A tale of two street fairs
Part 1: San Francisco’s Mission District
In May, I went to San Francisco for a business trip. I booked a Sunday morning flight, so that I could have the afternoon free for fun. With great luck, I was able to join Hum of the City and her family to the Mission District Street Fair. We’d only “met” via twitter and blog comments before and it was a delight to meet her in person. Fun fact – we’re both in the medical sciences field, but had no idea until we met that day.
“Hum” rode her honest-to-god Japanese Mamachari, which she’s posted on extensively. All I can add is that any bike shop that doesn’t think there is a market for ready-made family transportation bikes is in denial. Or doesn’t talk to parents. Seriously – every time she takes this bike out, people stop her to ask where they can get one. I want one – and my kid’s far too big for it.
We traveled the whole length of the street fair, stopping to watch performances, including this cabaret/acrobatics group, and the obligatory bathroom & snacks stop. We were very sad when the party ended with a police sweep and a return to normal traffic.
Yes, I have now joined the ranks of people who take pictures of infrastructure in their spare time. At least I didn’t run out into traffic to get a better shot. |
Our route home went along “The Wiggle”, which wins for the best named bike route EVAH. The city has recently replaced the original sharrows with the green version above. They’re bright and I love them. There is no way you could miss a turn marked with these babies.
Part 2: Seattle’s Greenwood Street Fair
Last month, Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood had their street fair. By a terrific coincidence, Hum of the City was here for a visit, staying with Family Ride! The family biking blogosphere can be such a small world some times. This time we were there at the very start of the street fair, which was a strangely gradual affair. “Oh look, they’ve closed off the street! Let’s go, kids! Whoops, there are still cars coming, get back to the side!” Fortunately, it wasn’t too long before the streets were really, truly closed to cars and the party began.
Spencer did loops. And needs his seat raised. How did he grow so quickly? |
Despite the difference in height, Theo is 2 weeks older than Spencer. |
Family Ride, being lapped by a balance bike. |
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My photo doesn’t do this justice – her act involved a lot of spinning around and was a lot of fun. |
The audience was enthralled. |
A Hawaiian dance troupe put on a performance and let the boys try out the poi balls. The difference between poi and nunchuks is thin, particularly to 6 year old boys. Oh well, at least they were wearing helmets. Alway dance in helmets, folks – think of your brains!
Look out! |
A bouquet of helmets |
After a lot of street partying, we were all getting hungry. There really weren’t any street vendors, so we locked our bikes and helmets into an impressive pile and tried to get a table at a nearby restaurant. Alas the wait was long and our party was large, containing many children, so it was not to be. We had to say our goodbyes and get home before dark. It was so much fun to be out and having fun in the street and meeting friends, new and old!