Tag: events

Wreath ceremony on USS Midway honors heroes.

This morning I attended a special Memorial Day weekend ceremony on the flight deck of the USS Midway. Heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our precious freedom were remembered and honored.

A community band played. The National Anthem was sung. Two vintage warplanes passed overhead. The colors were retired.

Veterans and those who fell in battle were thanked with moving speeches. Rear Admiral Bette Bolivar, commander of Navy Region Southwest, spoke powerfully about protecting liberty. I jotted down a few of her words. “Our banner of Freedom soaring high . . . others before self . . . honoring their lives and their great sacrifices . . .”

Veterans in attendance were asked to speak into a microphone and tell everyone where they served. Repeated applause.

Four wreaths honoring those who’ve gone before were tossed from the flight deck into San Diego Bay, and a fifth was tossed from the Maritime Museum’s restored Swift Boat.

Harbor Patrol boats signaled their honor with columns of water.

Many salutes.

Fluttering flags in sunlight.

Proud faces.

Faces of those who have served their nation.

Faces of those who remember.

Faces of those who will never, ever forget.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Conan reappears on Spreckels Theatre marquee!

This morning I noticed Conan O’Brien’s name has reappeared on the marquee of San Diego’s Spreckels Theatre. That means Comic-Con can’t be too far away!

Conan O’Brien late-night talk show on TBS is returning to San Diego for 2019, and audiences will have the opportunity to enjoy his wry humor from July 17 to July 20.

With less than two months to go until San Diego Comic-Con, I also noticed a couple of shops in the Gaslamp Quarter seem to be getting ready!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Photos of Manzanita Mountain Man Rendezvous!

Have you ever wondered what it was like to live as a mountain man? Trekking through the wilderness as a trapper or frontier explorer? Journeying through the untamed American West as a trader, prospector, scout or pioneer?

What would it be like to leave the comforts and routine obligations of a civilized life behind? To go where few had gone before, finding your own way over rugged mountains, across uncharted rivers, living on the land, camping beneath the stars?

Today I learned a little of what that was like. I drove an hour east of San Diego to Northcote Ranch to enjoy the 26th Annual Manzanita High Mountain Rendezvous!

This modern reenactment of an historic Rocky Mountain rendezvous takes place in the beautiful countryside near Lake Morena. It attracts reenactors and visiting history buffs, school students and families from all around the Southwest. Every single participant I met was extremely friendly. They showed me and other visitors around with enthusiasm.

I observed many participants in period costumes camping in canvas tents and tepees across a broad field and among shady trees. Many of the campers create their own leather goods, jewelry and other Old West artifacts.

As I walked about, I listened to frontier music, visited a gunsmith, looked at the wares of different traders, and stepped inside a couple of the largest tepees. On several outdoor ranges I observed people throwing tomahawks, shooting arrows, even shooting authentic black powder muskets. I even enjoyed a good old hamburger and tater tots at The Hungry Dowg restaurant tent!

Other rendezvous activities, which happened to be idle during my visit today, include blacksmithing, candle making and woodworking. There is something intriguing everywhere one turns!

I photographed some of the informative signs, including one that concerns San Diego’s early history–particularly the 1820s to 1840s, when Fur Trade goods were sold to merchant ships that traveled around Cape Horn. Back then a wandering trapper would occasionally come into Old Town. Click those photos and they’ll enlarge for easy reading!

If you’ve never been to a mountain man rendezvous, make sure to put the Manzanita High Mountain Rendezvous on your calendar for next year. Kids absolutely love it.

This fantastic event is open to the general public and admission is free!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

Students create art for North Park festival!

Fourth and fifth grade students at Jefferson IB STEAM Magnet School created a bunch of cool art for the SDCCU Festival of Arts in North Park!

I spotted their artwork in the windows of the Target store on University Avenue. The theme is love of music…

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Street art painted live at North Park festival!

Nick McPherson (a.k.a. Nicholas Danger) paints a cool mural on a North Park wall during the 23rd Annual San Diego County Credit Union Festival of Arts.
Nick McPherson (a.k.a. Nicholas Danger) paints a cool mural on a North Park wall during the 23rd Annual San Diego County Credit Union Festival of Arts.

Today I headed over to the 23rd Annual San Diego County Credit Union Festival of Arts in North Park. (Say that ten times fast!) My favorite part of this huge, super popular street festival is its emphasis on local artists and their amazing creativity.

Friendly artists were at work all over the place!

In the Live Art Block, a series of large canvases were being colorfully painted, including the wall of one building!

The Live Art Block at the North Park festival was presented by VISUAL.
The Live Art Block at the North Park festival was presented by VISUAL.
VISUAL helps connect local artists to public art projects. They also feature a gallery in North Park and sell art supplies.
VISUAL helps connect local artists to public art projects. They also feature a gallery in North Park and sell art supplies.
A number of local artists were creating new art to the delight of those walking about the festival.
A number of local artists were creating new art to the delight of those walking about the festival.

At this very popular festival in North Park, people steered their feet past food, vendors, and a happy crowd of art-loving neighbors.
At this very popular festival in North Park, people steer their feet past yummy food, assorted vendors, and a happy crowd of art-loving neighbors.
A live music performance at the San Diego County Credit Union Festival of Arts.
A live music performance at the San Diego County Credit Union Festival of Arts.
The Gallery in the Street featured lots of artwork for sale, plus artists working live on amazing pieces.
The Gallery in the Street featured lots of artwork for sale, plus artists working live on amazing pieces.

Creativity thrives in North Park!
Creativity thrives in North Park!

UPDATE!

I took a photo of Nick McPherson’s completed Nomad Donuts mural years later…

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Intertribal dancing at Balboa Park Pow Wow.

My walking adventure today took me through Balboa Park and North Park.

I paused for a bit to watch the joyful intertribal dancing at the 31st Annual Balboa Park Pow Wow.

The Balboa Park Pow Wow, which is held on Mother’s Day weekend, is organized by the San Diego American Indian Health Center. The traditional event features Kumeyaay Bird Singers, Gourd Dancing, and a variety of Native American drum groups.

Many diverse peoples, colors and dances came together in a celebration of life!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Celebrating the 5th Anniversary of Waterfront Park!

Today is the 5th Anniversary of San Diego’s wonderful Waterfront Park!

A special event celebrating the anniversary will be held today on the park’s south side lawn from 3 pm to 10 pm. There will be live music, kids activities, food trucks, and a whole lot of family fun!

Waterfront Park remains one of my favorite spots in San Diego. It’s a sunny place where I can sit on a bench to eat or read a book. Fountains splash, people play on the grass, and sails move gracefully in the distance on San Diego Bay.

Five years ago I attended the big grand opening of Waterfront Park and took loads of photographs. To see them, click here!

UPDATE!

I swung by Waterfront Park this evening to experience a little of the anniversary event!

I checked out a couple of information tables and learned about San Diego County Parks and Recreation, and the supportive non-profit San Diego County Parks Society. Both are looking for volunteers!

I saw food trucks, bounce houses, kids running wild through the huge, awesome Waterfront Park playground, and lots of happy people by the splashing fountains and on the grass. I saw a red-tailed hawk, the Pad Squad and the Swinging Friar, and the 80s pop music cover band FlashPants.

Great fun!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

Fun photos of Cinco de Mayo in Old Town!

This afternoon I strolled through Old Town and captured photos of the big 10th Annual Cinco de Mayo celebration. I began in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, headed south along San Diego Avenue, then turned to make my way back to the State Park.

According to a Park Ranger, Cinco de Mayo is by far the most popular event in Old Town San Diego. I saw many families strolling about enjoying the colorful sights, Mexican food and cultural entertainment.

There was a folklorico competition and lucha libre demonstrations (which I missed), giant puppets, Aztec dancers, kids’ crafts, mariachi music, and authentic Mexican food at every turn. There were many people in traditional Mexican dress and others in period costume from the early days of San Diego. I enjoyed checking out a bunch of sweet lowrider cars and a row of shiny, customized kids’ bikes that were definitely super cool. I paused to visit the donkeys near Seeley Stable, guys hammering red hot iron in the blacksmith shop, a silly street performer with a plunger on his head, and a gentleman in La Casa de Estudillo who was playing frontier games of chance against all comers. As I walked about I even spotted some chalk art.

There was so much to see, I didn’t know where to turn next!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

Photos of dragon boat races on Mission Bay!

The 15th Annual San Diego Dragon Boat Festival was held today in the Tecolote Shores North part of Mission Bay. This cool event is presented by the San Diego Alliance for Asian Pacific Islander Americans. Twenty two wild races on the water saw competition between amateur dragon boat teams from all around our region and nation.

My walk around Mission Bay late this morning included a long pause to watch the action…

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!

Cool discoveries at the Encinitas Street Fair!

There was a lot to see and do at the 36th Annual Encinitas Spring Street Fair!
There was much to see and do at the 36th Annual Encinitas Spring Street Fair!

This morning I rode the Coaster north to Encinitas. It’s the weekend of the big annual Encinitas Spring Street Fair!

Lots of food, art and entertainment could be found along many blocks of South Coast Highway 101. As I slowly walked along, I made a whole bunch of cool discoveries. It seemed I encountered new surprises every few steps!

Several tents featured art that I particularly liked. I also met some interesting people, found out about noteworthy community projects, and learned a tiny bit about the history of Encinitas.

(Click photos that contain information and they will expand for much easier reading.)

People fill several blocks of scenic Highway 101 and enjoy a fine April weekend at the Encinitas Spring Street Fair.
People fill several blocks of scenic Highway 101 and enjoy a fine April weekend at the Encinitas Spring Street Fair.
One of these artistic surfboards for sale has Encinitas written on it.
One of these artistic surfboards for sale has Encinitas written on it.
One of the guys at the City of Encinitas booth had a big smile!
One of the guys at the City of Encinitas booth had a smile!
I spotted a fun map of Encinitas in a shop window. It illustrates many landmarks and local businesses in this awesome beach city.
I spotted a fun map of Encinitas in a shop window. It illustrates many landmarks and local businesses in this awesome beach city.
A dog heads over to smell some locally grown flowers.
A dog heads over to smell some locally grown flowers.
Some sweet treats to eat, and another smile!
Some sweet treats to eat, and another smile!
More yummy food on the grill.
More yummy food on a grill.
The band Nathan & Jessie provide some sidewalk entertainment. Check out nathanandjessie.com
The local band Nathan & Jessie provide some sidewalk entertainment. Check out nathanandjessie.com
More fun stuff!
Some silly stuff!
Author Scott Sussman was autographing his fun kids books. His website is octopusinkpress.com. Weird the Beard sounds like several characters I know.
Author Scott Sussman was autographing his kids books. His website is octopusinkpress.com. Weird the Beard sounds like several characters I know.
Beautiful, translucent Scented Gem Candles in different fantastic shapes could be seen at the Gemtera table.
Beautiful, translucent Scented Gem Candles in different fantastic shapes could be seen at the Gemtera table.
Sea-themed artwork by Marea Baja.
Sea-themed artwork by Marea Baja. Check out mareabajadesigns.com
Her sea glass mosaics are created from surf tumbled sea glass collected on the beach!
Her sea glass mosaics are created from surf tumbled sea glass collected on the beach!
The yellow Old School Shave Ice school bus has arrived!
The yellow “Old School Shave Ice” school bus has arrived!
Someone rides their bike down Highway 101 past this beach sunset mural by @CloeHakakian
Someone walks their bike down Highway 101 past this beach sunset mural by @CloeHakakian
Encinitas artist Carla Funk had many fantastic pieces displayed at her table.
Encinitas artist Carla Funk had many fantastic pieces displayed at her table.
I LOVE YOU THIS MUCH
I LOVE YOU THIS MUCH
Carla Funk offers Art Camp in Encinitas, featuring classes in ceramics, painting and drawing. Her website is ArtTilesByCarla.com
Carla Funk offers Art Camp in Encinitas, featuring classes in ceramics, painting and drawing. Her website is ArtTilesByCarla.com
I spun the prize wheel of North Island Credit Union and won some sunscreen, which I promptly put on my nose.
I spun the prize wheel of North Island Credit Union and won some sunscreen, which I promptly put on my nose.
The San Diego County Fair had a table with these free fans. The theme in 2019 is the Wizard of Oz! It's gonna be OZsome!
The San Diego County Fair had a table with these free fans. The theme in 2019 is the Wizard of Oz! It’s gonna be OZsome!
Think Possible Apparel has unique screen-printed shirts with tiny positive phrases forming cool designs. Check out ThinkPossibleApparel.com
Think Possible Apparel has unique screen-printed shirts with tiny positive phrases forming cool designs. Check out ThinkPossibleApparel.com
Officers of the San Diego Sheriff's Department Senior Volunteer Patrol told me they need volunteers. You can serve your community and meet cool friends!
Officers of the San Diego Sheriff’s Department Senior Volunteer Patrol told me they need volunteers. You can serve your community and meet cool friends!
I'm greeted by a big smile beside a collection of books! Teri is of Top Reads Publishing, found at topreadspublishing.com
I’m greeted by a big smile above a collection of books! Teri is of Top Reads Publishing, found at topreadspublishing.com
These books are by authors around Southern California. If you're an author or reader, learn more at sandiego.readlocal.org
These books are by authors around Southern California. If you’re an author or reader, learn more at sandiego.readlocal.org
Here's some info concerning PWSD, Publishers and Writers San Diego.
Here’s some info concerning PWSD, Publishers and Writers of San Diego.
These nice folks from @kinndproject sell shirts with a golden message. 10 meals are donated for each item purchased. Visit their website kinndproject.com
These nice folks from @kinndproject sell shirts with a golden message. 10 meals are donated for each item purchased. Visit their website kinndproject.com
kindness is golden
kindness is golden
A vendor had this fun stuff at their table.
A vendor had this fun stuff at their table.
Some cool t-shirts.
Some cool t-shirts.
It's the Welcome Home Soldier Foundation. Help vets and get some salsa at whsfnow.org
It’s the Welcome Home Soldier Foundation. Help vets and get some salsa at whsfnow.org
These amazing rope animals were made by an outstanding artist in Thailand named Nong.
These amazing rope animals were made by an outstanding artist in Thailand named Nong.
The Encinitas Lions Club had a table at the Spring Festival.
The Encinitas Lions Club had a table at the Spring Festival.
Get a ticket for An American in Paris. Funds raised go toward a program that helps those who are blind learn to surf. Amazing!
Get a ticket for An American in Paris. Funds raised go toward a program that helps those who are blind learn to surf!
Here's my favorite of the festival. Pixie Village Cottages made from fallen logs by Dennis Patterson. Visit his website pixievillagecottages.com
Here’s my favorite of the festival. Pixie Village Cottages made from fallen logs by Dennis Patterson. Visit his website pixievillagecottages.com
Members of Team Paradox strike a pose!
Members of Team Paradox strike a pose!
Team Paradox is a group of local high school students who build robots. They compete with other high school teams around California, the United States and the world!
Team Paradox is a group of local high school students who build robots. They compete with other high school teams around California, the United States and the world!
Someone investigates displays at the Encinitas Historical Society tent.
Somebody investigates the fascinating displays at the Encinitas Historical Society’s tent.
I'm shown the Encinitas Historical Society's 1883 Schoolhouse on a shirt. The building overlooks the Pacific Ocean and today houses a museum.
I’m shown the Encinitas Historical Society’s 1883 Schoolhouse on a shirt. The building overlooks the Pacific Ocean and today houses a museum.
A poster details The 25th Annual Encinitas Heritage Tree Contest! The heritage tree was planted in 1952 above Moonlight Beach.
A poster details The 25th Annual Encinitas Heritage Tree Contest! The heritage tree was planted in 1952 above Moonlight Beach.
These historical photos are of old sites in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, just south of Encinitas.
These historical photos are of old sites in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, just south of Encinitas.
More historical photos of Cardiff-by-the-Sea.
More historical photos of Cardiff-by-the-Sea.
Ted White, The Song Peddler brought his cool bicycle piano contraption! Check out facebook.com/TedWhiteMusic
Ted White, The Song Peddler brought his cool bicycle piano contraption to the festival! Check out facebook.com/TedWhiteMusic

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!