The third annual Cultural Celebration in Yuba City next month will be presaged by a kick-off "Unplugged" entertainment as a way to thank the many sponsors of the city's increasingly popular festival, organizers said.

"Unplugged" will be held, 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 16 at the City Hall Courtyard in Yuba City.

"UnPlugged" is an intimate affair creatednot only to fete the celebration sponsors, but also to raise funds to benefit the Ponderosa Theatre Company and future Cultural Celebrations, orgainzers said.

For the bargain price of $25 each attendee will get a great show, tasty finger foods, amazing desert, a little wine and an assortment of other refreshments.

Featured guest artists this year include: Blue Moon Risen', "The Pink Ladies" and "Burger Palace Boys" from The ACting Company's recent production of Grease, as well as the hotter-than-hot Hip Service.

Hip Service's unique variety of from-the-soul dance music is unrivaled, fans say. This accomplished group, made up of world class performers, has become one of the most
popular live acts in Northern California.

Hip Service will return for a command performance at Cultural Celebration Oct. 18.

For more information go online to www.yubacity.net and click on the Cultural Celebration link.

Yuba City's third annual Cultural Celebration is slated for 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Town Center, event organizers announced.

The Cultural Celebration is a jamboree of ethnic groups displaying their group traditions and diversities in cuisine, arts and music.

The event features as wide a selection of wares, clothes, crafts, finger-food, fine arts.music and dance from around the world, and the best music, dance and entertainment as can be found in the North Valley, organizers pledged.

For the first time, a run and fitness event will be held in conjunction with the day-long celebration starting 8 a.m. Oct.18.

The entry fee includes refreshments, infornation packet and a souvenir race T-shirt available on the day of the race to participants registered by Oct. 3. T-shirts for those registered after that date will be available at Yuba City Parks and Recreation Department after Nov. 3, organizers said.

One can enter the race online at www.yubacity.net.