‘Passports’ to arts issued

“In support of this program, I would like to purchase the first Passport tonight,” Plumb said.

In addition to the admission to the festivals, which collectively feature more than 500 artists, 300 hands-on workshops and dozens of special events, the passports entitles holders to discounts from selected local retailers and restaurants and a one-time bonus of all-day free parking.

The committee that devised the program included Joyce Kasprzyk, Art-A-Fair vice president of marketing; Mike Cahill, Art-A-Fair treasurer; Kathy Westervelt, Art-A-Fair public relations; Cynthia Fung, Sawdust marketing director; Ashley Johnson, Laguna Beach Visitors and Conference Bureau marketing manager; and Higichi.

The reception also was attended by the presidents of all three festivals: Art-A-Fair’s Richard Brewer, the Sawdust’s Jim Stanaland and the Festival of Arts’ Wayne Baglin; and Passport’s mascot, Peri Winkle — a big blue tube of paint with legs, appropriated from a previous festival.

Passports for the 2010 season are on sale at www.LagunaBeachPassport.com or by calling (949) 497-0521. They will also be on sale at any festival box office or in the city’s Recreation Department, 515 Forest Ave., adjacent to City Hall, during festival season.

Purchases made online before May 15 will automatically enter the buyers in a drawing to win a Laguna Beach getaway for two, in the fall. The drawing includes two nights at the Inn at Laguna, meals, a cooking class and other prizes.

A complete list of merchants offering discounts to passport holders is available online and at any of the festival box offices.

Free shuttle service to the festivals from various points in Laguna and from the ACT V parking lot will be available throughout the summer. The Sawdust Art Festival and Art-A-Fair open June 25 and close Aug. 29.

The Festival of Arts will open to the public July 5 and run through Aug. 31.

For information about overnight stays and activities, stop by the Visitors Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at 381 Forest Ave.