Tag: festivals

Cool photos of the Imperial Avenue Street Festival!

Anyone could add their own creative touch to this cool Imperial Street Festival spray paint mural!
Anyone could add their own creative touch to this cool Imperial Street Festival spray paint mural!

This afternoon I checked out a cool neighborhood event. I headed into Logan Heights to experience the Third Annual Imperial Avenue Street Festival!

I had never been to this festival before. What did I discover? Lots of culture, live music, tasty food, dance, art . . . and smiles!

Here are some photos!

Lots of live music could be enjoyed at multiple stages.
Live music could be enjoyed at multiple stages.
Cool graffiti art at the Logan Heights neighborhood festival by Dehvzer Artworks.
Cool graffiti art at the Logan Heights neighborhood festival by Dehvzer Artworks.
A fun dance to the music by folks from the Logan Heights community VivaLife Health Hub!
The VivaLife Health Hub had energetic dancers and upbeat music!

The VivaLife Health Hub at 2754 Imperial Avenue is a project of BAME Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit organization that strengthens the residents and businesses in Greater Logan Heights.

BAME puts on this awesome festival. And they are looking for neighborhood volunteers! Click the above link to learn more!

Here are two of many smiles that I saw!
Here are two of many smiles that I saw!
Guys eating at Dulceria Coty on Imperial Avenue have good seats to watch the event.
Guys eating at Dulceria Coty on Imperial Avenue had good seats to watch the event.
Now that looks yummy.
Now that looks yummy.
Calamity!
Calamity!
Lots of vendors and some prize wheels.
Lots of vendors and some prize wheels.
Poster shows student achievers from the local King-Chavez Primary Academy sports and athletics programs!
Poster shows student achievers from the local King-Chavez Primary Academy sports and athletics programs!
The local Turf Klub had some custom cars out for the public to admire.
The local Turf Klub had some custom cars out for the public to admire.
At the East Stage a San Diego youth band called the Main Stage Maniacs rocked the house!
At the East Stage a San Diego youth band called the Main Stage Maniacs rocked the house!

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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 fun photos for you to share and enjoy!

Artists add life to the Ocean Beach Street Fair!

Peace. Love. Art. OB.
Peace. Love. Art. OB.

Late this morning I went to the annual Ocean Beach Street Fair. As usual there was lots of live music, tons of yummy food, endless smiles, and a whole bunch of friendly artists creating amazing art.

Here is just a little of what I saw…

Someone tries their hand at creating with chalk during the Ocean Beach Street Fair. I Love Art.
Someone tries their hand at creating with chalk during the Ocean Beach Street Fair. At the center, I Love Art.
A large Artists' Alley was full of life and energy.
A large Artists’ Alley was full of life and energy.
One artist was painting while people looked at her colorful canvases.
One artist was painting while people looked at her colorful canvases.
This artist was just getting started. All art begins with an empty space that is full of infinite potential.
This artist was just getting started. All art begins with an empty space that is full of infinite potential.
Many different musical artists entertained the crowd at the OB Street Fair. This band could be heard at the Wonderland Stage.
Many different musical artists entertained the crowd at the OB Street Fair. This rollicking band could be heard at the Wonderland Stage.
Meanwhile, another keg of beer is arriving in an alley by the Kilowatt Ocean Beach mural.
Meanwhile, another keg of beer is arriving in an alley by the Kilowatt Ocean Beach mural.
Kids enjoyed a bounce house that featured comic book art.
Kids enjoyed a bounce house that featured comic book art.
This bubble blower guy is an artist. He creates shimmering joy.
This bubble blower guy is an artist. Right? He creates shimmering joy.
Another artist at the Ocean Beach Street Fair concentrates on her work.
Another artist at the Ocean Beach Street Fair concentrates on her work.
One guy in Artists' Alley had a bunch of cool robot artwork for sale.
One guy in Artists’ Alley had a bunch of cool robot artwork for sale.
Kids were learning how to make music, and were entertaining the crowd like rock 'n roll superstars!
Kids were learning how to make music, and were entertaining the crowd like rock ‘n roll superstars!
Some surfers pass fun public art on Newport Avenue. They hear music coming from the main stage by the beach.
Some surfers pass fun public art on Newport Avenue. They hear music coming from the main stage by the beach.
These skateboarders hear it, too.
These skateboarders hear it, too.
A band pleases the OB crowd.
A band pleases the OB crowd.
Others were happy to just sit by the sand and gaze out at the ocean.
Others were happy to just sit by the sand and gaze out at the beautiful ocean. The sun finally came out.
A local photographer was showing off his art to those passing by.
A local photographer was showing off his art to those passing by.
Members of the Ocean Beach community (or anyone) could paint a square of a new community mural.
Members of the Ocean Beach community (or anyone at all) could paint a square of a new community mural.
A number of colorful squares have already been painted!
A number of colorful squares have already been painted!
Love of life and love of art combine at the Ocean Beach Street Fair!
Love of life and love of art combine at the always wonderful Ocean Beach Street Fair!

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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 fun photos for you to share and enjoy!

Photos of the San Diego Wooden Boat Festival!

A few vessels the public can visit during the San Diego Wooden Boat Festival at the Koehler Kraft boatyard on Shelter Island.
A few vessels the public can visit during the San Diego Wooden Boat Festival at the Koehler Kraft boatyard on Shelter Island.

Yesterday I headed over to Shelter Island to check out the annual San Diego Wooden Boat Festival. The event is taking place all Father’s Day weekend at the Koehler Kraft boatyard. Proceeds from the festival help out local charities.

Koehler Kraft is where many wooden boat owners head if their vessel needs a repair or upgrade. The boatyard was founded in 1938. I enjoyed poking around the place, and examining some very cool vintage wooden boats. There were also beautiful newer boats, and a few had unusual, fascinating designs.

Enjoy my photos and read the captions to learn more!

A look at the Koehler Kraft boatyard from a platform that juts out over the edge of Shelter Cove Marina in Americas Cup Harbor.
A look at the Koehler Kraft boatyard from a platform that juts out over the edge of Shelter Cove Marina in Americas Cup Harbor.
People walk out to look at some wooden boats during a very cool festival on Shelter Island.
People walk out to look at some wooden boats during a very cool festival on Shelter Island.
Koehler Kraft's San Diego Wooden Boat Festival is taking place on Father's Day weekend.
Koehler Kraft’s San Diego Wooden Boat Festival is taking place on Father’s Day weekend.
Various boats in the boatyard are being worked on. Some displays show the public how wooden boats are made.
Various boats in the boatyard are being worked on. Some displays show the public how wooden boats are made.
One can see the framework of this small wooden boat.
One can see the exposed framework of this small wooden boat.
Inside the Koehler Kraft building are several more wooden boats. The big one being worked on is Siwash, a 1910 yawl that held the round Catalina time record for 27 years.
Inside the Koehler Kraft building are several more wooden boats. The big one being worked on is Siwash, a 1910 yawl that held the round Catalina time record for 27 years.
Friendly folks show off lots of cool stuff at Koehler Kraft.
Friendly folks show off lots of cool stuff at Koehler Kraft.
I love how wood is everywhere. Working here must be a woodworkers dream.
I love how wood is everywhere. Working here must be a woodworker’s dream.
Another boat is being worked upon. The varnished wood is simply beautiful.
Another boat is being worked upon. The varnished wood is simply beautiful.
Now we're outside again, looking down at the water where many boats crafted from wood await.
Now we’re outside again, looking down at the water where many boats crafted from wood await.
Boats can be moved into and out of the water using these old rails and a wheeled platform.
Boats can be moved into and out of the water using these old rails and a wheeled platform.
The Marjorie is an elegant wooden boat.
The Marjorie is an elegant wooden boat.
Visitors to the San Diego Wooden Boat Festival check out a variety of interesting vessels.
Visitors to the San Diego Wooden Boat Festival check out a variety of interesting vessels.
This small boat is named Tom. It's a 2015 catboat. Carvel planked Port Oxford cedar on white oak frames.
This small boat is named Tom. It’s a 2015 catboat. Carvel planked Port Oxford cedar on white oak frames.
The stern of Old Glory.
Water reflects rippled light on the smooth stern of Old Glory.
Some guys and a dog on the deck of Sally, of the San Diego Yacht Club.
Some guys and a dog on the deck of Sally, of the San Diego Yacht Club.
Wooden boats have amazing character. Even the weathering adds personality.
Wooden boats have amazing character. Even the weathering adds personality.
One's eyes can take delight in these boats all day long.
One’s eyes can take delight in these boats all day long.
I believe I've seen the Patricia Belle at the yearly Festival of Sail. It's a schooner cargo type boat built in 1998.
I believe I’ve seen the Patricia Belle at the yearly Festival of Sail. It’s a schooner cargo type boat built in 1998.
Everyone is checking out these great boats!
Everyone is checking out these great boats!
Someone peers down into a beautiful wooden sailboat.
Someone peers down into a beautiful wooden sailboat.

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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 fun photos for you to share and enjoy!

Photos of San Diego Shaka Fest at Mission Bay.

Performers walk off the grassy stage at Crown Point during the San Diego Shaka Fest.
Performers walk off the grassy stage at Crown Point during the San Diego Shaka Fest.

Here are some photos of the San Diego Shaka Fest held at Crown Point on Mission Bay yesterday. What a fun event!

There was a whole lot of Hawaiian culture, art and sport to see, including canoe racing and Hula dance.

It was so sunny and warm by the water, it was easy to imagine that everyone in attendance had been magically transported to the Hawaiian islands!

Caution! Your are entering an Aloha Only zone, ya! Please leave your troubles at da door!
Caution! Your are entering an Aloha Only zone, ya! Please leave your troubles at da door!
Lots of stand up paddleboards and canoes down on the water of Mission Bay.
Lots of stand up paddleboards and canoes down on the water of Mission Bay.
People enjoy a perfect San Diego Saturday.
People enjoy a perfect San Diego Saturday.
Some canoe racing between Crown Point and Fiesta Island.
Some canoe racing between Crown Point and Fiesta Island.
A nice lady told me a bit about Hawaiian dance. One can learn Hula at workshops provided by Halau Ka Lei Kukui Hi'ilani and Hawaiian Hula International.
A nice lady told me a bit about Hawaiian dance. One can learn Hula at workshops provided by Halau Ka Lei Kukui Hi’ilani and Hawaiian Hula International.
Hawaiian culture is sunny, welcoming and full of smiles.
Hawaiian culture is sunny, welcoming and full of smiles.
Tim Richards is creating a tiki using a chisel, mallet and palm wood. I believe he said it takes about 6 hours to produce one this size.
Tim Richards is creating a tiki using a chisel, mallet and palm wood. I believe he said it takes about 6 hours to produce one this size.
Lots of fun Hawaii-themed stuff for sale at Shaka Fest.
Lots of fun Hawaii-themed stuff for sale at Shaka Fest.
And more colorful stuff!
And more colorful stuff!
Youth prepare to take the stage. They hold ipu gourds, a traditional musical percussion instrument in Hawaii.
Youth prepare to take the stage. They hold ipu gourds, a traditional musical percussion instrument in Hawaii.
Hula dancing on Mission Bay.
Hula dancing on Mission Bay.
This couple was watching the entertainment.
This couple was watching the entertainment.
Lots of paddleboards were near the sandy beach.
Lots of paddleboards were near the sandy beach.
A pleasant day was enjoyed by many at the San Diego Shaka Fest.
A pleasant day was enjoyed by many at the San Diego Shaka Fest.

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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 fun photos for you to share and enjoy!

Colorful photos of Chicano Park Day celebration!

Cool graphics on the side of a customized lowrider on display at this year's Chicano Park Day Celebration. Many of the cars were fitted with hydraulic systems.
Cool graphics on the side of a customized lowrider on display at this year’s Chicano Park Day celebration.

I headed down to Barrio Logan this morning to enjoy a bit of the 47th Annual Chicano Park Day celebration!

The big festival celebrating Mexican and Chicano culture drew huge crowds as usual from all around Southern California. There was traditional folklorico dancing, Aztec indigenous dance, and a huge contingent of lowriders and motorcyclists who converged to enjoy the scene and showcase their cool rides. Families enjoyed great food, the park’s playground, and a look at artwork and unique gifts at the many vendor tents. It was fun to just hang around, absorbing San Diego’s warm sunshine and the lively entertainment. The famous murals of Chicano Park infuse the much-loved event with a sense of history and potent meaning. The murals tell of the hard-fought struggle for civil rights.

Chicano Park Day this year was dedicated to Ramón Chunky Sánchez, a very popular musician and a leader of San Diego’s Chicano community who passed away late last year. Speakers also provided emotional tributes to the four who died last year at the annual La Raza Run motorcycle festival in Chicano Park when a car tragically plummeted onto the crowd from a ramp to the Coronado Bay Bridge.

On a happier note, I must mention that in January Chicano Park was designated a National Historic Landmark! Chicano Park contains our nation’s largest collection of outdoor murals.

Please enjoy some colorful photos from this morning!

A family heads toward Chicano Park, where a big annual celebration of Latino history and culture took place today.
A family heads toward Chicano Park, where a big annual celebration of Latino history and culture took place today.
The first thing that caught my attention were lots of awesome vehicles. Southern California lowrider culture is unmatched in the entire world.
The first thing that caught my attention were lots of awesome vehicles. Many were fitted with hydraulics. Southern California lowrider culture is unmatched in the entire world.
Cool cars in a world-famous park.
Cool cars in Barrio Logan’s world-famous park.
Motorcycles and their proud owners also rode in from far and wide for the event.
Motorcycles and their proud owners also rode in from far and wide for the event.
One corner of one mural. As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil porque soy Chicano!
One corner of one mural. As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil porque soy Chicano!
Vendor has lots of fun gifts ready for the growing crowd.
Vendor has lots of fun gifts ready for the growing crowd.
These guys were enjoying the lively scene from one of the public park's picnic tables.
These guys were enjoying the lively scene from one of the public park’s picnic tables.
Some old photos at one booth show Chicano Park being claimed and created by activist community members in 1970.
Some old photos at one booth show Chicano Park being claimed and created by activist community members in 1970.
A variety of images that tell some of the history of Chicano Park.
A variety of images that tell some of the history of San Diego’s unique Chicano Park.
A memorial still remains in Chicano Park, where four were tragically killed last year when a driver veered off the bridge above.
A memorial still remains in Chicano Park, where four were tragically killed last year when a driver veered off the bridge above.
A large crowd had gathered around the pavilion to hear family members remember the deceased and thank the community for its undying love.
A large crowd gathered around the pavilion to hear surviving family members remember the deceased and thank the local community for its undying love.
A large crowd, and the festival had barely opened.
A large crowd, and the festival had barely opened.
And then the entertainment began!
And then the entertainment began!
People enjoy Chicano Park Day Celebration among the many expressive murals.
People enjoy Chicano Park Day among the many expressive murals.  A beautiful image of Virgin Mary has a shrine at its base.
Another photo of the festival today.
Another photo of the festival today.
The folklorico dancing produces smiles, cheers and applause. The park's pavilion, also called the Kiosko, was designed to look like a pre-Colombian Mesoamerican temple
The folklorico dancing produces smiles, cheers and applause. The park’s pavilion, also called the Kiosko, was designed to look like a pre-Colombian Mesoamerican temple.
Traditional Mexican ballet folklorico is a delightful slice of Latino culture and much loved in San Diego.
Traditional Mexican ballet folklorico is a delightful slice of Latino culture and much loved in San Diego.
Some bold artwork on display at the festival. I spotted lots of Aztec and Dia de los Muertos designs.
Some bold artwork on display at the festival. I spotted lots of Aztec and Dia de los Muertos designs.
And more cool stuff.
And more cool stuff!
Photograph at one table shows the late Chicano musician Ramón Chunky Sánchez.
Photograph at one table shows the late Chicano musician Ramón Chunky Sánchez.
Many dancers who would perform at the Chicano Park Day Celebration wore resplendent Aztec costumes.
Many dancers who would perform at the Chicano Park Day celebration wore resplendent Aztec-inspired costumes.
Another fantastic sight in culturally rich San Diego.
Another fantastic sight in culturally rich San Diego.
The High Class Car Club out of Los Angeles had lots of amazing lowrider vehicles on display at nearby Mercado del Barrio.
The High Class Car Club out of Los Angeles had lots of amazing lowrider vehicles on display at nearby Mercado del Barrio.
A cool design on the side of one very cool car!
A cool design on the side of one very cool car!

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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 fun photos for you to share and enjoy!

Photos of the amazing Cherry Blossom Festival!

Walking through a profusion of pink flowers at the Japanese Friendship Garden during the 2017 Cherry Blossom Festival in Balboa Park.
Walking through a profusion of pink flowers at the Japanese Friendship Garden during the 2017 Cherry Blossom Festival in Balboa Park.

Wow! Here come photos of the amazing annual Cherry Blossom Festival, which is taking place this weekend at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park.

I recommend a visit! You’ll see lots of jaw-dropping beauty, devour lots of yummy food, and enjoy many fun and fascinating aspects of Japanese culture.

If you shy away from crowds, it’s probably best to arrive in the morning just as the festival opens. This event becomes more and more popular every year!

Tomorrow–Sunday–the festival is open from 10am to 6pm.

The annual Cherry Blossom Festival takes place all weekend. If you're in San Diego and you read this blog in time, make sure to go!
The annual Cherry Blossom Festival takes place all weekend. If you’re in San Diego and you read this blog in time, make sure to go!
Japanese art, gifts and crafts can be found all around the garden during the festival.
Japanese art, gifts and crafts can be found all around the garden during the festival.
Many people gravitate toward the covered patio near the koi pond.
Many people gravitate toward the covered patio near the koi pond.
Colorful koi, symbols of longevity in Japan.
Colorful koi, symbols of longevity in Japan.
Some attending the Cherry Blossom Festival try their hand at the ancient game of Go.
Some attending the Cherry Blossom Festival try their hand at the ancient game of Go.
The strategic game of Go originated in China over 2500 years ago. Boards for the Japanese version are often prized for their beauty.
The strategic game of Go originated in China over 2500 years ago. Boards for the Japanese version are often prized for their beauty.
Some super smiles at this table!
Some super smiles at this table!
Gazing beyond the beautiful Light of Friendship at many vendor tents during the festival of cherry blossoms.
Gazing beyond the beautiful Light of Friendship at many vendor tents during the festival of cherry blossoms.
Lots of fun Japanese stuff is for sale at the event.
Lots of fun Japanese stuff is for sale at the event.
Yoshi's Jams are completely organic! So was that smile!
Yoshi’s Jams are completely organic! So was that smile!
This cool guy had genuine samurai swords for sale.
This cool guy had genuine samurai swords for sale.
Some ladies at one table were demonstrating Japanese brush painting. A special exhibition in Balboa Park's Casa del Prado will take place March 25 and 26.
Some ladies at one table were demonstrating Japanese brush painting. A special exhibition in Balboa Park’s Casa del Prado will take place March 25 and 26.
Exquisite Japanese artwork created by a careful, inspired hand.
Exquisite Japanese artwork created by a careful, inspired hand.
People head through the Charles C. Dail Memorial Gate and toward the Lower Garden, where most of the blossoming cherry trees await.
People head through the Charles C. Dail Memorial Gate and toward the Lower Garden, where most of the blossoming cherry trees await.
We descend into beauty.
We descend into beauty.
Walking into heaven.
Walking into heaven.
Spring cherry blossoms line the walkways and the gentle stream that runs through the garden's canyon.
Spring cherry blossoms line the walkways and the gentle stream that runs through the Lower Garden.
A purple parasol and pink flowers.
A purple parasol and pink flowers.
Lots of food could be found around the Inamori Pavilion. These guys were preparing Okonomiyaki--yummy Japanese pancakes.
Lots of food could be found around the Inamori Pavilion. These guys were preparing Okonomiyaki–yummy Japanese pancakes.
Inside the Inamori Pavilion, a variety of marionettes are on display. The Edo Marionettes will perform at the Japanese Friendship Garden on April 30.
Inside the Inamori Pavilion, a variety of marionettes are on display. The Edo Marionettes will perform at the Japanese Friendship Garden on April 30.
I was drawn to these tents in the garden, where there was even more food!
I was drawn to these tents in the sun-splashed garden, where there was even more food!
Preparing Taiyaki, Japanese fish-shaped cakes.
Preparing Taiyaki–Japanese fish-shaped cakes.
I'd never eaten Taiyaki before, and it was really good!
I’d never eaten Taiyaki before, and it was really good!
But, of course, the Japanese cherry trees are the star of the show. Crowds walk through bursts of pink flowers and enjoy the green grass.
But, of course, the Japanese cherry trees are the star of the show. Crowds walk through bursts of pink flowers and rest on the green grass.
Visitors to the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park enjoy the annual Cherry Blossom Festival!
Visitors to the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park enjoy the annual Cherry Blossom Festival!

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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 might enjoy reading my new short story The Child and the Koi.

Join the House of Chamorros in Balboa Park!

During my walk through Balboa Park, I spotted this House of Chamorros banner in front of the Hall of Nations, so I had to investigate!
During my walk through Balboa Park, I spotted this House of Chamorros banner in front of the Hall of Nations, so I had to investigate!

I was inspired today during my walk through Balboa Park. The House of Chamorros was showcasing the culture of the Mariana Islands, including Guam, at the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages. Interesting artifacts were on display in the Hall of Nations, and food and entertainment filled the room for the public to enjoy.

Why were these friendly people in the Hall of Nations? Because the House of Chamorros doesn’t have a cottage–not yet!

I learned that efforts are underway to build a House of Chamorros cottage in Balboa Park. A building of their own would greatly enhance their mission to educate and share the Chamorro culture with the residents of San Diego County–and the millions of tourists who visit Balboa Park.

That sounds like a worthy endeavor to me! One that requires vision, dedication and . . . money. To learn more, and perhaps join their cause or make a donation, please visit the House of Chamorros website.

Musicians filled the room with beautiful Mariana Islands melodies while food beckoned from the nearby table.
Musicians filled the room with beautiful Mariana Islands melodies while food beckoned from the nearby table.
Just a few of the artifacts and crafts on display today.
Just a few of the artifacts and crafts on display today.

I also learned the House of Chamorros is having a cool lawn program next weekend at the International Cottages. The event is called the First Annual Hafa Adai Cultural Arts Festival. It will include music, dance, crafts and food that represent the culture of the Mariana Islands. (In case you’re curious, I’ve learned “hafa adai” means “hello” in the Chamorro language!)

The festival will take place March 5 from 11am to 5pm. It sounds to me like it will be a lot of fun!

The House of Chamorros presents the Hafa Adai Cultural Arts Festival in Balboa Park!
The House of Chamorros presents the Hafa Adai Cultural Arts Festival in Balboa Park!

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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!

Do you love Balboa Park? Follow my special blog which I call Beautiful Balboa Park!

A few cherry blossoms have opened in Balboa Park!

A cherry blossom has opened in mid-February at Balboa Park's beautiful Japanese Friendship Garden!
A cherry blossom has opened in mid-February at Balboa Park’s beautiful Japanese Friendship Garden!

Look what I discovered this afternoon while walking through Balboa Park’s Japanese Friendship Garden. A few cherry blossoms have opened!

I spoke to one of the master gardeners and he thinks there might be quite a show of beautiful cherry blossoms this year, because of our rainy winter. So everyone in San Diego who loves springtime and breathtaking displays of dreamy flowers should probably go to the Japanese Friendship Garden’s 12th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival! It takes place Friday, March 10 through Sunday, March 12.

I’ll be there!

A solitary burst of pink on a mostly bare cherry tree. A wet winter might produce a an amazing show of spring blossoms.
A solitary burst of pink on a mostly bare cherry tree. This unusually wet winter might produce an amazing show of spring blossoms.
Gray cherry trees in winter, but spring is around the corner!
Gray cherry trees in winter, but spring is around the corner!
Early cherry blossoms appear in Balboa Park.
A few early cherry blossoms appear in San Diego’s wonderful Balboa Park!

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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!

Do you love Balboa Park? Follow my special blog which I call Beautiful Balboa Park!

Colorful photos of San Diego Tet Festival.

Colorful lion heads in a row. It's the Year of the Rooster and many throughout the world are celebrating!
Colorful lion heads in a row. It’s the Year of the Rooster and many throughout the world are celebrating!

I enjoyed strolling around the San Diego Tet Festival today. I arrived a few minutes after the annual free festival, held at Mira Mesa Community Park, opened its gate. People were slowly streaming in, and everyone was happy. It’s the Year of the Rooster!

Here are some colorful photos…

Visitors enter the San Diego Tet Festival as it opens late Sunday morning.
Visitors enter the San Diego Tet Festival as it opens late Sunday morning.
A free annual celebration of Tet, the Vietnamese New Year, takes place at Mira Mesa Community Park.
A free annual celebration of Tet, the Vietnamese New Year, takes place at Mira Mesa Community Park.
A dragon near the festival entrance.
A dragon near the festival entrance.
Many booths in the park had all sorts of gleaming goods for sale.
Many booths in the park had all sorts of glittering goods for sale.
A representation of the Hoàn Kiếm Lake Turtle Tower.
A representation of the Hoàn Kiếm Lake Turtle Tower.
Model of a small fishing boat used by 69 people to flee the Vietnamese communist regime.
Model of a small fishing boat used by 69 people to flee the Vietnamese communist regime.
History of the Escape Boat. Fleeing brutal communism, the refugees arrived at a camp set up by the United Nations on the island of Galang, in Indonesia.
History of the Escape Boat. Fleeing brutal communism, the refugees arrived at a camp set up by the United Nations on the island of Galang, in Indonesia. (Click the sign to enlarge it.)
Large bronze drum with ornate designs. They are a traditional symbol of power, used in religious ceremony, festival and war.
Large bronze drum with ornate design. These drums are a traditional symbol of power, used in religious ceremony, festival and war.
The Year of the Rooster has begun. It's the tenth in the 12-year cycle of Chinese zodiac.
The Year of the Rooster has begun. It’s the tenth in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac.
Martial arts students demonstrate some moves for the gathering crowd.
Martial arts students demonstrate some moves for the gathering crowd.
Taking photos of the stage on a sunny San Diego day in late January.
Taking photos of the stage on a sunny San Diego day in late January.
The friendly martial arts group poses.
The friendly martial arts group poses.
A representation of the sacred Hùng Kings' Temple, which is located on the Nghĩa Lĩnh mountain.
A representation of the sacred Hùng Kings’ Temple, which is located on the Nghĩa Lĩnh mountain.
Lots of Asian food could be found around the San Diego Tet Festival, as well as more ordinary American fare.
Lots of Asian food could be found around the San Diego Tet Festival, as well as more ordinary American fare.
Pikachu sits protecting a spot where food is picked up.
Pikachu sits protecting a spot where food is picked up.
Donations help keep the Tet Festival alive.
Donations help keep the Tet Festival alive.
More area at the festival was dedicated to kids games and carnival rides than anything else! Oh, to be young again!
More area in the park was dedicated to kids games and carnival rides than anything else! Oh, to be young again!
A child rides a dragon.
A child rides a dragon.
A beautiful wishing tree at the San Diego Tet Festival.
A beautiful wishing tree at the San Diego Tet Festival.
A wish for abundance of love and health. Togetherness.
A wish for abundance of love and health. Togetherness.

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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!

Searching for Santa at December Nights!

This might be Santa and Mrs. Claus walking happily through Balboa Park during 2016 December Nights. At least, there's a good chance. Right?
This might be Santa and Mrs. Claus walking happily through Balboa Park during 2016 December Nights. At least, there’s a good chance. Right?

I went to December Nights this afternoon hoping to photograph Santa Claus. December Nights is one of the largest festivals in the United States that celebrates the holiday season, so one would suppose Old Saint Nick might drop on by. This year I headed home before dark, before the glittering Christmas lights turned on, and before the really huge crowds!

Because I left before nightfall, I missed seeing jolly Bill “Santa” Swank spreading good cheer at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. Check out his book Christmas in San Diego! It’s all about the history of Christmas in our fair city.  I feel very honored that Cool San Diego Sights has a bunch of photos in it!

Now, did I have any success locating the real, actual, honest-to-goodness Santa Claus this afternoon at December Nights? You be the judge!

Over 300,000 people are attending December Nights this year. Surely good old Santa Claus is present somewhere in this crowd.
Over 300,000 people are attending December Nights this year. Surely good old Santa Claus is present somewhere in this crowd.
Look! Over there! I think I see Santa wearing sunglasses! Oops. Just a vendor selling treats during December Nights.
Look! Over there! I think I see Santa wearing sunglasses! Oops. Just a vendor selling treats during December Nights.
These fun but sadly inanimate Santas are made of beads!
These fun (but sadly inanimate) Santas are made of beads!
You guys aren't Santa. You can't fool me! You're elves from the North Pole.
You guys aren’t Santa. You can’t fool me! You’re elves from the North Pole.
With so many Santa ornaments and gifts everywhere, one might conclude that Old Saint Nick is actually a very astute businessman.
With so many Santa ornaments and gifts everywhere, one might conclude that Old Saint Nick is actually a very astute businessman.
Oh, goodness gracious! A fan man Santa Claus waving arms like a silly goof! Nothing is sacred anymore.
Oh, goodness gracious! A “fan man” Santa Claus waving his arms like a silly goof! Nothing is sacred anymore.
I see the image of Kris Kringle toting a sack of presents just about everywhere. So the actual guy has to be around here somewhere.
I see the image of Kris Kringle toting a sack of presents just about everywhere. So, logically, the actual guy has to be around here somewhere.
I've seen this Santa before. He hangs out in Balboa Park every holiday season. But his sled doesn't actually fly. It's all a complete fake. Impostor!
I’ve seen this Santa before. He hangs out in Balboa Park every holiday season. But his sled doesn’t actually fly. It’s all a complete fake. Impostor!
Tried to fool me again! That isn't Father Christmas! It's Snoopy!
Tried to fool me again! That isn’t Father Christmas! It’s Snoopy!
If Santa Claus actually looks like this, I'd really like to meet him. Now that would be quite an amazing experience!
Now if Santa Claus actually looks like this, I’d really like to meet him. That would be quite an amazing experience!
Multiple possible Santas! Oh, wait. They all are cloggers, waiting to perform at December Nights. Santa only clogs chimneys.
Multiple possible Santas! Oh, wait. They’re all cloggers, waiting to perform at December Nights. Santa only clogs chimneys.
I might not spot the actual real Santa, but this December Nights is rather fun. These folks are singing their hearts out in front of the big Spreckels Organ Pavilion Christmas tree. When the lights come on at night, Balboa Park becomes a magical wonderland!
I might not spot the actual real Santa, but this December Nights is rather fun. These folks are singing their hearts out in front of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion’s annual Christmas tree. When the lights come on at night, Balboa Park becomes a magical wonderland!
If Santa had a dog, it would probably dress like this. It gets chilly up north.
If Santa had a dog, it would probably dress like this. It gets chilly up north.
Perhaps this is why I haven't positively identified the real Santa Claus. He might be at the beach in San Diego getting some sun.
Perhaps this is why I haven’t positively identified the real Santa Claus. He’s probably kicking back at a San Diego beach getting some sun.
I'll just have to make do with Santa Mouse.
I’ll just have to make do with Santa Mouse.
Wait! I found him! There he is! Santa!
Wait! I found him! There he is! Santa!

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