Monterey History & Art Association's

89th La Merienda Celebration Rescheduled

from June 6, 2020 to June 5, 2021   

April 27, 2020. Monterey, CA. Due to the current Covid-19 crisis, Monterey History and Art Association (www.montereyhistory.org) has rescheduled “La Merienda” which was to be held on June 6, 2020. The new date for this festive community event will be on Saturday, June 5, 2021.  

The La Merienda committee is currently contacting everyone who already purchased a ticket for the 2020 event. For any questions, call (831) 236-0269 or email [email protected] for information. 

About La Merienda

La Merienda celebrates City of Monterey's birthday with a very special BARBECUE BUFFET EXTRAVAGANZA, a five-star culinary experience created by the OLD FISHERMAN’S GROTTO CHEFS and the VIP Merienda Barbecue Committee headed by Chris Shake, which includes Certified Angus Beef New York Steak, BBQ chicken breast, mild Italian sausage, salmon, sautéed shrimp scampi, Paella, 3 salad choices: mixed greens, pasta, and fruit salad, fire roasted sweet corn, fresh-made chili beans, fresh grilled garlic bread, fresh-made salsa and more. The feast is followed by the traditional outstanding dessert, a beautiful multi-layered birthday cake from Layers Bakery donated by Tina Del Piero and Lynn Tomlinson and decorated with fresh roses by Jackie Craghead. The cake is cut ceremoniously with the historic sword of Colonel Fitch.  

The City's oldest and very significant annual event will be held on Saturday, June 5, 2021, from 11:15 am to 3 pm in the Memory Garden on Custom House Plaza. For the past 88 years, the Monterey History & Art Association has hosted this community fiesta to commemorate the founding of the City of Monterey when in 1770 Father Junipero Serra and Captain Gaspar de Portola celebrated with a picnic overlooking the Monterey Bay.

All proceeds above the cost of La Merienda itself go to Monterey History & Art Association’s support and maintenance of Casa Serrano, Doud House & Garden, Mayo Hayes O’Donnell Library, Sloat Landing and Dali Expo at Stanton Center. To become a MHAA member, sponsor or donor, please visit MontereyHistory.org and click on “Join or Donate”. MHAA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Tax ID# 94-1517208.