6:30pm Grand Opening Gala. Champagne and hors d''oeuvres in exhibit gallery, themed food stations in ballroom for strolling dinner, music provided by pianist Jonathon Lee and the Hartnell Jazz Band. $150/person.

Saturday

9:30am Grand Opening Ceremony with MC Dave McElhatton, anchor of CBS affiliate KPIX television (of San Francisco). Music by Rondalla Alisal and Monterey Jazz Festival County Honor Band. Dove release and ribbon cutting.

11am-5pm Doors Open. Twenty-minute introductory tours of the center are presented hourly. Art exhibit: "This Side of Eden-Images of Steinbeck''s California," paintings from the 1930s and ''40s.

1-3pm Poster signing. Bill Owens signs copies of the Grand Opening poster.

Sunday

10am-5pm Twenty-minute introductory tours of the center are presented hourly. Art exhibit: "This Side of Eden-Images of Steinbeck''s California."

Monday

10am-5pm Twenty-minute introductory tours of the center are presented hourly. Art exhibit: "This Side of Eden-Images of Steinbeck''s California."

1pm Focus tour: This Side of Eden, overview of California scene painting of the 1930s and ''40s.

Tuesday

10am-5pm Twenty-minute introductory tours of the center are presented hourly. Art exhibit: "This Side of Eden-Images of Steinbeck''s California."

1pm Focus Tour: Architectural tour, discussion of Steinbeck Center''s architecture

2pm Performance: Olive Steinbeck, Western Stage actress Joyce Lower portrays John Steinbeck''s mother.

Wednesday

10am-5pm Twenty-minute introductory tours of the center are presented hourly. Art exhibit: "This Side of Eden-Images of Steinbeck''s California."

1pm Focus Tour: This Side of Eden, overview of California scene painting of the 1930s and ''40s.

The National John Steinbeck Center Museum and Archive, One Main Street, Oldtown Salinas

Phone: 753-6411

Regular Hours: Daily, 10am-7pm.

Admission: $7/adult; $6/seniors; $4/children 11-17; free, children 10 and under.

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