This annual holiday celebration consists of three main parts -- a parade, festival, and fireworks…read more I attended the daytime event on July 4th and it was a laid back, family friendly affair, with everyone in good spirits. There were no massive crowds lining the streets for the parade, so it was easy to find a spot for viewing as well as parking nearby. Traffic was minimally disrupted, too. The parade was very casual and low key, no fancy floats or creative displays, mostly modestly decorated vehicles and members of local organizations walking the parade route holding signs and giving out free candy to kids. Groups included community emergency responders, Creative Play, Scouts, senior living homes, and pet adoption agencies like Contra Costa Animal Services (with a few dogs on leashes strolling the parade as well). The party in the park after the parade consisted of food vendors (including Back Forty Texas BBQ), kids activities like inflatable slides and jumphouses, and live music on stage. I enjoyed the sounds of the American Cheese band playing awesome songs for the crowd, the playlist including Santeria, Faith by George Michael, and Should I Stay or Should I Go. The watermelon eating contest was fun to see, both the kids competition (for contestants ages 12 and under) and the adults match. The festivities continued later in the evening with a fireworks show at College Park High School and of course more food vendors and live entertainment. A pretty well-organized community event, stress-free and admission free.

The longest running juneteeth festiaval (23d) happened today in berkeley…read more Juneteeth aka freedom day aka emancipation day is an "holiday" in the united states honoring african american heritage by celebrating the announcement of the abolition of salvery in Texas in 1865. (wikileaks). there were many activities for the kids (facepainting, slides, balloons, shaved ice, etc.). for adults (water dunking, target shooting,) , for foodies (bbq, "freedom fries" (5), corn dogs, hamburger, etc), shopping (arts, crafts, etc.) information (clipper, law enforcement, etc). entertaintainment (2 stages), security was very tight less bad actors showed up. private security was visiblle. and berkeley's finest was parked on the perimeter and also watching from the edges.

We went to the Chinese New Year Parade on Saturday, March 7. The San Francisco weather was…read moreunbelievable--75 degrees and wonderfully warm, and it felt like summer. This parade, known as one of the largest Chinese New Year parades in the United States, is definitely a must-see in person. The energy is exciting and festive, and you can truly feel the vibrant spirit of the celebration all around you. There was lots to see--too many things to describe! I loved watching the lion dancers, school groups, and the many horses featured for the Year of the Fire Horse. There were also lots of sounds of firecrackers throughout the parade, traditionally used to ward off evil spirits and bad luck. A plus--MUNI was free that day, which was a nice perk. The grand finale with the massive Golden Dragon was incredible and the perfect ending to a spectacular event. Loved it!

This weekend was the Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco. It is the year of the horse and as…read moremuch as I love the lion dancers and they are always the highlight of the parade, I have to say that all the little children with their stick horses just melted my heart! One of the marching bands was also exceptionally good this year, I'm sorry I can't recall which one but the colors were purple and gold. The parade is supposed to last 2 hours but seemed to start a little early and definitely went late this year. In the last 20 years I have probably been to this parade 4 or 5 times and I have kept coming because it was always a lovely celebration. One year when my son was smaller the crowds were so intense that we ended up leaving early because he was small and we were worried about the potential for trampling. This year was much less intense but that is likely because crowds were smaller. The smoothness and coordination were also not as good as they have been in years passed and the entertainment level seemed a bit diminished as well. That being said, this is still considered the best and largest Chinese New Year parade in the United States, and in the past has been considered one of the top 10 in the world, so it is definitely worth the trip if you can make it.

This is an event that I go to every year with my family, and it's always packed, which is great for…read morethe businesses in Chinatown. There's always something to look at, whether it's the stalls or performances. Compared to the street fair for the Autumn Moon Festival, there are more vendors selling flowers, plants, and decorations. I went on Saturday, and I noticed that there were more food vendors (snacks and prepared food) compared to previous years. In addition, I loved the interactive arts and crafts this year! There were panda statues painted by local artists as well as a table where we could write down wishes for the new year and hang them up. Side notes: 1.) There are 2 every year: 1 at the beginning and 1 at the end of Chinese New year. 2.) Walking distance from Chinatown Station *Verdict: Always a fun event to go to, whether you celebrate Chinese New Year or not!

I visit this Chinese New Year Festival in Chinatown almost every year and just love taking photos…read moreof all the colorful and great items the vendors sell and to be exposed to the Chinese culture and customs.

The first of Embarcadero Center's Season III of "Plated", a Delicious Celebration of Chefs and…read moreCuisine, featured Chef Tanya Holland of West Oakland's Brown Sugar Kitchen and the recently closed B-Side BBQ. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/plated-festival-san-francisco?select=8c0Z5X2AIRIibp0f9fee0g#6nHQVbVCJ792pQcSZOVu-w) The event continues at the former Williams Sonoma store in Two Embarcadero with Foodie Chap, Liam Mayclem, as the host. Before the cooking demonstration, Liam interviewed Chef Holland with some Q&A from the audience. The Chef then proceeded to demonstrate the making of her famous buttermilk fried chicken and corn bread. Then of course, each of us had the opportunity to have a sample of her tasty dish. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/plated-festival-san-francisco?select=8c0Z5X2AIRIibp0f9fee0g#cJWX70B8SBffv1OPwRkAYw) A great start to Season III and looking forward to the rest of the season.

I got to hear this wonderful group in Petaluma at the Butter & Egg Days Parade and Event last…read moreSaturday. What an absolute delight. I had so much fun...they played in the Theatre District. The District is a cobble-stoned plaza that has a marvelous water fountain where one can perch and cool during an outside concert. the fountain is tiled with hand made ceramic tile and ceramic faces of all types...that was a real treat for Bob, a former custom tile setter-he just had to take a picture of it! The band is newly formed and plays Celtic music....some modern tunes as well but with a definite Celtic flair. The musicians are versitle; they all sing and play multiple instruments. I'd have to say, you'd have a hard time standing or sitting for that matter still while they are playing. The Irish seemed to come out in everyone in the audience as well. Small children danced, old couples spun about-it was quite a treat. Their next gig is at the Dixon May Fair, wish I could go! They will be deployed soon to go overseas and entertain and lift the spirits of our troops....what a wonderful way to use your craft....I must say, as a retired musician (I still sing though) I'm a bit jealous....wish I'd had this opportunity or even known about it as a young person.

What a lovely little gem of a building that takes you back in time. 3-4 rooms filled with old town…read morememorabilia and historical sales and product from the sugar factory next door. It was free to get in, but gently asks for donations to help support. Lots one star from me as I would have really liked more description information on the different items. Otherwise you really are not sure what you are looking at :(

This was a fun stop and the whole reason I made a trip to Crockett…read more They have a wild miscellany of city history, industrial equipment, hobbyist work, and local flavor. I think I spent about 45 minutes wandering through the place, which is probably plenty unless you read everything. But I definitely recommend it for anyone who is into tiny museums - about 4-5 rooms that used to be a train station. Sadly, there's not that much that has that train station feel. But aside from that, if you've never seen a cream separator, punch card sorter, or a scale model of the National Cathedral (D.C.) and want to, this is your place. Staffed by friendly, knowledgeable docents who take pride in Crockett's history.

My chica Erin is the brainchild behind the whole Oakland Unwrapped/Indie Award concept. I met her a…read morefew years ago when all of this was only a beautiful idea and just her business card. The ironic part is she wasn't born here but has hella love for the place she now calls home. Oakland Unwrapped recently merged with OneCalifornia Foundation which also provides local community banking. The future is truly bright for this organization and ongoing event! I'm happy that the first to review named tons of the vendors present since I didn't get a chance to really roam the event. Not complaining, just that I was drawn to the aroma of my own tamales and wound up working the La Borinquena table while checking on the community information table with the groups I volunteer for: oldoaklandneighbors.org, 10000stepsoakland.org and the Oakland Merchant Leadership Forum omlf.org. I have to say first that the renovations at Sweet's Ballroom are coming along on a scale that is impressive to say the least. Steve S. and co are close to completion of the major work and I know as the word spreads there will be more events that I will need to attend there! I also need to give a massive shout out to the chicas de Yelp who all volunteered to work the event including Berna Diva, Pookie W, Jill K (who worked my food table with me) and Lupe M. I gotta give mad props to Consuelo J. for being the food coordinator for this too. There was also a Yelp table and I had the pleasure of meeting Cathrine O. and Natalie G. The event after it's initial rocky start, was an amazing snapshot of what Oakland has to offer. A diverse crowd of people, delicious food (there was an egg roll I'm still thinking about), drinks including Laotian beer from Champa Garden, lager from Linden Street Brewery and raspberry vodka sodas from Hanger One. Apparently, my dinner was mostly liquid that night, no wonder I had so much fun! The award presentation was an eye opener to how many different types of indie businesses are adding to the mix of commerce here. The night ended with a tight band that got folks moving and a chance for those of us working/volunteering to make Oakland an even BIGGER and more shiny jewel to chat about what's next. The positivity about Oakland is swelling and contagious. If you haven't caught it already... WATCH OUT, Oakland Pride is gonna to get you next!

I am a little late to write this review but I had to back track for a moment in time and commend…read morethe Oaklad Indie Awards. They really know how to throw an event. Between the free drinks and food, to the great goodies different companies were handing out, everything was well organized and people were excited to be there. By far the highlights: tamales from Tina Tamale, Numi tea, and Champa Garden with there yummy sausages and beer. I would make the trip back to Oaklnad just to go to Champa Garden! My favorite above all was the band. It was called the BCO Band and they covered a ton of older songs. People were up out of there seats dancing and it really was a great finale to a fun night!