Tag: family

Big red shoes help families heal in San Diego!

Volunteer at a Mission Valley intersection lifts a red shoe and gives a thumbs up! She was raising money for Ronald McDonald House today!
Volunteer at a Mission Valley intersection lifts a red shoe and gives a thumbs up! She was raising money for Ronald McDonald House today!

Today was Red Shoe Day in San Diego! Money was being plunked into red Ronald McDonald shoes by generous drivers at busy intersections, to help the Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego. Every year, about 1,500 families stay at Ronald McDonald House as resident guests, while a critically ill child is cared for at any local hospital, including the nearby Rady Children’s Hospital.

You can help keep families together as they go through a very difficult time by donating here!

This guy had two shoes, one in each hand! You, too, can help by clicking and donating online!
This guy had two shoes, one in each hand! You, too, can help by clicking and donating online!

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San Diego walking superheroes fight brain tumors!

Team Love of Ben at the San Diego Brain Tumor Walk. We walk for you. We walk for love.
Team Love of Ben at the San Diego Brain Tumor Walk. We walk for you. We walk for love.

This morning I stumbled across a deeply touching event. As I was taking photos of something completely different, I noticed hundreds of people walking through the County of San Diego Waterfront Park holding signs. I had to check it out.

The San Diego Brain Tumor Walk had just begun! The event, hosted by the National Brain Tumor Society, was created to raise awareness and desperately needed funds for various important brain tumor programs, including medical research. Many brain cancers are super aggressive and deadly. 69,000 Americans will be diagnosed with brain tumors this year. No cure exists.

As you can see by the signs, this disease is personal, devastating, heart-wrenching. Can you help? Here’s the event page, where you can make a donation. Please do.

Laugh 'n with Jen. Miss UR laugh Jen.
Laugh ‘n with Jen. Miss UR laugh Jen.
Team Alex walks to fight brain tumors. Today funds were raised to help those affected by this devastating disease.
Team Alex walks to fight brain tumors. Today funds were raised to help those affected by this devastating disease.
Team Bri. Walking for my cousin. Fight on.
Team Bri. Walking for my cousin. Fight on.
Susie has a very rare form of brain tumor. But nothing can hold back Wonder Woman.
Susie has a very rare form of brain tumor. But nothing can hold back Wonder Woman.
I walk for my mom!
I walk for my mom!
Susie's Superheroes are on the march! Join them!
Susie’s Superheroes are on the march! Join them!

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Fun photos of Explore Mission Trails Day!

As event begins, community organizations set up displays on the Visitor and Interpretive Center patio.
Park rangers and community organizations set up displays on the Visitor Center patio.

This morning I headed up Mission Gorge Road to check out the big annual Explore Mission Trails Day event!

Mission Trails Regional Park is a 6000-acre nature reserve located in San Diego’s East County. It’s one of the largest urban parks in the United States–basically a wide stretch of rugged, rocky wilderness within our large modern city! The San Diego River runs through the very heart of the park as it makes its way from higher inland elevations to the Pacific Ocean. I often drive past and gaze at the low chaparral-covered mountains and hills, and twice I’ve climbed Cowles Mountain, but this was the first time I’ve actually set foot inside the Visitor Center.

What an awesome place! How did I miss it all of these years?

Today I limited myself to the south end of the park, including a short but super cool hike from the Visitor Center to the Grinding Rocks. (That will be my next blog post!) There were additional Explore Mission Trails Day activities up by the Old Mission Dam and Kumeyaay Lake Campground, and by Mast Boulevard and Highway 52. I suppose I’ll have to go again next year!

My photos tell the story of what I saw…

Banner beside Father Junipero Serra Trail announces Explore Mission Trails Day!
Banner beside Father Junipero Serra Trail announces Explore Mission Trails Day!
There were opportunities to learn about nature, wildlife, science, history and the environment.
There were opportunities to learn about nature, wildlife, science, history and the environment.
Some folks near the main entrance of the Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center.
Some folks near the main entrance of the Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center.
Bronze sculpture of a golden eagle is perched above path near the Visitor Center entrance.
Bronze sculpture of a golden eagle is perched above path near the Visitor Center entrance.
Plaque by door dedicates the large open space park to past, present and future San Diegans.
Plaque by door dedicates the large open space park to past, present and future San Diegans.
View inside the Mission Trails Visitor and Interpretive Center from second floor balcony.
View inside the Mission Trails Visitor and Interpretive Center from second floor balcony.
Flutists play near Heritage sculpture depicting Kumeyaay elders. Amazing monumental artwork is by T.J. Dixon and James Nelson.
Flutists play near “Heritage” sculpture depicting native Kumeyaay elders. Amazing monumental artwork is by T.J. Dixon and James Nelson.
The Art of Bird Photography is a special exhibition featuring the work of Blake Shaw.
The Art of Bird Photography is a special exhibition featuring the work of Blake Shaw.
Roberta Labastida is the author of My Ancestors' Village, which tells about the life of the native Kumeyaay people who were here long before the arrival of Europeans.
Roberta Labastida is the author of My Ancestors’ Village, which tells about the life of the Kumeyaay people who were here long before the arrival of Europeans.
Numerous exhibits and activities could be found inside the Mission Trails Visitor and Interpretive Center.
Numerous exhibits and activities could be found inside the Mission Trails Visitor and Interpretive Center.
Western Scrub Jay and Northern Racoon are animals one might see in this very large San Diego urban park.
Western Scrub Jay and Northern Racoon are animals one might see in this very large San Diego urban park.
Cleaning some chalk off where kids have been identifying animal tracks.
Cleaning some chalk off where kids have been identifying animal tracks.
The bobcat is often encountered in the hills and mountains of San Diego County. I once saw one while hiking around Mount Laguna!
The bobcat is often encountered in the hills and mountains of San Diego County. I once saw one while hiking around Mount Laguna!
Historically, the Kumeyaay lived in large family groups, and moved about depending on the season and the availability of nature's bounty.
Historically, the Kumeyaay lived in large family groups, and moved about depending on the season and the availability of nature’s bounty.
Exhibits in Visitor Center's museum show different aspects of Kumeyaay culture, including songs, games and crafts.
Exhibits in Visitor Center’s museum show different aspects of Kumeyaay culture, including songs, games and crafts.
Very cool observation window allows visitors to look out upon South Fortuna and Kwaay Paay Peak.
Very cool observation window allows visitors to look out upon South Fortuna and Kwaay Paay Peak.
With the majestic chaparral-covered Fortuna Mountains as its backdrop, the coastal sage scrub habitat is highly adapted to our long hot summers.
With the majestic chaparral-covered Fortuna Mountains as its backdrop, the coastal sage scrub habitat is highly adapted to our long hot summers.
Looking back out at the outdoor patio. More people have arrived in the past few minutes while I explored inside.
Looking back out at the rear patio. More people have arrived in the past few minutes while I explored inside.
Now I'm outside again, coming down some steps. Another overcast day, following San Diego's latest storm!
Now I’m outside again, coming down some steps. Another cloudy day, following San Diego’s latest storm!
Replicated flume near Visitor Center is a modern interpretation of the man-made channel that carried water from the old Mission Dam (a couple miles upriver) to Mission San Diego de Alcala.
Replicated flume near Visitor Center is a modern interpretation of the man-made channel that carried water from the Old Mission Dam (a couple miles upriver) to Mission San Diego de Alcala.
Sign by replicated flume details how it was engineered. Water was used at the old Mission for livestock, farms and inhabitants.
Sign by replicated flume details how it was engineered over two centuries ago. Water was used at the old historic Mission for livestock, farms and inhabitants.
Cool table full of meteorites next to traditional Kumeyaay house made of willow branches.
Cool table full of meteorites next to traditional Kumeyaay house made of willow branches.
This sign tells the story of a fictional Kumeyaay woman, circa the year 1000. This primitive house was called an Ewaa.
This sign tells the story of a fictional Kumeyaay woman, circa the year 1000. This primitive house was called an Ewaa.
Large boulder moved to Visitor Center due to construction contains a mortar-like hole used by Kumeyaay to grind acorns, seeds, roots, herbs and other foods.
Large boulder moved to Visitor Center due to construction contains a mortar-like hole used by Kumeyaay to grind acorns, seeds, roots, herbs and other natural foods.
A replicated solar calendar made of stones used by Native Americans to mark the Winter Solstice. Only a couple have been found in San Diego County.
A replicated solar calendar made of stones, used by Native Americans to mark the Winter Solstice. Only a couple have been found in San Diego County.
This beauty is a California Wild Rose, found beside the patio. You more often find them along streams.
This pink beauty is a California Wild Rose, found beside the patio. They’re more often found along streams.
Lady rests in Visitor Center amphitheater by small bronze sculpture of a Dusky-footed Woodrat. These wild rodents can create nests up to 8 feet high!
Lady rests in Visitor Center amphitheater by small bronze sculpture of a Dusky-footed Woodrat. This wild rodent can create a nest up to 8 feet high!
Sculpture of a coyote, one the top predators of Mission Trails Regional Park. Even with human encroachment, they remain numerous today.
Sculpture of a coyote, one the top predators of Mission Trails Regional Park. Even with human encroachment, they remain numerous today.
Family checks out a very cool sculpture of a mountain lion at the amphitheater. This secretive animal is rarely seen around here.
Family checks out a very cool, life-size sculpture of a mountain lion at the amphitheater. This secretive animal is rarely seen around here.
Ms. Frizzle was present at Explore Mission Trails Day! The event was an educational treat for both kids and adults!
Ms. Frizzle was present at Explore Mission Trails Day! The event was an educational treat for both kids and adults!

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Summer anticipated on San Diego’s Embarcadero!

Kickoff to Summer at the Waterfront Park! I see someone enjoying a summertime treat.
Kickoff to Summer at the Waterfront Park!

Summer must almost be here! I saw it on the above sign!

I also noticed lots of happy San Diegans enjoying a sunny day at the big waterfront park that surrounds the County Administration Building. Maybe the families had gathered because today, by sheer coincidence, was Mother’s Day. Seems likely!

Can you believe this popular park is already one year old? I still vividly remember the two ugly old parking lots it replaced! San Diego’s Embarcadero has become much, much more beautiful during the 15 years I’ve lived downtown.

Families just chill and have fun in the San Diego sunshine.
Families just chill and have fun in the San Diego sunshine.
It looks like a bunch of kids were put in huge hamster balls.
It looks like a bunch of kids were put in huge hamster balls.
This guy is testing his balance on some sort of board simulator.
This guy is testing his balance on some sort of board simulator.
Kids play on the grass by a flag that flies above the San Diego County Law Enforcement Memorial.
Kids play on the grass by a flag that flies above the San Diego County Law Enforcement Memorial.
I'm approaching a special Mom Zone. Today is Mother's Day!
I’m approaching a special Mom Zone. Today is Mother’s Day!
Free 5 minute massages for moms! That tent seemed the most popular!
Free 5 minute massages for moms! That tent seemed the most popular!

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Daughters of American Revolution in Balboa Park.

Table includes an Exposition Cook Book, letters, activity books, and other DAR documents.
Table includes an Exposition Cook Book, letters, activity books, and other DAR documents.

When I was in middle school, I won a medal from the Daughters of the American Revolution for an essay I wrote about Francis Scott Key. I’d forgotten all about it until yesterday.

After checking out the English Village Fete at the International Cottages, I moseyed across Pan American Road to see if anything was going on in the Balboa Park Club building (which used to be the New Mexico state building during the 1915 Panama-California Exposition).

In the big Balboa Park Club Ballroom, San Diegans young and old were having a blast dancing. In the smaller Santa Fe Room, as a part of Balboa Park’s centennial events, a few smiling people were showcasing elaborate historical displays.

I was welcomed enthusiastically. The Daughters of the American Revolution San Diego Chapter was holding this event to commemorate our country’s founding and the long, interesting history of the DAR.

Fascinating material covered two rows of tables.  Many displays concerned tracing one’s ancestry and how to search historical archives. To be a member of the lineage-based organization your family tree must include a participant in the American Revolution.

The Daughters of the American Revolution has placed various historical plaques throughout San Diego over the years. I’ve documented two plaques on my blog. One is on the outside of the Santa Fe Depot. The other is in the plaza in front of Balboa Park’s Museum of Man.

The Balboa Park Club building designed to appear like an adobe in America's Southwest.
The Balboa Park Club building was designed to appear like an adobe in America’s Southwest.
Daughters of the American Revolution memorabilia exhibited in Balboa Park.
Daughters of the American Revolution memorabilia exhibited in Balboa Park.
A Daughters of the American Revolution magazine from 1916.
A Daughters of the American Revolution magazine from 1916.
Interesting graphic shows first 12 Regents of San Diego DAR.
Interesting graphic shows first 12 Regents of San Diego DAR.
Arrival in San Diego of President General of the National Society was big news in 1915.
Arrival in San Diego of President General of the National Society was big news in 1915.
A cool exhibit by an African American lady shows her rich family history.
A cool exhibit by an African American lady shows her rich family history.
Pins and medals of all sorts. Some contain the names of patriotic relations.
Pins and medals of all sorts. Some contain the names of patriotic relations.
One exhibit encourages and assists Hispanic Americans searching for their ancestors.
One poster encourages and assists Hispanic Americans searching for their ancestors.
Some beautiful quilts were out for visitors to admire.
Some beautiful quilts were out for visitors to admire.
One example of china with a 1915 San Diego Chapter emblem were on display.
Example of china produced by the San Diego Chapter in 1915.

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Kids explore science, engineering at STEM event.

Kids learn about electronics by combining fun pieces from a kit, creating circuits.
Kids learn about electronics by combining fun pieces from a kit, creating circuits.

Today I checked out a truly amazing event! Expo Day capped off the week-long San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering (formerly known as the San Diego Science Festival), and brought out thousands of families and kids, eager to learn about science. STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education, was Expo Day’s principal focus. The seventh annual event nearly burst the seams of downtown’s big Petco Park stadium. There were so many cool exhibits, so much stuff to see, I only managed to experience about half of it! My poor old brain nearly exploded!

Here is a bit of what I saw!

Exhibitor map for Expo Day, main event of the San Diego Festival for Science and Engineering.
Exhibitor map for the huge Expo Day, concluding event of the San Diego Festival for Science and Engineering.
Lots of folks inside Petco Park (baseball stadium of the San Diego Padres) learn about science.
Lots of folks inside Petco Park (baseball stadium of the San Diego Padres) learn about science.
This kid is way more interested in a map to cool science stuff than boring bags of cotton candy!
This kid is way more interested in a map to cool science stuff than boring bags of cotton candy!
A robot was moving mysteriously about, amusing people who were just walking along the concourse.
A robot was moving mysteriously about, amusing people who were just walking along the concourse.
Group demonstrates the structure of some common molecules.
Group demonstrates the structure of some common molecules.
The big annual STEM event focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education.
The STEM event focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education.
Investigating creatures one might find in a mudflat.
Investigating organisms one might find in a mud flat.
This balloon soon rose on a column of air and floated out of the tube!
This balloon soon rose on a column of air and floated out of the tube!
Young inventors assemble unique creations using all sorts of ordinary materials.
Young inventors assemble unique creations using all sorts of ordinary materials.
Understanding genetic attributes using Boolean logic. Sounds complicated!
Understanding genetic attributes using Boolean logic. Sounds complicated!
Youth would attempt to break a Guinness World Record at Second Hour of Code mass coding event led by a Microsoft professional.
Youth would attempt to break a Guinness World Record at Second Hour of Code mass coding event led by a Microsoft professional.
I've never seen so many hands on experiments in one place!
I’ve never seen so many hands on experiments in one place!
Don't mess with this guy. He's a super cool scientist dude!
Don’t mess with this guy. He’s a super cool scientist dude!
Kids test out non-Newtonian fluids which seem to harden like rubber when struck.
Kids test out non-Newtonian fluids which seem to harden like rubber when struck.
Young explorers are shown how to build their own spectroscope! And to think I was confounded by my Etch A Sketch!
Young scientific explorers are shown how to build their own spectroscope! And to think I was confounded by my Etch A Sketch!
Test your own confused mental cognition and speak these colors really fast for yourself!
Test your own mental cognition and speak these colors really fast for yourself!
Oh, man! Check this weird elephant out! I love optical illusions!
Oh, man! Check this weird elephant out! I love optical illusions!
This fancy aquarium acts as a flume, used to test the motion of fish and their muscular development.
This fancy lab aquarium acts as a flume, used to test the motion of fish and their muscular development.
Pointing out a butterfly in a displayed collection.
Pointing out a butterfly in a carefully classified collection.
Wow! These youngsters are building DNA models! That's way beyond me!
Wow! These youngsters are building DNA models! That’s way beyond me!
Learning how smoking exposes people to all sorts of toxic chemicals.
Learning how smoking exposes people to all sorts of toxic chemicals.
Girl learns about gyroscopes and angular momentum with a spinning bicycle tire.
Girl learns about gyroscopes and angular momentum with a spinning bicycle tire.
Some students built cool models of futuristic cities.
Some students built cool models of futuristic cities.
Awesome robots were all over the place!
Awesome robots were all over the place!
People were jumping about as this robot dashed about scooping stuff up.
People were jumping about as this robot dashed about scooping stuff up.
This robot participates in the Lego League, trying to score points on an unusual course.
This robot participates in the Lego League, trying to score points on an unusual course.
This is a mechanical, computerized Rubik's Cube solver that detects color.
This is a mechanical, computerized Rubik’s Cube solver that detects color.
Looking down into Petco Park's Power Alley, where more STEM exhibits were located.
Looking down into Petco Park’s Power Alley, where more STEM exhibits were located.
Lots of animal life on display included this beautiful long-nosed snake.
Lots of animal life on display included this beautiful long-nosed snake.
Lady demonstrates how bio fuels are refined using filtration.
Lady demonstrates how bio fuels are refined using filtration.
Chrismas lights helped teach about energy conservation.
Christmas lights helped to teach about energy conservation.
Thousands turned out for the San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering Expo Day.
Tens of thousands turned out for the big San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering Expo Day.
Many businesses were showing their products, discoveries and technological advances.
Many businesses were showing their products, discoveries and technological advances.
AirZooka vortex generator shoots circular pulse of air at the shimmer wall!
AirZooka vortex generator shoots circular pulse of air at the shimmer wall!
This automated machine helps prepare lab samples in medical facilities.
This automated machine helps prepare lab samples in medical facilities.
Kids left notes on a wall with their bright ideas.
Kids left notes on a wall with their bright ideas.
Planting some tomato seeds, to watch the plant grow at home!
Planting some tomato seeds, to watch them sprout and grow at home!
More kids making complex molecules with marshmallows! I guess they'll be future scientists!
More kids making complex molecules with colored marshmallows! I guess they’ll be future scientists!
Some art was being created to accompany all the science and technology stuff.
Some art was being created to accompany all the science and technology stuff.
This guy uses electromagnetism to launch cans skyward and splatter cucumbers!
This guy uses electromagnetism to launch cans skyward and splatter cucumbers!
Petco's sunny Park at the Park was jammed with families enthused by education.
Petco’s sunny Park at the Park was jammed with families enthused by education.
Demonstating maglev (magnetic levitation) using eddy currents.
Demonstrating maglev (magnetic levitation) using eddy currents.
Young people write down what they like about science!
Young people write down what they like about science!
Young astronomers duplicate the colors of an enhanced surface image of asteroid Vesta.
Young astronomers duplicate the colors of an enhanced surface image of asteroid Vesta.
This NASA inflatable is the actual size of the Curiosity rover now on Mars.
This NASA inflatable is the actual size of the Curiosity rover now on Mars.
Everyone is fascinated by a cool NASA photograph of the surface of Mars.
Everyone is fascinated by a cool NASA photograph of the surface of Mars.
A member of the next generation lays his hands on our planet.
A member of the next generation lays his hands on our planet.

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Pics from Balboa Park Halloween Family Day.

Family fun and games filled El Prado the weekend before Halloween.
Family-friendly fun and games lined Balboa Park’s El Prado the weekend before Halloween.

So what happened today in Balboa Park? Here are some photos!

Sign explains Balboa Park Halloween Family Day.
Sign explains Balboa Park Halloween Family Day.
Crowds were huge and many imaginative costumes added to the color.
Crowds were huge and many imaginative costumes added to the color.
House of Pacific Relations had a booth with cool Halloween stuff.
House of Pacific Relations had a booth with cool Halloween stuff.
Street performer is a bronze version of Shakespeare, the Bard!
Street performer is a bronze version of Shakespeare, the Bard!
Masks and other crafts could be worked on by the creatively inclined.
Masks and other crafts could be worked on by the creatively inclined.
Of course, Halloween is all about kids having fun.
Of course, Halloween is all about kids having fun.
Boy emerges from a magical boo-box!
Boy emerges from a magical boo-box!
Guys creating origami courtesy of the Japanese Friendship Garden.
Guys creating origami courtesy of the Japanese Friendship Garden.
One pumpkin is devouring another in a festive nook in Balboa Park!
One pumpkin is devouring another in a festive nook in Balboa Park!
A studio in Spanish Village has skulls, spider and a skeleton hanging around.
A studio in Spanish Village has skulls, spider and a skeleton hanging around.
Fine glasswork in the form of pumpkins created by local artists.
Fine glass in the form of pumpkins created by local artists.
A puppet-dog prepares for the canine costume competition in Spanish Village.
A puppet-dog on strings prepares for the canine costume competition in Spanish Village.
Dog enjoying the festivities in wonderful Balboa Park.
Dog enjoying the festivities in wonderful, colorful Balboa Park.
Yum! Look at this basket of Halloween candy!
Yum! Look at this basket of Halloween candy!
SDSU School of Music and Dance kids perform before Spreckels Organ concert.
SDSU School of Music and Dance kids perform before the Sunday Spreckels Organ concert.
Fiona the Humane Society mastiff hangs out in Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
Fiona the Humane Society butterfly mastiff hangs out in Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
The House of Scotland performed today at the International Cottages.
The House of Scotland performed with their booming drum at the International Cottages.
Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater is showing The Polka Dot Ghost.
Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater is showing The Polka Dot Ghost.
The San Diego Dachshund Club’s Hallo-Wiener Picnic was held in Balboa Park.
The San Diego Dachshund Club’s Hallo-Wiener Picnic was held in Balboa Park.
San Diego Air and Space Museum was the scene of the traditional pumpkin drop!
San Diego Air and Space Museum was the scene of the traditional pumpkin drop!
A crowd gathers to watch a pumpkin descend and explode into a million pieces!
A crowd gathers to watch a pumpkin descend and explode into a million pieces!
The pumpkin can't escape gravity. Will it reach terminal velocity.
The pumpkin can’t escape gravity. Will it reach terminal velocity?
Yeah. The pumpkin predictably busted apart to the great delight of kids.
Yeah. It got terminated.  The pumpkin predictably busted apart to the great delight of kids.

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Habitat for Humanity builds a house downtown!

Habitat for Humanity is building a house in downtown's Horton Square!
Habitat for Humanity is building a house in downtown’s Horton Square!

Yesterday–Sunday–I was leaving Horton Plaza when I noticed a small home is being built in the center of downtown San Diego! The house is rising just south of Broadway in Horton Square, the exact spot where a weekly farmers market and winter ice rink are located.

I swung by again early this morning hoping to see volunteers at work, continuing with the construction. One gentleman had already arrived and was carrying tools out of a shed. I asked him when the day’s work would begin. They were forced to work between 9 and 10, he told me, because of the noise of hammering!

The project is called Habitat Off Broadway. The unusual build site provides Habitat for Humanity an opportunity to share their mission with those who live and work in the heart of San Diego.

Once the house is framed, it will be broken down into pieces and transported to east county’s El Cajon, where it will become somebody’s home.

Gentleman preparing the day's work told me a little about this unique project.
Gentleman preparing the day’s work told me a little about this unique project.
Habitat Off Broadway aims to touch those who live and work in San Diego.
Habitat Off Broadway aims to touch those who live and work in San Diego.
Sign explains how home ownership is beneficial for families.
Sign explains how home ownership is beneficial for families.
The house is already partially framed and awaits more work later in the morning!
The house is partially framed and awaits more work later in the morning!

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Cool pics of fun times at San Diego County Fair.

Colorful whirling Wave Swinger in the Fun Zone !
Colorful whirling Wave Swinger in the Fun Zone !

The 2014 San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds is bigger, crazier and more exciting than ever. If you want to enjoy a really fun time, go check it out! But expect huge crowds!

The theme this year is the Fab Fair, a commemoration of the fifty year anniversary of the Beatles coming to America. Prepare to relive the 60’s in ways you’d never imagine!

On a lark I rode the Coaster from downtown up to Del Mar for the big Opening Day. I didn’t have any sort of plan; I just walked about the fairgrounds randomly the way I often do. But I did discover and photograph lots of cool stuff!

Would you like to see some pics? Let’s start at the West Gate and begin our walk through the enormous Fun Zone…

Make a pool shot and win a stuffed one-eyed Minion!
Make a pool shot and win a stuffed one-eyed Minion!
Persuasive carny almost convinces me to throw ring at duck.
Persuasive carny almost convinces me to throw a ring at a duck.
Gazing up at ride in San Diego County Fair's Fun Zone.
Gazing up at ride in San Diego County Fair’s Fun Zone.
The wacky Fun House lures fair-goers and one photo-taker.
The wacky Fun House lures fair-goers and one curious photo-taker.
Now we're near the Del Mar Fairgrounds Grandstand.
Now we’re near the historic Del Mar Fairgrounds Grandstand.
Ms. Senior Nevada performs on the Plaza Stage.
Ms. Senior Nevada performs on the Plaza Stage.
Lots of crafts at the Design in Wood exhibition.
Lots of crafts at the Design in Wood exhibition.

Now we’ve headed inside a building adjacent to the Del Mar Racetrack’s big Grandstand. There is also a dazzling Gems, Minerals and Jewelry exhibition which is well worth checking out.

Master woodworker demonstrates planing skills.
Master woodworker demonstrates planing skills.
Student Showcase contains art by high school students.
Student Showcase contains art by high school students.

Many of the fair’s exhibits were in the large Grandstand building. Displays of art, food, clothing, collectibles, and everything imaginable filled several floors.  It all had been entered by creative San Diegans, with the hope of winning a blue ribbon.

Home and Hobby exhibition includes many Beatles collectibles.
Home and Hobby exhibition includes many Beatles collectibles.
Big crowd outside enjoys fair beneath the Skyway.
Big crowd outside enjoys fair beneath the Skyway.
Demonstrating a fancy vegetable peeler in Bing Crosby Hall.
Demonstrating a fancy vegetable peeler inside Bing Crosby Hall.

The huge Bing Crosby hall is where all sorts of odd gadgets and unique products are touted by eager salespeople!

Psychedelic VW Beetle at the outside Garden Show.
Psychedelic VW Beetle at the outside Garden Show.

The outdoor and indoor Garden Show is one of my favorite parts of the annual fair. There were many beautiful and creative landscape exhibits.

Cool little keyhole garden can be grown anywhere.
Cool little keyhole garden can be grown anywhere.
Fab Four include Paul, John, George and Ringo.
Fab Four include Paul, John, George and Ringo.
Fun, whimsical display at the popular Garden Show.
Fun, whimsical display at the popular Garden Show.
Lots of hippie-themed stuff to buy everywhere.
Lots of hippie-themed stuff to buy everywhere.
Here are the good old Footsie Wootsie machines!
Here are the good old Footsie Wootsie machines!

I remember these crazy machines at the fair when I was a kid, and that was many years ago!

Just inside the fair's O'Brien Gate main entrance.
Just inside the San Diego County Fair’s O’Brien Gate main entrance.
Man walks into the Fab Fair Experience.
Man walks into the Fab Fair Experience.
People pose to recreate old Beatles album cover.
People pose to recreate old Beatles album cover.
Lots of displays remember the British Invasion of the 60's.
Lots of displays remember the British Invasion of the 60’s.
Sign above the Livestock Barn.
Sign above the Livestock Barn.

Now let’s go check out some livestock. It’s the county fair, after all!

Judge scores llama in a ring near livestock barn.
Judge scores llama in a ring near livestock barn.
Young lady looks worried as she prepares to show her goat.
Young lady looks worried as she prepares to show her goat.
Sheep were being sheered in a smaller nearby barn.
Sheep were being sheered in a smaller nearby barn.
I missed the Swifty Swine pig racing event!
I missed the Swifty Swine pig racing event!
Rescue personnel perform demonstration in Del Mar Arena.
Rescue personnel perform demonstration in Del Mar Arena.
Back outside we discover a giant Florida gator.
Back outside we discover a giant Florida gator.
Wall of the Wyland Center has a cool whale mural.
Wall of the Wyland Center has a cool whale mural.

That whale and the underwater scene around it were painted by famed marine-life artist Wyland at the 2006 San Diego County Fair.

Cool photo of extremely popular 2014 San Diego County Fair.
Cool photo of extremely popular 2014 San Diego County Fair.
The giant Ferris wheel turns in the summer sky.
The giant Ferris wheel turns in the summer sky.

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San Diego’s All-American Soap Box Derby!

Boy gets encouragement before racing in Soap Box Derby.
Boy gets encouragement before racing in Soap Box Derby.

San Diego’s annual Local Race put on by the All-American Soap Box Derby was held today! The action could be found on 25th Street in Sherman Heights, a neighborhood just east of downtown!

Local kids, 7 to 18 years old, build their own gravity cars, then race them down a straight, sloped residential street. There are three classes of competition: Stock Division, Super Stock Division, and Masters Division. Each class features a unique type of race car.

The kids were having a blast!

Kids learn workmanship building gravity cars.
Kids learn workmanship building gravity cars.
The very simple interior of a gravity car.
The very simple interior of a gravity car.
Two competitors get some last minute advice.
Two competitors get some last minute advice.
Ready to race!
Ready to race!
Man pushes Ice cream cart up 25th Street hill.
Man pushes Ice cream cart up 25th Street hill.
Here they come! Racers speed past spectators!
Here they come! Racers speed past spectators!
Announcer at finish line watches the action!
Announcer at finish line watches the action!
One race is over and a car is retrieved.
One race is over and a car is retrieved.
Gravity cars are towed back up to the start line!
Gravity cars are towed back up to the start line!

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