Tag: festivals

Photos of cool sand sculptures at Sun and Sea Festival!

A long time ago at a beach very very close...it is a period of sand wars. Cool Star Wars sand sculpture at the Imperial Beach Sun and Sea Festival!
A long time ago at a beach very very close…it is a period of sand wars… Star Wars sand sculpture at the Imperial Beach Sun and Sea Festival!

The 2015 Sun and Sea Festival at Imperial Beach today had almost everything. Lots of good food, live music, happy people, the beautiful ocean, and, of course, a whole bunch of awesome sand sculptures. What it didn’t have was sun. Monsoon conditions in San Diego have produced dark skies, frequent showers, even thunder and lightning this weekend.

But nothing could stop the crowds from enjoying this great annual tradition.

Ready to see the cool photos? Here they are…

The annual Sun and Sea Festival in IB features food, music, fun, people-watching and sand castles galore! This banner is hung on the pier above the beach.
The annual Sun and Sea Festival in IB features food, music, fun, people-watching and sand castles galore! This banner is hung on the pier above the beach.
The Port of San Diego is a sponsor of the yearly festival, home of the famous Imperial Beach Sandcastle Competition. This sculpture was created by sand master Kirk Rademaker.
The Port of San Diego is a sponsor of the yearly festival, home of the famous Imperial Beach Sandcastle Competition. This sculpture was created by sand master Kirk Rademaker.
A second photo of Kirk Rademaker's sculpture. Tiny sand people stand out on a sand IB pier over the sandy Pacific Ocean!
A second photo of Kirk Rademaker’s sculpture. Tiny sand people stand out on a sand IB pier over the sandy Pacific Ocean!
Sandstorm Fabrication team seems to be creating a large Viking head sand sculpture.
Sandstorm Fabrication team seems to be creating a large Viking head sand sculpture.
Cool froglike creature coming to life on the beach conveys a Help Conserve Water message.
Cool frog-like creature coming to life on the beach conveys a Help Conserve Water message.
The Sandcastle Man team is building an elaborate sandcastle! Of course!
The Sandcastle Man team is building an elaborate sandcastle! Of course!
The I.B. Posse team is crafting a complex, exotic scene of Myths and Legends out of sand near the Imperial Beach pier.
The I.B. Posse team is crafting a complex, exotic scene of Myths and Legends out of sand near the Imperial Beach pier.
Looks like the fallen head of a classic statue from a time long ago.
Looks like the fallen head of a classic statue from a time long ago.
Sand sculptor is closely watched by the unblinking eyes of an inanimate subject.
Sand sculptor is closely watched by the unblinking eyes of his inanimate subject.
This team wearing tie-dye was creating a hip sand scene with a fun, fanciful 60s flavor.
This team wearing tie-dye was creating a hip sand scene with a fun, fanciful 60s flavor.
Is that a mud-covered hippopotamus rising from a river? No. Just some imaginative Southern California artwork!
Is that a mud-covered hippopotamus rising from a river? No. Just some imaginative Southern California artwork.
Peace and Love. Hippie Hippos are cool, groovy and happening!
Peace and Love. Hippie Hippos are cool, groovy and happening!
These are my favorite sand sculptures: Star Wars. Chewbacca, R2-D2, stormtroopers, the Millennium Falcon and an X-Wing starfighter. 'Nuff said.
These are my favorite sand sculptures. Star Wars icons Chewbacca, R2-D2, stormtroopers, the Millennium Falcon and an X-Wing starfighter!
Fierce looking stormtroopers seem to be hanging out on sandy Tatooine. Where it happens to be raining today.
Fierce looking stormtroopers seem to be hanging out on sandy Tatooine. Where it happens to be raining today.
Han Solo is probably hoping this gifted sand artist can get the Millennium Falcon to jump to light speed.
Han Solo is probably hoping this gifted sand artist can get the Millennium Falcon to jump to light speed.
Okay. You have to admit this is a lot of fun.
Okay. You have to admit this is a lot of fun.
San Diego Sand Castles was skillfully carving toothy land sharks.
San Diego Sand Castles was skillfully carving toothy land sharks.
Hope it doesn't bite.
Hope it doesn’t bite.
Over here we have a large mechanical shark, driven by a small fish! The real shark must be terrified.
Over here we have a large mechanical shark, driven by a small fish! The “real” shark must be terrified.
This team seemed to be digging out a whale. It's huge!
This team seemed to be digging out a whale. It’s huge!
Of course, there were Minions. Lots of Minions. Oodles of 'em. They were popping out of the sand everywhere you turned.
Of course, there were Minions. Lots of Minions. Oodles of ’em. They were popping out of the sand everywhere you turned.
Five silly Minions seem to be having a party in a sand pit.
Five silly Minions seem to be having a party in a sand pit.
Another team had some Minions, too. This guy is just riding a sand wave on a surfboard. Too bad the sun isn't out.
Another team had some Minions, too. This guy is riding a sand wave while sitting on a surfboard. Too bad the sun isn’t out.
Lastly, I spotted Baymax of Big Hero 6 being created out of sand. Lots of sculptures at the family friendly festival appealed to kids.
Lastly, I spotted Baymax of Big Hero 6 being created out of sand. Lots of sculptures at the family friendly festival appealed to kids.
A cloudy, showery day with lightning, thunder and crowds on the beach enjoying a cool Imperial Beach tradition.
A cloudy, showery day with lightning, thunder, and crowds on the beach enjoying an awesome Imperial Beach tradition.

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Cool photos of fun, funky Ocean Beach Street Fair!

Cool skateboard bench by the 36th Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off Festival on Newport Avenue.
Cool skateboard bench by the 36th Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off Festival on Newport Avenue.

Late this morning I spent a little time at one of the coolest summer events in Southern California!

The 36th Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off Festival was being held along Newport Avenue, drawing a huge crowd from all around San Diego. Many consider OB their favorite beach community. Once you see these photos, you might understand why!

A masked street performer shakes hands with a kid on a scooter. The Ocean Beach Municipal Pier stretches in the background.
A masked street performer shakes hands with a kid on a scooter. The Ocean Beach Municipal Pier stretches in the background.
San Diegans and Obetians check out a street vendor selling colorful t-shirts.
San Diegans and Obetians check out a street vendor selling colorful t-shirts.
Fun, unusual art all over the place. Lots to see at this legendary summer street festival in a laid-back, funky Southern California beach community.
Fun, unusual art all over the place. Lots to see at this legendary summer street festival in a laid-back, funky Southern California beach community.
Creative people had cool stuff on display and for sale in the Artists' Alley.
Creative people had cool stuff on display and for sale in the Artists’ Alley.
Kids were invited to express themselves with pottery, painting and chalk art.
Kids were invited to express themselves with pottery, painting and chalk art.
Young artists use their imaginations as they work behind a utility box decorated with parrots in Ocean Beach.
Young artists use their imaginations as they work behind a utility box decorated with parrots in Ocean Beach.
Public art mural on one wall depicts the annual Ocean Beach Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off.
Public art mural on one wall depicts the annual Ocean Beach Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off.
Just a typical scene from this awesome street festival.
Just a typical scene from this awesome street festival.
Someone checks out large works of colorful art in OB.
Someone checks out large works of colorful art in OB.
One booth had all sorts of awesome, unique decorative surfboards!
One booth had all sorts of awesome, unique decorative surfboards!
And, of course, food was everywhere!
And, of course, food was everywhere!
Ocean Beach is the scene of many different happy lifestyles and diverse, life-affirming interests.
Ocean Beach is the scene of many different happy lifestyles and diverse, life-affirming interests.
It wasn't even lunchtime and some folks were already chowing down.
It wasn’t even lunchtime and some folks were ready to chow down.
If these cookies don't make you drool, nothing will!
If these cookies don’t make you drool, nothing will!
All sorts of cool surf shops line Newport Avenue, where the festival was held.
All sorts of cool surf shops line Newport Avenue, where the festival was held.
Rock and Roll San Diego was teaching kids how to play drums, electric guitar and more!
Rock and Roll San Diego was teaching kids how to play drums, electric guitar and more!
A young man is training to be a rock superstar!
A young man is training to be a rock superstar!
Street musicians in OB next to a storefront on a summer day.
Street musicians in OB next to a storefront on a summer day.
Young and old were practicing maintaining balance on a board that mimics surfing.
Young and old were practicing maintaining balance on a board that simulates surfing.
Yeah, another photo of food getting ready...
Yeah, another photo of food getting ready…
Ocean Beach is jam-packed with amazing urban art, almost anywhere you walk!
Ocean Beach is jam-packed with amazing urban art, almost anywhere you walk!
People were just getting started with the community mural project!
People were just getting started with the community mural project!
Anyone could participate in painting a small square in this large mural!
Anyone could participate in painting a small square in this large mural!
Another street mural on a wall above a station where people could park their bikes.
Another street mural on a wall above a station where people could park their bikes.
Surfboards on top, cool decals plastered around. Let's walk past the Hodadmobile and check out something amazing...
Surfboards on top, cool decals plastered around. Let’s walk past the Hodadmobile and check out something amazing…
Burgers are famous at Hodad's, and so is the skateboarding demonstration beside their restaurant.
Burgers are famous at Hodad’s, and so is the skateboarding demonstration beside their restaurant.
Skater catches huge air as he performs trick from a ramp, wowing everybody watching!
Skater catches huge air as he performs trick from a ramp, wowing everybody watching!
Lots of skilled skateboarders were taking turns on this small half-pipe.
Lots of skilled skateboarders were taking turns on this small half-pipe.
Oh, man--lots of very cool action!
Oh, man–lots of very cool action!
Legendary Hodad's had a burger-eating competition!
Legendary Hodad’s had a burger-eating competition!
Some guys walking along near porta-potties by the beer garden.
Some guys walking along near porta-potties by the beer garden.
Guy chills with a Starbucks by funky sculptures on Newport Avenue near the beach. He's listening to a really great concert.
Guy chills with a Starbucks by funky sculptures on Newport Avenue near the beach. He’s listening to a really great concert.
The local band Markland performs on the Main Stage at the 2015 Ocean Beach Street Fair.
The local band Markland performs on the Main Stage at the 2015 Ocean Beach Street Fair.
Justin Markland peers at me over drums while Randy Jones entertains the Ocean Beach crowd with irrepressible vocal and physical energy.
Justin Markland peers at me over drums while Randy Jones entertains the Ocean Beach crowd with irrepressible vocal and physical energy.
Just a pic to provide some flavor of what I saw this morning.
Just a pic to provide some flavor of what I saw this morning.
Surfers come up across the beach while a guy relaxes on the sea wall.
Surfers come up across the beach while a guy relaxes on the sea wall.
People walk behind the Main Stage along the beach, toward the Ocean Beach lifeguard station. An overcast day with a few sprinkles, but it didn't matter!
People walk behind the Main Stage along the beach, toward the Ocean Beach lifeguard station. An overcast day with a few sprinkles, but it didn’t matter!
People buy tickets to sample special concoctions at the famous chili contest!
People buy tickets to sample special concoctions at the famous chili contest!
This tent featured one of the chili cook-off contestant teams.
This tent featured one of the chili cook-off contestant teams.
Stirring and scooping from one big pot of hot chili!
Stirring and scooping from one big pot of hot chili!
Unfortunately, this poor dog can't participate without a ticket. And it seems like he knows it.
Unfortunately, this poor dog can’t participate without a ticket. And it seems like he knows it.
Perhaps this chili was the winner. Looks tasty, if you don't mind that it's served from a toilet!
Perhaps this chili was the winner. Looks tasty, if you don’t mind that it’s served from a toilet!

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Fun photos of Make Music Day San Diego!

Young kids learn how to become cool DJs at Make Music Day San Diego.
Young kids learn how to become cool DJs at Make Music Day San Diego.

One more blog post this weekend about Balboa Park! Today was Make Music Day San Diego, which was held throughout our huge urban park! Music filled the air everywhere I walked!

2015 is the first year San Diego has taken part in this unique worldwide event. Countless people in more than 700 cities participated! The public was encouraged to bring instruments to Balboa Park and make music, and many instruments were given away, including 100 harmonicas. A big parade of harmonica players was one part of the event I unfortunately missed, as well as a Mass Appeal guitar jam. There was just not enough time, and too much to see in Balboa Park–and to hear!

Anyway, here are some fun pics that provide a bit of the atmosphere. This blog, alas, doesn’t feature sound.

San Diego's first ever Make Music Day was held in Balboa Park this Sunday.
San Diego’s first ever Make Music Day was held in Balboa Park this Sunday.
Friends of Balboa Park helped to organize the musical event, which encourages public participation.
Friends of Balboa Park helped to organize the musical event, which encourages public participation.
Some lucky person won this guitar today!
Some lucky person won this guitar!
The public, street musicians and special Make Music Day event performers all contributed to a giant concert throughout Balboa Park.
The public, street musicians and special Make Music Day event performers all contributed to a giant concert throughout Balboa Park.
Numerous musicians were up and down El Prado, playing their hearts out.
Numerous musicians were up and down El Prado, playing their hearts out.
This gent was playing a cool sax in the shade.
This gent was playing a cool sax in the shade.
Live Music Today included Flamenco in Spanish Village, which I already blogged about!
Live Music Today included Flamenco in Spanish Village, which I already blogged about!
The avant-garde band Swarmius was setting up in the Zoro Garden among butterflies. Their half electronic, half instrumental music borrows from every conceivable musical style.
The avant-garde band Swarmius was setting up in the Zoro Garden among butterflies. Their half electronic, half instrumental music borrows from every conceivable musical style.
Radio Pulso del Barrio, an internet station out of Barrio Logan, was teaching one and all how to be a DJ for the day!
Radio Pulso del Barrio, an internet station out of Barrio Logan, was teaching one and all how to be a DJ for the day!
Music was heard no matter where you walked!
Music was heard no matter where you walked!
Poster by Spreckels Organ Pavilion lists summer musical performances for Twilight in the Park, Centennial Celebration 1915-2015. Click to enlarge.
Poster by Spreckels Organ Pavilion lists summer musical performances for Twilight in the Park, Centennial Celebration 1915-2015. (Click to enlarge.)
Sweden had their lawn program at the International Cottages today.
By the way, Sweden had their lawn program at the International Cottages today.
I missed the maypole dance, but got a photo of the flower-bedecked pole!
I missed the festive maypole dance, but got a photo of the flower-bedecked pole!
Beautiful singing was heard from the stage at the International Cottages, as the House of Sweden also provided musical entertainment during Make Music Day!
Beautiful singing was heard from the stage at the International Cottages, as the House of Sweden also provided musical entertainment during Make Music Day!

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Philippine American Celebration in Balboa Park!

Mural being painted for the Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration.
Mural being painted for the Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration.

I saw a variety of cool sights during my morning walk today. While soaking up some San Diego sunshine, I checked out this weekend’s Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration. The annual Filipino cultural event is bigger and better than ever!

The Spreckels Organ Pavilion is the setting for many top notch performances, including a concert tonight by American Idol runner-up Jessica Sanchez! The festival also enlivens the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages, with lots of art, history, food and fun.

I learned that the House of the Philippines has received the green light to build their own cottage in Balboa Park. I’ll be sure to follow that project’s progress on my blog!

House of the Philippines participated in the event. They will soon have a home among the nearby House of Pacific Relations International Cottages.
House of the Philippines participated in the event. They will soon have a home among the nearby House of Pacific Relations International Cottages.
A crowd is gathering on Saturday morning to watch Filipino entertainment at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
A crowd is gathering on Saturday morning to watch Filipino entertainment at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
Tents around the perimeter of the pavilion contained interesting cultural information.
Tents around the perimeter of the pavilion contained interesting cultural information.
Poster shows many important Filipinos throughout San Diego's rich history.
Poster shows many important Filipinos throughout San Diego’s rich, diverse history.
Marie Zhivago wrote a cool children's book titled The Sakura. I learned sakura in Japanese means cherry blossom.
Marie Zhivago wrote a cool children’s book titled The Sakura. I learned sakura in Japanese means cherry blossom.

Marie Zhivago is a super nice person who is also an author and cartoonist. I enjoyed talking with her and learning new stuff! Please check out her website!

Numerous informative displays were on the lawn in the International Cottages area.
Numerous interesting displays were on the lawn in the International Cottages area.
This poster documents Heroes and Presidents of the Philippines.
This poster documents Heroes and Presidents of the Philippines.
Another cool poster shows how hip hop culture has been influenced by Filipino artists.
Another poster shows how hip hop culture has been influenced by Filipino artists.
Beautiful costumes and dresses were being worn by many at the festival.
Beautiful costumes and dresses were being worn by many at the festival.
Kids check out some fun exhibits at the Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration.
Kids check out fun exhibits at the Balboa Park Centennial 2015 Philippine American Celebration.
Many Philippine American organizations contributed to Balboa Park's historic centennial with a great event.
Philippine American organizations contributed to Balboa Park’s historic centennial with this great event.

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Early photos of San Diego’s big Greek Festival.

Classic images of Greeks and ancient Greece are sprinkled about the festival.
Classic images of Greeks and ancient Greece are sprinkled about the festival venue.

I enjoyed a wonderful long walk this morning. But it seems my poor old brain forgot some important information. Because when I arrived at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church at 3655 Park Boulevard, I learned that San Diego’s big annual Greek Festival wouldn’t begin for over an hour!

I was allowed to walk about the area behind the church where the festival takes place and snap a few photos. Folks were setting up tents and preparing food. All the people I spoke to were very friendly. According to one, this annual festival is about 40 years old! The three day event features Greek food, music and dancing, and draws thousands from around San Diego. It will be open until 10pm tonight, and again tomorrow from 11am to 8pm.

My legs wanted to continue walking, so here are some photos of morning preparations…

Each year a Greek Festival is held at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church.
Each year a big Greek Festival is held at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church.
An hour before the event opens, preparations are being made for coming crowds.
An hour before the event opens, preparations are being made for coming crowds.
Flags, decorations and colorful wares are a feast for the senses outside St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church.
Flags, decorations and colorful wares are a feast for the senses outside St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church.
Orthodox religious icons displayed by one tent include familiar Christian symbols.
Orthodox religious icons displayed by one tent include familiar Christian symbols.
Icons of Mary and infant Jesus appear as if they're gilded in the San Diego morning sunshine.
Icons of Mary and infant Jesus appear as if they’re gilded in the San Diego morning sunshine.
Looking up at the church from the parking lot behind it, where the festival is held each year.
Looking up at the church from the parking lot behind it, where the festival is held each year.
Lots of people will be following the arrow to Greek coffee and pastries.
Lots of people will be following the arrow to Greek coffee and pastries.
One fun area contains tables, umbrellas and eventually yummy food. Unfortunately, I was much too early!
One fun area contains tables, umbrellas and eventually yummy food. Unfortunately, I was much too early!
Pita bread is stacked up waiting at one end of this Greek Deli tent.
Pita bread is stacked up waiting at one end of this Greek Deli tent.
An ancient scene seems to have sprung from the pages of the Iliad. Are those Greek warriors stirring up some Nescafé?
An ancient scene seems to have sprung from the pages of the Iliad. Are those Greek warriors stirring up some Nescafé?

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Photos of Old Town’s folklorico dance competition!

Ladies in Mexican folk costume gather in front of Old Town's Robinson-Rose House.
Ladies in Mexican folk costume gather in front of Old Town’s Robinson-Rose House.

I didn’t catch the names of the dance groups competing today. But I did get some fun photos! The sixth annual Fiesta de Reyes Folklórico Competition in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park was full of energy and color. In past years, the State Park has also been crowded with vendors during the Cinco de Mayo weekend. But not this year. All the commercial vendors were outside the park, along San Diego Avenue, and I believe this was a great idea. The center of historic Old Town is a representation of what life was like in San Diego in the 1800s. Its emphasis today on the authentic baile folklórico competition, which attracted talented troupes from throughout California, and a whole lot of spectators, seemed just right!

How good was the dancing? The participants were motivated to go full tilt with a first place prize of one thousand dollars! The dancers were evaluated by several renowned Mexican judges. It was fantastic!

Performers in the Cinco de Mayo weekend Folklorico Competition walk toward the Fiesta de Reyes stage area.
Performers in the Cinco de Mayo weekend Folklorico Competition walk toward the Fiesta de Reyes stage area.
A competing dance troupe wearing colorful costumes waits at the edge of Old Town's historic plaza.
A dance troupe wearing colorful costumes waits at the edge of Old Town’s grassy central plaza.
Traditional Mexican folklorico dancers have checked in for the big San Diego event!
Traditional Mexican folklorico dancers have checked in for the cool San Diego event!
A huge crowd watches as the super energetic dance contest is already underway.
A huge crowd watches as the super energetic dance contest is already underway.
With flowers in their hair, bright dresses and broad smiles, these dancers bring cheers and whoops from the crowd.
With flowers in their hair, bright dresses and broad smiles, these dancers bring cheers and whoops from the crowd.
Dances and costumes from different parts of Mexico can be quite unique.
Dances and costumes from different parts of Mexico can be quite unique.
These guys are full of stomp and vigor and so is the crowd!
These stomping guys are full of vigor and so is the crowd!
Long colored ribbons stream from very odd costumes. The headpieces appear to be religious icons or altars.
Long colored ribbons stream from very odd costumes. The headpieces appear to be religious icons or altars.
Sacred images of Christ crown these dancers' heads. I believe I heard this peculiar tradition originated in Jalisco, but I might be wrong.
Sacred images of Christ crown these dancers’ heads. I believe I heard this peculiar tradition originated in Jalisco, but I might be wrong.
Frilly, flouncy dresses were seen throughout Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
Frilly, flouncy dresses were seen throughout Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
Traditional Mexican folk dancers in long flowing skirts dazzle the big crowd.
Traditional Mexican folk dancers in long flowing skirts dazzle the cheering crowd.
Another sensational performance!
Another sensational performance!
These were the first place winners!
These were the first place winners!

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Mardi Gras morning in San Diego’s Gaslamp.

Putting up big Mardi Gras arches along Fifth Avenue in San Diego's Gaslamp.
Putting up big Mardi Gras arches along Fifth Avenue in San Diego’s Gaslamp.

I won’t be going to Mardi Gras in downtown San Diego this evening. I suppose I’m a boring old party pooper. But I did walk through the Gaslamp Quarter this morning while preparations were underway. Check out a few photos!

Mardi Gras poster features Snoopadelic (Snoop Dogg).
Mardi Gras poster features Snoopadelic (Snoop Dogg).
Workers set up and test electronic video displays for the evening festivities.
Workers set up and test electronic video displays for the evening festivities.
Three old firetrucks were decorated with Mardi Gras masks and ornaments.
Three old firetrucks were decorated with Mardi Gras masks and ornaments.
These firetrucks are ready for a big, happy carnival in the Gaslamp Quarter.
These firetrucks are ready for a big, happy carnival in the Gaslamp Quarter.
And this guy told me he's also ready for Mardi Gras!
And this cool guy told me he’s also ready for Mardi Gras!
This pedicab is covered with Fat Tuesday ads and flashing lights.
This fun pedicab is covered with Fat Tuesday ads and flashing lights.
A table brimming with colorful masks and beads.
A table brimming with glittery colorful masks and beads.
Guy getting banner ready for thousands of downtown revelers.
Guy getting banner ready for thousands of downtown revelers.
Looking north along Fifth Avenue, where people will celebrate Mardi Gras in San Diego.
Looking up Fifth Avenue, where people will celebrate Mardi Gras in San Diego.

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San Diego’s 2015 Lunar New Year Tết Festival.

One of several friendly guys in a traditional costume worn by ancient warriors.
One of several friendly guys in a traditional costume worn by ancient warriors.

Here are pics of the 2015 Lunar New Year Tết Festival. The annual event is put on by San Diego’s Little Saigon, and is being held this weekend in a large section of the Qualcomm Stadium parking lot. These photos were taken shortly after the gates opened, and workers were applying some final touches in preparation for later crowds. Because I was so early, I missed afternoon attractions like the traditional Lion Dances and firecrackers. But there was plenty of cool stuff to see!

Tết, or Vietnamese New Year, is celebrated at the same time as Chinese New Year. The event marks the arrival of spring based on the Vietnamese variation of the Chinese lunisolar calendar.

People around ticket booths at Lunar New Year Festival in Qualcomm Stadium parking lot.
Ticket booths at Lunar New Year Festival in Qualcomm Stadium parking lot.
People check out colorful displays after entering the annual festival on a sunny weekend.
People check out colorful displays after entering the annual festival on a sunny weekend.
In 2015 the Chinese New Year begins the latest Year of the Goat.
In 2015 the Chinese New Year begins the latest Year of the Goat.
Model of Chua Mot Cot, or the One Pillar Pagoda, symbol of Vietnam's rich culture and history. It was built in the reign of king Ly Thai Tong almost a thousand years ago.
Model of Chua Mot Cot, or the One Pillar Pagoda, symbol of Vietnam’s rich culture and history. It was built in the reign of king Ly Thai Tong almost a thousand years ago.
Model of Bến Thành Market, which was established by French colonial powers in 1859, developed from early 17th century street vendors near Saigon River.
Model of Bến Thành Market, which was established by French colonial powers in 1859, and developed from early 17th century street vendors near Saigon River.
Bridge over pond at Little Saigon's Tết Festival which celebrates Lunar New Year in San Diego.
Bridge over pond at Little Saigon’s Tết Festival.
Models of two thatch-roofed houses elevated on wood columns at Mai Chau provide excellent examples of highland village house construction.
Models of two thatch-roofed houses elevated on wood columns at Mai Chau. These are excellent examples of highland village house construction.
Art on display near entrance includes water buffalo and flowers.
Art on display near entrance includes water buffalo and flowers.
Getting a bamboo cottage house ready for a throng of festival visitors.
Getting a bamboo cottage house ready for a throng of festival visitors.
Decoration near a stage at the Lunar New Year Tết Festival.
Decoration near a stage at the Lunar New Year Tết Festival.
Guys work to get everything ready shortly after the gates open on Saturday.
Guys work to get everything ready shortly after the gates open on Saturday.
One of many interesting booths. This one encourages hosting exchange students.
One of many interesting booths. This one encourages hosting exchange students.
There were delectable edibles of all types in a huge food court area.
There were delectable edibles of all types in a huge food court area.
Young man selling treats pumps up a balloon.
Young man selling treats pumps up a balloon.
Lots of tasty barbeque was getting ready on this big grill.
Lots of tasty barbeque was getting ready on this big grill.
Lady demonstrates Chi Gong stretches on a large stage.
Lady demonstrates Chi Gong stretches on a large stage.
Many colorful tables contained delights of every sort.
Many colorful tables contained delights of every sort.
A big carnival area includes a Ferris wheel.
A big carnival area includes a Ferris wheel.
Just walking along in the morning as the fun event begins.
Just walking along in the morning as the fun event begins.
These guys are doing their best to promote the event on Instagram.
These guys are doing their best to promote the event on Instagram.
Adjusting a flag, one final touch at the 2015 Lunar New Year Festival in San Diego.
Adjusting a flag, one final touch at the 2015 Lunar New Year Festival in San Diego.

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Fun pics from the San Diego Multicultural Festival.

Japanese drummers add rhythm to the San Diego Multicultural Festival.
Japanese drummers add rhythm to the San Diego Multicultural Festival.

Today I directed my feet toward the Embarcadero, where the 17th Annual San Diego Sheila Hardin Multicultural Festival took place.

In partnership with the Port of San Diego, the World Beat Cultural Center, and other community organizations, the Multicultural Festival featured lots of diverse music, culture and perfect Southern California sunshine.

This annual festival used to take place along the narrow Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade, which is dedicated to the great civil rights leader. This year it was moved to Ruocco Park to provide more space. The relatively new park, just north of Seaport Village, seems like an ideal location, with lots of grass for kids to play on, throw a ball and just have fun. Personally, I love this park and often sit on one of the benches near the water to read and watch people.

Here are a few photos that I captured…

The annual festival took place this year in Ruocco Park, just north of Seaport Village.
The annual festival took place this year in Ruocco Park, just north of Seaport Village.
Lots of local organizations and vendors had cool stuff on display and for sale.
Lots of local organizations and vendors had cool stuff on display and for sale.
Young lady with awesome smiling painted face was decorating other folks!
Young lady with awesome smiling painted face was decorating other folks!
A bubble blower floated small globes of color across the grass, all the way to the stage!
A bubble blower floated globes of color across the grass, all the way to the stage!
This nice lady from nearby USS Midway Museum helped me sit in this ejection seat!
This nice lady from nearby USS Midway Museum helped me sit in this ejection seat!
Among lots of cool things on display were these two gravity cars from the Soap Box Derby.
Among cool things on display were two gravity cars from the Soap Box Derby.
A big pile of drums wait to make music in the waterfront park!
A big pile of drums wait to make music in the waterfront park!
Serviceman with small child enjoys a sunny day at the Multicultural Festival in San Diego.
Serviceman with child enjoys a sunny day at the Multicultural Festival in San Diego.

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Joyful colors of Christmas at December Nights.

House of England's Victorian gentleman with top hot and monocle!
House of England’s Victorian gentleman with top hot and monocle!

This afternoon I enjoyed several daylight hours at the 2014 December Nights event in Balboa Park! It looks like the Christmas spirit is alive in San Diego!

December Nights, which used to be named Christmas on the Prado, is an annual holiday celebration that attracts around three hundred thousand people over two absolutely amazing days. The best time to experience December Nights is after dark, when Balboa Park from end to end is lit with thousands of lights. The scene is vast and magical. Carolers and choirs seem to be everywhere you turn. There are so many jolly Santas taking pictures with families you might think you’d arrived at the North Pole! The traditional sights, yummy smells, and cheerfully lit colors of Christmas abound.

But, alas, my camera doesn’t cope well with darkness. So here are some sunny pics from a couple hours ago!

Santa, Frosty and joyful San Diegans at December Nights in Balboa Park.
Santa, Frosty and joyful San Diegans at December Nights in Balboa Park.
Presents, ornaments and cacti in Balboa Park's Spanish Village!
Presents, ornaments and cacti in Balboa Park’s Spanish Village!
An artist studio in Spanish Village behind many very colorful Christmas trees.
An artist studio in Spanish Village behind many very colorful Christmas trees.
These handmade blown glass ornaments were out on display.
These handmade blown glass ornaments were out on display.
Artist's message: Let there be Peace on Earth...
Artist’s message: Let there be Peace on Earth…
Is this face painter by the Balboa Park carousel Mrs. Claus or a ladybug.
Is this face painter by the Balboa Park carousel Mrs. Claus or a ladybug?
A smiling gingerbread man greets one and all to Casa del Prado.
A smiling gingerbread man greets one and all to Casa del Prado.
San Diego Floral Association hosted many Christmas trees created by local folk.
San Diego Floral Association hosted many Christmas trees created by local folk.
Sign acknowledges the Balboa Park Centennial, kicking off this weekend!
Sign acknowledges the Balboa Park Centennial, kicking off this weekend!
Lots of vendors everywhere had holiday crafts that would make great gifts.
Lots of vendors everywhere had holiday crafts that would make great gifts.
A table full of unique Christmas stocking stuffers.
A table full of unique Christmas stocking stuffers.
One table had cool model ships! I know what this kid wants for Christmas!
One table had cool model ships! I know what this kid wants for Christmas!
Kids from Colegio Ingles in Tijuana, Mexico perform in the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
Kids from Colegio Ingles in Tijuana, Mexico perform in the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
Martin Luther King Jr. Community Choir sings rousing gospel music!
Martin Luther King Jr. Community Choir sings rousing gospel music!
Manger scene in one of the huts along back of Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
Manger scene in one of the huts along back of Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
Gingerbread house in organ pavilion sells Christmas treats to the growing crowd.
Gingerbread House in the organ pavilion sells Christmas treats to the slowly growing crowd.
Santa Claus has landed with his little reindeer on a rooftop!
Santa Claus has landed with his little reindeer on a rooftop!
Huge, glorious poinsettia display inside the popular Botanical Building.
Huge, glorious poinsettia display inside the popular Botanical Building.
It's Wendy! No, I don't want a hamburger today. Thank you!
It’s Wendy! No, I don’t want a hamburger today. Maybe tomorrow.  Thank you!
Photos with Santa will take place here and elsewhere once the sun sets.
Photos with Santa will take place here and elsewhere once the sun sets.
Lots of people dressed for the holidays this afternoon at December Nights in San Diego.
Lots of people dressed for the holidays this afternoon at December Nights in San Diego.
These guys were probably informed they were naughty.
These guys were probably informed they were naughty.

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