Community Corner
Great Escape: Free Festivals For Your "Staycation"
Celebrate summer at some of the art and food festivals in the surrounding cities, where admission is free!
Plan to attend the 28th annual Fremont Festival of the Arts, to be held 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6 and Sunday, Aug. 7 in Central Fremont. This large art and wine festival offers something for everyone. The festival’s Kid City is holding a fun-filled interactive event for children, and has an Internet Coupon for Kid City Rides available. Festival music begins on the Main Paseo Padre Stage at 10 a.m., featuring artists Liz Kennedy, Danny Click and band, Evolution, James Nagel, Amee Chapman and the Velvet Tumbleweeds, Michael Lee Firkins and Canverserai. Hundreds of booths will be filled with artisan items and a gourmet marketplace will feature everything from pet treats to handmade pasta. And don’t forget to check out the restful wine garden, with premium wines from local wineries, open noon-5 p.m. each day. For more information about the festival, contact the Fremont Chamber of Commerce at 510-795-2244, or email fmtcc@fremontbusiness.com
On the same weekend, strawberry lovers are invited to unite for the 17th annual Monterey Bay Strawberry Festival, to be held 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6 and Sunday, Aug. 7, in the historic downtown Watsonville plaza. Call 831-728-6183 for more information. There will be entertainment for all ages, a long menu of strawberry delights, live music, vendors and rides.
The City of Alameda is holding its 2011 Art and Wine Faire, "The 27th Annual Park Street Art and Wine Festival," 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, July 30 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, July 31, in Alameda’s Historic Commercial and Civic Downtown area. The free street fair includes hundreds of arts, crafts and food vendors. Enjoy live music, beer and wine vendors, and a kid’s area with a bounce house and petting zoo. Call 510-523-1392 or email parkstreet1@comcast.net for more information.
