ArtoberFest Celebrates the Arts in Moreno Valley

MORENO VALLEY>> The Moreno Valley Arts Commission will host the free 9th Annual ArtoberFest on Saturday, Oct. 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Conference & Recreation Center, 14075 Frederick Street. The family-oriented program will feature painting demonstrations, poetry readings and performances from singers, dancers and musicians. Additionally, there will be food, a bike rodeo and pet adoptions. More than 30 artists and crafters will set up booths to display their artwork. Numerous types of art will be represented, including photography, pottery making, jewelry, oil, acrylic, pastels, sculpture and watercolor. ArtoberFest will begin at 10 a.m. with the Presentation of Colors by the Moreno Valley High School R.O.T.C., followed by the singing of the National Anthem by Moreno Valley resident Aubrey Davis. Other performers include guitar duo "Ontiveros & Spring," Vista Del Lago Dance and Choir Teams, and several folkloric dance groups, poets, and singers. Youth ages 4-12 years old are invited to bring their bicycle, helmet and close-toed shoes to participate in the Bike Rodeo. This "Community Now" sponsored activity will teach kids bike safety and handling skills. The Bike Rodeo course is designed to be interactive and hands on, allowing children to experience traffic situations as pedestrians and bicyclists in a traffic simulation course called "Safe Moves City." There will be a limited supply of bicycles and helmets, so participants are encouraged to bring their own. Local food vendors will be selling funnel cake, deep fried Oreo cookies and Snickers, hamburgers, hot dogs and kettle corn. The fun will continue with Project Rudolph. Project Rudolph was created to give deployed and/or deploying service members a bit of holiday cheer. Youth and the young at heart are encouraged to create and decorate ornaments to be sent to all military service troops deployed overseas during the holidays. Residents can also stop by the Moreno Valley Animal Shelter booth for the pet adoption event and don't forget to bring emergency food and clothing, as the Salvation Army will be in attendance accepting donations.