Hostelling International Party in San Francisco, August 29th, 2009

SAN FRANCISCO HOSTELS HOST FREE 100TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY, AUGUST 29, 2009, 11:30 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.
[Information provided by HI-USA Golden Gate Council in Northern California.]

[INDENT]San Francisco, CA - Hostelling International is hosting a free 100th Anniversary Party at its three San Francisco hostels on Saturday, August 29, 2009, from 11:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. The party is a three-stage progressive event that includes a pancake and mimosa brunch at the Downtown Hostel (312 Mason Street), a wine and cheese reception at the City Center Hostel (685 Ellis Street), and a BBQ and outdoor concert in Fort Mason, at the Fisherman's Wharf Hostel (Fort Mason, Building 240). In addition to complimentary food and drink, the event includes a live performance by The Jenny Kerr Band, music by DJ Chris Taylor, scavenger hunts, hostel tours, and prize giveaways.

The 100th Anniversary Party marks the centennial of the worldwide hostelling movement, which began in Germany in 1909 when a schoolteacher named Richard Schirrmann first conceived of the idea of youth hostels. Hostelling International USA (formerly American Youth Hostels) is also celebrating the 75th anniversary of its founding and the establishment of the first American hostel in Northfield, Massachusetts, in 1934.

HOSTELLING INTERNATIONAL - SAN FRANCISCO
100TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY
Saturday, August 29, 2009

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
SAN FRANCISCO DOWNTOWN HOSTEL
A pancake and mimosa brunch at HI-San Francisco Downtown, one block from Union Square, with a scavenger hunt, prize giveaways, and tours of the hostel which has recently undergone major renovations and upgrades.

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
SAN FRANCISCO CITY CENTER HOSTEL
A wine and cheese reception at the Ivy's Place cafe in HI-San Francisco City Center, with music by DJ Chris Taylor, scavenger hunt, prize giveaways, hostel tours, and displays highlighting the mission and history of this beautiful 1920s boutique hotel turned hostel.

2:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
SAN FRANCISCO FISHERMAN'S WHARF HOSTEL
A barbecue and outdoor concert at HI-San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf, located in Fort Mason and overlooking the Bay with views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. A full spread including Niman Ranch burgers, hot dogs, and vegetarian options will be served, along with local microbrews. At 4:00 p.m., The Jenny Kerr Band performs a foot-stomping live show which forays into swamp rock, straight-up soul, backwater honky tonk, and old-time blues. The event also features a DJ, scavenger hunt, prize giveaways, and hostel tours.

GRAND PRIZE PACKAGE
In addition to prize drawings held at each location throughout the party, guests can enter to win a Grand Prize Package including:
* A three-night stay in a private room for two people at any of HI's nine Northern California hostels
* A Flip Ultra video camera
* Two one-year HI memberships
* Two 27-ounce stainless steel Klean Kanteens
* Two 100% organic cotton zippered hoodies with original artwork by Michael Wertz

For more information, visit http://sfhostels.com.

100TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT SERIES
The 100th Anniversary Party in San Francisco is part of a series of events hosted by hostels around Northern California (Sacramento, Marin Headlands, Point Reyes, Redwood National Park, and the San Mateo coast). For more information, visit http://norcalhostels.org/100years/.

EVENT SPONSOR
Hostelling International - San Francisco's 100th Anniversary Party is sponsored by the San Francisco Bay Guardian.[/INDENT]