 for charity and celebrate summer solstice at Montalvo Arts Center on June 26th. Take heed, sirrah, then read all about a Yelper party that's sure to to be remembered through the ages!
About Montalvo Arts Center:
Since its conception, the Mediterranean-style house on the hill, as well as its general surroundings, has been known as Villa Montalvo. Now, the historic Villa and the 175-acre property it resides on are known as Montalvo Arts Center. The name reflects the growth, new direction and other general changes the organization has made in the past few years, including the addition of the Sally and Don Lucas Residency Program in October 2004. Montalvo is the one of the most distinguished arts organizations serving Silicon Valley and the extended San Francisco Bay Area as a center for creativity.
Food:
Thine eyes did not deceive; Yelpers engorged on bounteous treats! Savory snacks from Michi's Catering, Grilled Cheese Bandits, Pretzel Crisps, Hola Paella, Rubio's, Patxi's, Arabian Bites, Hill Country Catering & BBQ, Morocco's, Delicious Crepes Bistro and Il Fornaio satisfied. Sweet tooths rejoiced for Baci Chocolates, CocoTutti Confections, Hey Cookie!, Sweet Orchid Desserts, Scoops SJ, Peter's Kettle Corn, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Ultimate Sin Cheesecakes, Le Boulanger, Edible Arrangements, Psycho Donuts and The Counter… Enough sugar to fly like a fairy! Fear thee not, O health-conscious ones, Veggie Grill, RawDaddy's and KIND Snacks nourished the body and soul.
Drinks:
What light through yonder wine glass breaks? It was Fortino, Guglielmo, Roudon-Smith or Spicy Vines vino. Toast thou grins with Rabbit's Foot Meadery, Firestone Walker, Heretic,Uncommon Brewers, Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, Ale Industries, Lagunitas and Karl Strauss. Sipping on Hint Water,Honest Tea, ZICO and Guayaki Yerba Mate to your heart's content was encouraged, as revelry in moderation is always recommended! (Lest ye act a fool.)
Entertainment:
Lo and behold! Fairies from Bodypaintings by Trina Merry frolicked through the lawn. Music from harpist Esther Lee, DJ Pudgey and a Content Magazine sponsored acoustic band provided the perfect setting for mingling. San Jose's own Soul Con Dance Crew will showed moves better than Pandora. Adults became a kid again by chasing Bubbles for You, shaking hips with Cherry Hoops and playing a game of Giant Jenga or cornhole, courtesy of Homefrys. Umbrella Salon braided up a storm and Poppy Face Painting make Yelper's faces sparkle. Over 500 photos were shared on Instagram or Twitterwith the hashtag #MidsummerNightsYelp and The Laugh Box's magically printed them on the spot! Special thanks to GreenMouse Recycling for providing Earth-friendly services at the event, too.
Review Highlights:
Whilst we are no match for the bard, pretty sure this soirée would please even Oberon and Titania. Over 200 reviews written about the event by locals are on Yelp, read some of our favorites…
"The event itself was amazing. I've seen pictures of Montalvo before and I knew it would be magical–but OMG it was crazy to see it in person. The grounds were beautiful, I felt like running around with my arms spread out (you know, like you're flying? :P)" - Leanne P
"My favorite moment was hula hooping on the lawn surrounded by bubbles, and those cute girls body painted like elves. Next party, can we all have body paint and wings?" – Laura F
"My first Yelp event, and it won't be my last! Who doesn't like free food and free beer?! Going with a few of my friends definitely made the night! The Montalvo Arts Center is beautiful and spacious to hold over 1000+ people for the event. Giant Jenga, Hoola Hoops, Large Bubbles, Live DJ, and did I mention FREE BEER?! That is the recipe for an amazing event!" – Kevin C
"I don't care! I love it! Yeah thats right I I LOVE IT! Fun, fun event all for a donation of just $10! Are you kidding me! I would have paid $11 dollars to go to this event! Haha or more of course! Very upscale classy event I thought. The weather was just right and the set up was awesome for summer." – James L
Photos:
Three albums worth of pics can be found on the Yelp South Bay-Peninsula Flickr collection, thanks to Alex Liu, Waitman Gobble and Stung Photography. Not to mention the 500+ photos tagged on Instagram with the hashtag #MidsummerNightsYelp and Yelper pictures on the event page.
Until our next big event, See You on Yelp!
Abby S, South Bay-Peninsula Community Manager
