We publish several special inserts every year that are great marketing vehicles allowing you to target a specific audience. With special sections and themed issues focused on surf, football, summer camps, beauty and more, our special sections offer something for everyone.
2017 Special Sections
Best of San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano
SC Times: January 19 • DP Times: February 3 • Dispatch: February 10
Thousands of locals take to the polls to cast their votes on south Orange County’s best offerings at the end of each year. And to kick off the New Year, their voices are heard in the form of three “Best of” issues that highlight the paramount restaurants, services, amenities, beaches, annual events and more in San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano. These three issues are glossy wrapped and filled with pages of vivid descriptions and colorful photos that become staples atop restaurant countertops, at business registers and on our website throughout the year.
Space Reservation: SC Times: January 6 • DP Times: January 20 • Dispatch: January 27
Festival of Whales
Three-paper Buy: February 23 & 24
Each spring, as the California gray whale population migrates from Mexican bays back to Alaskan waters, Dana Point celebrates their 10,000-mile journey when adult whales and young calves pass by Southern California shores. This year marks the 44th anniversary of the Dana Point Festival of Whales where thousands from across the state voyage to south county for two weekends filled with a parade, whale watching, educational activities, cook-offs, sandcastle competitions, car shows, movies, music and more. This three-paper special guide showcases all the festival has to offer in a vibrant and inviting way that makes it a great resource for event goers and local businesses.
Space Reservation: February 3
Swallow’s Day Program
Dispatch: March 9 & 10
A tradition for more than 50 years, the Swallows Day Parade, organized by the all-volunteer Fiesta Association, attracts more than 30,000 people to the streets of downtown San Juan Capistrano every March. The official parade guide explains the event’s tradition and introduces the members of the Fiesta Association who make the parade possible, as well as the special honorees and dignitaries.
Space Reservation: February 3
Summer Camp Guide
Three-paper Buy: March 23 & 24
While summer vacation is a time of celebration for school children it is often a time of stress for parents and caretakers as they look for meaningful and educational experiences to keep their students occupied and entertained. To help make this process simpler, our Summer Camp Guide provides an outlook of seasonal activities from surf to theatre camps and tutoring services to equestrian lessons—sort of a one-stop shop for all things summer. This guide is a bright insert highlighting indoor and outdoor activities throughout the tri-cities and surrounding areas.
Space Reservation: March 10
Green Issue
Three-paper Buy: April 13 & 14
In 2015, Earth Day falls on Wednesday, April 22. To celebrate this day, which brings the international community together to promote, celebrate and participate in environmental movements, education, public policy and consumer campaigns, Picket Fence Media compiles this special issue drawing attention to local action. From a schedule of Earth Day activities for the entire family to stories about locals making a difference, this issue provides a snap-shot of south Orange County’s commitment to making the world a better place for future generations.
Space Reservation: March 31
Mother’s Day Gift Guide
SC Times: May 11 • DP Times: May 12 • Dispatch: May 12
Buying the perfect gift for mom can be a challenge. That’s why Picket Fence Media provides our readers with a gift-buying guide before Mother’s Day arrives to make shopping an enjoyable and stress-fee experience. Our annual gift guide features local Mother’s Day deals, events and gifts from clothing to spa packages.
Space Reservation: April 28
A New You
Three-paper Buy: May 25 & 26
At Picket Fence Media we believe it’s never too late to make a positive change. So, each spring we publish A New You providing our readers with tips to get active, stay fit, alter their diets, explore the outdoors and embrace healthy habits that can be incorporated by all members of the household. Our interviews with local wellness experts—including nutritionists, fitness professionals and medical practitioners—supply readers with logical tips, reachable goals and realistic stories of how to make modifications, both small and large, to transform their well-being.
Space Reservation: May 12
Graduation Specials
SC Times: June 8 • DP Times: June 2 • Dispatch: June 9
Producing three hyper-local newspapers, our staff aims to highlight the achievements of area residents throughout the year—and each summer we have the opportunity to applaud the dedication of south Orange County students as they graduate to careers and higher education. Our colorful graduation specials hit the stands days after alumni from Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano receive their diplomas. These issues feature celebratory photos from graduation ceremonies, student speeches and complete lists of graduates along with their achievements.
Space Reservation: SC Times: May 26 • DP Times: May 19 • Dispatch: May 26
Go See Do
Three-paper Buy: June 22 & 23
Events throughout Orange County are featured every week in our three publications. These happenings are also posted online. Now, with our inaugural Go See Do special feature, we are expanding our event portfolio to give readers a compilation of the year’s goings on in one place. We will be highlighting things to go, do and see within the tri-cities but will also expand our feature to include events, parks and excursions throughout Southern California. So whether readers want to take a hike, taste wine, visit a theme park or getaway, we’ll have an option for all.
Space Reservation: June 9
Ocean Festival Special Insert
SC Times: July 13
The “Greatest Show on Surf” deserves the very best when it comes to event guides. And that is what we here at Picket Fence Media produce year after year. The two-day San Clemente Ocean Festival draws thousands to the Pier each year to participate in and cheer on the region’s youngest, most talented and toughest competitors in surf, SUP, running and lifeguard events. It’s a fun-filled event with activities and entertainment for the whole family that celebrates San Clemente and Southern California’s commitment to its greatest resource—the Pacific Ocean.
Space Reservation: June 23
Inside/Outside
Three-paper Buy: July 27 & 28
New this year to our special issue line-up is a feature to guide readers through home improvements—on both the inside and outside of their homes. Whether they are attempting to change flooring, redecorate or landscape, we’ll provide tips from local experts for readers taking on the tasks themselves along with area resources for those seeking professional help from one of the many local vendors and services. This inaugural issue will help do-it-yourselfers and wanting-a-changers tackle tasks around their home to make their dreams a reality.
Space Reservation: July 14
Football Previews
SC Times: August 17 • DP Times: August 18 • Dispatch: August 11
Before the Friday night lights are turned on, faces are painted and fight songs reverberate from local high school stadiums, the Picket Fence Media sports staff compiles an in-depth look at the Triton, Dolphin, Stallion and other area football programs—breaking down key match-ups, depth charts and players to watch. It’s an issue packed full of player profiles, pre-game analyses and interviews with coaches and players, geared toward featuring local athletes and the American pastime that pulls our three communities together.
Space Reservation: SC Times: August 4 • DP Times: August 4 • Dispatch: July 28
Hurley Pro Guide
SC Times: September 7
Since 2000, the world’s top male surfers have battled it out at San Clemente’s historic Lower Trestles surf break on the Association of Surfing Professionals’ World Championship Tour. And for the first time this year, top female surfers joined the competition as the Swatch Women’s Pro and Hurley Pro ran in conjunction. It’s a high-octane event and a competition that celebrates the history of surfing while aiming to preserve the treasure of Trestles. Our event guide covers all aspects of the international event—from early match-ups to surfer profiles—that places all eyes on SC.
Space Reservation: August 25
Aging Well
Three-paper Buy: September 21 & 22
For the young at heart.
Space Reservation: September 8
Crib to College
Three-paper Buy: October 12 & 13
The name “Crib to College” is just as it sounds—it is a resource guide that can be utilized throughout a child’s life—literally from crib to college. The pages include stories, columns and tips from teachers, parents, counselors and experts on a wide range of topics like saving for the future, preparing for kindergarten, talking to teens about drugs and more. It’s content evolves each year, but the publication as a whole is a road map for parents and children, chock-full of useful information, to help them navigate the journey from Crib to College.
Space Reservation: September 29
Turkey Trot Guide
DP Times: November 17
For nearly 40 years, thousands have gathered on Thanksgiving Day before dinner is served and rivaled teams take the field to race in or cheer on the Dana Point Turkey Trot—an event featuring a 10K, 5K and kids’ 1-mile run. It’s a tradition that sees runners and spectators from across Southern California come to south Orange County for competition and camaraderie. Each year, Picket Fence Media, serving as an event sponsor, produces a special guide complete with a course map, schedule of events, photos and specials from local businesses.
Space Reservation: November 3
Holiday Gift Guide
SC Times: November 23 & 30 • DP Times: November 24 & December 1 • Dispatch: November 24 & December 8
At Picket Fence Media, we are all about staying and shopping local. That’s why, every year during the holiday season, we compile a special gift guide promoting area businesses, offers and happenings to help keep our local readers and visitors frequenting the shops, restaurants and services that make the communities of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano such unique places. This pull-out section includes gift-giving ideas, holiday specials, local events, coupons and more—the perfect advertisement for holiday outings.
Space Reservation: November 10
Dana Point Chamber of Commerce Guide
Glossy Magazine • July 2017
With more than 400 members, the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce is an active organization dedicated to helping regional businesses and the local communities grow. It is our pleasure to assist with this process through our annual Chamber Guide where Dana Point’s people, businesses, amenities, beaches and more are introduced to visitors all year round. This glossy, all-color guide—filled with pages of breathtaking photos, stories of regional interest and a local business directory—is the ultimate tool for businesses, residents and out-of-towners alike.
Space Reservation: June 2
San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce Guide
Glossy Magazine • September 2017
“Experience San Juan” isn’t just a marketing ploy to get visitors to town, it is requirement. To fully experience San Juan, one must walk the historic streets of downtown and the Los Rios District, explore the shops and eateries, stand amongst the Mission’s ruins and get to know the locals. The San Juan Chamber of Commerce lives this. That’s why each year, the Chamber and Picket Fence partner to create a visitor’s guide that paints a vivid image of San Juan’s deep history, vibrant business community and people who make this city one of a kind.
Space Reservation: July 25
CONTACT:
Debra Wells
949.388.7700, ext. 104
dwells(at)picketfencemedia(dot)com
For real estate advertising, contact Michele Reddick at 949.842.1926 or mreddick(at)picketfencemedia(dot)com
