Published in the April 30 – May 13, 2014 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Rich Firato
Michelle McKay takes a photo of Brian and Kathy Sullivan at the June 8, 2013 “Cove Goes Western” fundraiser. Photo by Marty Cheek
It’s a funny story how the idea for the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce’s The Cove Goes Western came about. A few years ago the series “Dallas” came back on television. I was watching it and it got me to thinking that I would like to have a day where I could have a big barbecue at the Morgan’s Cove “theme park” and everyone could wear a cowboy hat and a big belt buckle like the characters in the TV show. That really kind of gave me the inspiration for this fundraiser where local cowboys and cowgirls — or everyone who would like to dress up in western attire for an evening — could enjoy a fun night with friends.
The Cove Goes Western had its inaugural event last year and guests really enjoyed the experience of combining a Peter Pan pirate land adventure while dressed up like Billy the Kid or Annie Oakley. This year’s event will be held May 17 starting at 5 p.m. Tickets are $60 per person and include a barbecue dinner by Fire4Hire, dancing to live music, and one complimentary wine or beer ticket. Money raised will be used by the Chamber to put on the Friday Night Music Series, which runs from June 13 to Aug. 29, as well as the start-up costs for the annual Taste of Morgan Hill which will be held the last weekend of September.
This year’s Cove Goes Western event will feature the musical talents of Morgan Hill Life’s Mark “Fenny” Fenichel and Scott Miller as well as the main act of Los Angeles musicians Micheal Gurley and J.D. Bender. Gurley has played for more than 30 years and also composes music including the theme song for Disney’s “American Dragon: Jake Long.” The performers were arranged by Morgan Hill’s ARTTEC.
If you’ve never been to Morgan’s Cove, The Cove Goes Western event is a great way to introduce yourself to this unique pirate “theme park” in a quiet Morgan Hill neighborhood.
Morgan’s Cove is a place you have to really visit to understand why it attracts people with an adventurous character who want to immerse themselves into a world of pirates. Its centerpiece is a pirate ship placed next to a small lagoon. Other attractions include a Captain’s Quarters, a poppy jasper mine, and a treasure cave. There are also a few new attractions at Morgan’s Cove that will be a fun surprise for people attending The Cove Goes Western fundraiser.
If you have not seen Morgan’s Cove and you want to experience it, you and your friends now have a chance to discover it in living color May 17.
For more information about The Cove Goes Western, go to www.morganhill.org or call 408-779-9444.
Rich Firato is the chair of the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors.
