Tag: summer

A perfect summer Sunday in Balboa Park.

Musicians entertain Balboa Park visitors at the House of Hungary's festive lawn program.
Musicians entertain Balboa Park visitors at the House of Hungary’s festive lawn program.

Another perfect summer Sunday. I found myself once again in Balboa Park. This afternoon, there was no better place in the world.

Please enjoy some photos…

A warm summer afternoon. A man and his dog rest beneath a dinosaur near the San Diego Natural History Museum.
It’s a warm summer afternoon. A man and his dog rest beneath a dinosaur near the San Diego Natural History Museum.
Sunshine on the south side of the San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park.
Sunshine on the south side of the San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park.
San Diego Civic Youth Ballet had a Fairy Tale Village set up today in the Casa del Prado's outer courtyard.
San Diego Civic Youth Ballet had a Fairy Tale Village set up today in the Casa del Prado’s outer courtyard.
The laps of two Western characters await people with tired feet in Spanish Village Art Center.
The laps of two Western characters await people with tired feet in Spanish Village Art Center.
Beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival architecture at the west end of the Casa de Balboa, photographed from El Prado.
Beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival architecture at the west end of the Casa de Balboa, photographed from El Prado.
People walk past ornate arches connecting the Casa de Balboa and the House of Hospitality.
People walk past ornate arches connecting the Casa de Balboa and the House of Hospitality.
Looking through one of those arches at cool greenery between the two historic buildings.
Looking through one of those arches at cool greenery between the two historic buildings.
Folks walk down toward the Casa del Rey Moro Garden.
Folks walk down toward the Casa del Rey Moro Garden.
A beautiful view few visitors see. Part of the rear of the House of Hospitality and nearby Casa de Balboa.
A beautiful view few visitors see. Part of the rear of the House of Hospitality and nearby Casa de Balboa.
Flowers beside outdoor dining at The Prado at Balboa Park.
Flowers beside outdoor dining at The Prado at Balboa Park.
A tranquil and shady place to sit on a summer day in the Japanese Friendship Garden. I worked for a while on a short story here.
A tranquil and shady place to sit in the Japanese Friendship Garden. I worked for a while on a short story here.
The Sunday afternoon lawn program today at the International Cottages was put on by the House of Hungary.
The Sunday afternoon lawn program today at the International Cottages was put on by the House of Hungary.
Hungarian sausage and crepes were being prepared at one end of the lawn!
Hungarian sausage and crepes were being prepared at one end of the lawn!
I confess I had a tasty sausage with lots of mustard on a delectable roll of bread. But those crepes do look good.
I confess I had a tasty sausage with lots of mustard on a delectable roll of bread. But those crepes do look good. I’ll try one next year.
Ladies play cards on the grass at the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages.
Ladies play cards on the grass at the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages.
Folks sit under the Spreckels Organ Pavilion colonnade and listen to a free Sunday performance. Four finalists are auditioning to become San Diego's new Civic Organist.
Folks sit under the Spreckels Organ Pavilion colonnade and listen to the free Sunday performance. Four finalists are auditioning to become San Diego’s new Civic Organist.
Looking beyond the fountain in front of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
Looking beyond the fountain in front of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
Riding a bike through Balboa Park on a perfect summer Sunday.
Riding a bike through Balboa Park on a perfect summer Sunday afternoon.
A banner by door to the Balboa Park Visitors Center. Enjoy every little bit of summer.
A banner by door to the Balboa Park Visitors Center. Enjoy every little bit of summer.

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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!

To read a few stories I’ve written, click Short Stories by Richard.

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

Trades That Shaped the West demonstrated in Old Town!

A Wells Fargo stagecoach takes a turn around La Plaza de Las Armas in San Diego's historic Old Town.
A Wells Fargo stagecoach takes a turn around La Plaza de Las Armas in San Diego’s historic Old Town.

Here come photos from today’s Trades That Shaped the West event, which took place in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park!

A wide variety of demonstrations drew curious visitors to a cluster of tents in the park’s grassy plaza. Early San Diego in the 1800’s was completely different from our modern city of gleaming skyscrapers. In many ways, life back then was both simpler and more difficult. Many household objects that are manufactured today were crafted using raw muscle and sweat. Most ordinary tasks were neither easy nor automated.

One hopes that historical reenactments like this continue for generations, so that people don’t forget the unique and meaningful lives of our ancestors.

You might notice this isn’t the first time I’ve blogged about this annual event. I’m so fascinated by San Diego’s history, I decided to experience Trades That Shaped the West again!

Stagecoach Days is celebrated every Saturday in Old Town during the summer. There’s a different themed event every week!

Aspects of frontier life were reenacted today in Old Town San Diego. Visitors watch in amazement as a stagecoach passes by!
Aspects of frontier life were reenacted today in Old Town San Diego. Visitors watch as a stagecoach passes by!
History comes to life during Stagecoach Days in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. There's a different theme each Saturday in July and August.
History comes to life during Stagecoach Days in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. There’s a different theme each Saturday in July and August.
Many fascinating demonstrations could be viewed by the public at the Trades That Shaped the West event.
Many fascinating demonstrations could be viewed by the public at the Trades That Shaped the West event today.
Young and old alike watched two blacksmiths at work with an anvil and small portable forge.
Young and old alike watched two blacksmiths at work with an anvil and small forge.
A wheelwright explains his craft. Wagon wheels were difficult to create, but a necessity of life in the 1800's.
A wheelwright explains his craft. To make wagon wheels required great skill. Like cars today, wagons were an important part of life in the 1800’s.
The bent metal band tyre would be expanded with heat, then contracted using cold water once carefully placed around the wooden wheel.
The bent metal band tyre would be expanded with heat, then contracted using cold water once carefully placed around the wooden wheel.
We take laundry machines for granted today. In the Old West, cleaning clothes took a whole lot more work.
We take laundry machines for granted today. Years ago in the Old West, cleaning clothes required a whole lot more work!
Irons, washboards and other objects from daily life generations ago are on display.
Irons, washboards and other objects from daily life generations ago were on display.
These ladies were weaving baskets. Basket-weaving is said to be the oldest of all human crafts.
These ladies were weaving baskets. Basket-weaving is said to be the oldest of all human crafts.
The local Kumeyaay would use willow baskets to protect their gathered acorns and other food from insects.
The local Native American Kumeyaay would use willow baskets to protect their gathered acorns and other food from insects.
This portable green forge is being used for the first time. The handle turns a belt which operates an air blower. I recognized this blacksmith from the Fall Back Festival in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter.
This portable green forge is being used for the first time. The handle turns a belt which operates an air blower. I recognized this blacksmith from the Fall Back Festival in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter.
Local blacksmith hobbyists made all the items you see here, including the ornamental snake (which takes about an hour and a half to make) and the huge padlock!
Local blacksmith hobbyists created all the items you see here, including the ornamental snake (which took about an hour and a half to make) and the huge padlock!
This crafty gambler tried to entice me into playing a game of chance. Nice try!
This crafty gambler tried to entice me into playing a game of chance. Nice try!
A gentleman had a table containing old tintype photographs. He also had antique cameras on display that produce daguerreotype photographs.
A gentleman had a table containing old tintype photographs. He also had antique cameras on display that were used for daguerreotype photographs.
A new wheel is being produced by several wainwrights, trades people who make and repair wagons and carts.
A new wheel is being produced by several wainwrights, trades people who craft and repair wagons and carts. These guys belong to the California Historical Artillery Society.
A variety of useful tools and devices. Many look familiar today.
A variety of useful tools on their table. Many look familiar today.
Friendly members of the California Historical Artillery Society were demonstrating at the annual Old Town event for the first time.
The members of the California Historical Artillery Society were attending the annual Trades That Shaped the West event for the first time.
Approximate blacksmithing prices in the mid 1800's.
Sign shows average blacksmithing prices in the mid 1800’s. The prices were much higher in Northern California during the Gold Rush.
These guys also had a traveling battery forge, used by the Army long ago. Today they are often used in Civil War reenactments.
These guys also had a traveling battery forge, used by the Army long ago. Today they are often used in Civil War reenactments.
I noticed that the snake oil salesman had drawn a crowd!
I noticed that a snake oil salesman had drawn a crowd!
An old lady with a bad case of lumbago was eager to try Dr. Montbank's Tonic Elixir.
An old lady with a bad case of lumbago was eager to try Dr. Montbank’s Tonic Elixir.
I'm not sure it helped much.
I’m not sure it helped much.
A guitar, fiddle, banjo and a bottle. These frontier musicians were getting ready to provide a bit of Western entertainment.
A guitar, a fiddle, and a bottle. These frontier musicians were getting themselves ready to provide a bit of Western entertainment.
Visitors to Old Town were walking in front of the Colorado House and enjoying a sunny San Diego weekend.
Visitors to Old Town were walking in front of the Colorado House and enjoying a sunny San Diego weekend.
Look what's coming! These pack animals have transported the mail all the way from San Antonio!
Look what’s coming! These pack animals have transported the mail all the way from San Antonio!
The Overland Mail Delivery arrived exactly at one o'clock!
The Overland Mail Delivery arrived exactly at one o’clock!
I guess this would qualify as Ground Mail.
I guess this would qualify as Ground Mail.
The small Old Town encampment excitedly greets the four-legged mail carriers.
The small Old Town encampment excitedly greets the four-legged mail carriers.
Mail is handed out to many event participants!
Mail is handed out to many of the event participants!
The young folk don't seem to notice.
These creative young folk are too busy writing their own letters to notice.
An educational slice of history could be enjoyed today in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park!
An educational reenactment of history was enjoyed today in Old Town San Diego State Historic 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!

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 amazing orchid show in Balboa Park.

Please forgive me. I’m taking it easy this weekend after all that wonderful Comic-Con insanity. So my walk today was slow and simple: meandering through Balboa Park.

I lingered a long while in the Casa del Prado, where the San Diego County Orchid Society is having their summer show and sale. (It continues on Sunday.)

I discovered amazing beauty everywhere.

Feeling lazy, I didn’t take notes. Just photos of a few blooms that caught my eye.

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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!

Beautiful sycamores at Los Peñasquitos Canyon.

Early this morning, while it was still cool outside, I headed up to Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. My intention was to take a brisk hike around some trails near the old Adobe Ranch House. But then my eyes encountered California sycamores along one trail. And my camera came out. And then the sun came out. My hike slowed to a walk. With many long pauses.

Beautiful photos frame and emphasize the infinite beauty that surrounds every one of us. Taking such photographs does make one pause. And love life.

You might also enjoy some photos on one of my other fun blogs, A Small World Full of Beauty.

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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!

To read a few small stories I’ve written, click Short Stories by Richard.

Pirate Con in San Diego during Comic-Con week!

Pirate Con is coming to the Maritime Museum of San Diego during Comic-Con.
Pirate Con is coming to the Maritime Museum of San Diego during Comic-Con week.

Ahoy mateys! You despicable pirates, buccaneers, scoundrels! Avast! See what I discovered while innocently walking along the Embarcadero!

Pirate Con is coming to San Diego! The event will be held at the Maritime Museum of San Diego on July 21, 2017, the Friday of Comic-Con week. There will be pirate and mermaid cosplay and even hidden treasure: a free Funko Pop! I don’t know if hardtack, bone soup and rum will be served.

Looks like salty fun! And no better place to have it!

Maritime Museum of San Diego presents Pirate Con on July 21, 2017.
Maritime Museum of San Diego presents Pirate Con on July 21, 2017.
Lots of pirate and mermaid cosplay will be seen at Pirate Con in San Diego! Paarrrty like a pirate!
Lots of pirate and mermaid cosplay will be seen at Pirate Con in San Diego! Paarrrty like a pirate!
These tough-looking pirates are promoting Sea of Thieves, an upcoming video game for the Xbox.
I’m not sure if these beady-eyed pirates will attend.
Watch out! This wild-eyed pirate has two wicked swords! Run for it!
I certainly hope this piratical two-sworded villain isn’t present!
Mister Mac, that notorious pirate, has descended on San Diego with two rascally accomplices to wreak havoc.
Goodness gracious! There seem to be a lot of pirates populating my blog. Chances are at least one of these rascals will attend Pirate Con at the Maritime Museum of San Diego!

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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!

Memories of summer on a chilly San Diego morning.

The sounds and sunshine of summer linger on a building in downtown San Diego.
Sunshine and the sounds of summer linger on a building in downtown San Diego.

Yes, San Diego has sunny, temperate weather for most of the year–many say our city has the best weather in the whole wide world. But, you know, these mornings in December can seem a bit chilly. At least to me. So I was thankful to spot some warm art this morning at the corner of Fourth Avenue and C Street.

Memories of summer linger on . . .

Musical notes and birds fly among tropical palm trees. An image on a utility box warms the city as winter nears.
Musical notes and birds fly among palm trees. As winter nears, an image on a utility box warms the heart of the city.

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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!

Kids have fun at All-Star Game’s PLAY BALL PARK!

Baseball-loving kids converged today on PLAY BALL PARK in front of the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. They would enjoy a very special activity during Major League Baseball's All-Star Game Week!
Baseball-loving kids converged today on PLAY BALL PARK in front of the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. They would enjoy a very special activity during Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game Week!

Do you want to know what baseball is all about? Take a look at these joyful photos!

The very first activity during Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game Week is a fun, multi-day event at PLAY BALL PARK. Today was the first day! Young baseball players get to swing the bat in a tiny baseball field which has been created in the public park between the Hilton Bayfront and the San Diego Convention Center.

This evening, after work, I headed down to see what I might see. Wow! Here are photos of the opening ceremony of the All-Star Youth Classic, and just lots of pics of kids having a blast playing softball. The entire event is meant to encourage physical outdoor activity. Playing with a real bat and ball on green mown grass is much more fun and invigorating than a mind-numbing video game! And it makes a kid happy and healthy!

Please read the photo captions where I provide a little more info…

A small baseball field has been created in the grassy park between the Hilton Bayfront and the San Diego Convention Center. Here kids from around the country and nearby Tijuana, Mexico will compete in the All-Star Youth Classic!
A small baseball field has been created in the grassy park between the Hilton Bayfront and the San Diego Convention Center. Here kids from around the country and nearby Tijuana, Mexico will compete in the All-Star Youth Classic!
Several representatives from USA Baseball were on hand to provide instruction to the youth teams selected to compete and have fun at PLAY BALL PARK!
Several representatives from USA Baseball were on hand to provide instruction to the youth teams selected to compete and have fun at PLAY BALL PARK!
The teams had assembled on Thursday in the late afternoon, and the bleachers were full of enthusiastic players and fans!
The teams had assembled on Thursday in the late afternoon, and the bleachers were full of enthusiastic players and fans!
These guys are the Memphis Redbirds. Teams have come in from as far away as Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Rhode Island and Queens, NY. Several teams are from San Diego and two teams drove up from Tijuana, Mexico!
These guys are the Memphis Redbirds. Teams have come in from as far away as Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Rhode Island and Queens, NY. Several teams are from San Diego and two teams drove up from Tijuana, Mexico!
The brief opening ceremony of the All-Star Youth Classic at PLAY BALL PARK included speeches by representatives from Major League Baseball and our own San Diego Padres.
The brief opening ceremony of the All-Star Youth Classic at PLAY BALL PARK included speeches by representatives from Major League Baseball and our own San Diego Padres.
Organizations who helped make this fun activity a reality were recognized, including USA Baseball, USA Softball, The Positive Coaching Alliance, The Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club of America.
Organizations who helped make this fun activity a reality were recognized, including USA Baseball, USA Softball, The Positive Coaching Alliance, The Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club of America.
Each of the participating youth teams were recognized.
Each of the participating youth teams was recognized.
One of the teams from Tijuana, Mexico salutes the crowd by removing their caps.
One of the teams from Tijuana, Mexico salutes the crowd by removing their caps.
The opening ceremony and introductions are over. Time for the teams to take the field and experience a short but fun baseball clinic!
The opening ceremony and introductions are over. Time for the teams to take the field and experience a short but fun baseball clinic!
A great swing and a hit. Home runs were rare and received enthusiastic applause. Some powerful line drive homers were struck by both boys and girls.
A great swing and a hit. Home runs were rare and received enthusiastic applause. Some powerful line drive homers were struck by both boys and girls.
A wild convergence on the field as kids vie to catch a fly ball!
A wild convergence on the field as kids vie to catch a fly ball!
Another fly ball! Having fun outdoors and being physically active is what this event is really all about.
Another fly ball! Having fun outdoors and being physically active is what this event is really all about.
Just a whole lot of youthful energy in front of the Hilton Bayfront at PLAY BALL PARK!
Just a whole lot of youthful energy in front of the Hilton Bayfront at PLAY BALL PARK!
Teams were posing for photos all over the grassy park. These kids are on the San Diego Military team.
Teams were posing for photos all over the grassy park. These kids are on the San Diego Military team.
A batting cage was also very active during the baseball clinic.
A batting cage was also very active during the baseball clinic.
Lots of whiffle balls have been hit past the pitcher in the batting cage!
Lots of whiffle balls have been hit past the pitcher in the batting cage!
This kid nailed the strike zone with a great pitch. Everyone was having fun and simply enjoying good old baseball. It's summer. It's America's Pastime. What else does anyone need?
This kid nailed the strike zone with a great pitch. Everyone was having fun and simply enjoying good old baseball. It’s summer. It’s America’s Pastime. What else does anyone need?

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

Fun photos: Old Town San Diego’s Fourth of July!

American flags lead a Fourth of July parade in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
American flags lead a Fourth of July parade in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.

Here come oodles of fun photos! I took them during the first two hours of Old Town San Diego’s Fourth of July celebration! (Sorry, but I missed the pie eating contest!)

I’ve captioned the photos with descriptions. If you’ve never enjoyed Independence Day at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, you’re missing out on a very colorful and patriotic event! And there’s a lot of fascinating history that you can absorb, as well!

During the Independence Day celebration in Old Town San Diego, there were all sorts of fun and educational activities. Musical entertainment could be heard at the main stage.
During the Independence Day celebration in Old Town San Diego, there were all sorts of fun and educational activities. Musical entertainment could be heard at the main stage.
The Armory Band played music popular in America long ago--patriotic tunes that citizens in San Diego would have enjoyed during the mid 1800s.
The Armory Band played music popular in America long ago–patriotic tunes that citizens in San Diego would have enjoyed during the mid 1800s.
Los Bailadores, performers in period costume, sing vintage patriotic songs like The Battle Hymn of the Republic inside Old Town's historic La Casa de Estudillo.
Los Bailadores, performers in period costume, sing vintage patriotic songs like The Battle Hymn of the Republic inside Old Town’s historic La Casa de Estudillo.
Los Bailadores then lived up to their name and began a few social dances that folks would have enjoyed in the 1850s and 1860s. Their first dance was the Virginia reel.
Los Bailadores then lived up to their name and began a few social dances that folks would have enjoyed in the 1850s and 1860s. Their first dance was the Virginia reel.
During the Fourth of July, there were many historical demonstrations in Old Town's central square, or La Plaza de Las Armas.
During the Fourth of July, there were many historical demonstrations in Old Town’s central square, which was originally called La Plaza de Las Armas.
A lady in a bonnet at a spinning wheel was making wool yarn.
A lady in a bonnet at a spinning wheel was making wool yarn.
Quilters were getting their tent displays ready as Old Town San Diego's Fourth of July events got underway.
Quilters were getting their tent displays ready as Old Town San Diego’s Fourth of July events got underway.
These guys were playing the old Victorian Game of Graces. A small hoop is shot into the air by pushing apart two rods. The hoop is then caught by one's partner. Winner catches the hoop ten times first.
These guys were playing the old Victorian Game of Graces. A small hoop is shot into the air by pushing apart two rods. The hoop is then caught by one’s partner. Winner catches the hoop ten times first.
The San Pasqual Battlefield Volunteer Association had an interesting display, including ammunition that was used in old cannons.
The San Pasqual Battlefield Volunteer Association had an interesting display, including ammunition that was used in old cannons.
A poster has photos of reenactments of the Battle of San Pasqual, which took place northeast of San Diego during the Mexican-American War
A poster has photos of reenactments of the Battle of San Pasqual, which took place northeast of San Diego during the Mexican-American War.
Of course, you need some tasty watermelon during a traditional Fourth of July!
Of course, you need some tasty watermelon during a traditional Fourth of July!
The center of the plaza became a center of attention as various tug of wars were contested by young and old alike.
The middle of the plaza became a center of attention as various tug of wars were contested by young and old alike.
These ladies vied for tug of war glory!
These ladies vied for tug of war glory!
Later games would include wheelbarrow races.
Later games would include wheelbarrow races.
A cakewalk. Stop on the winning number and you receive a cake! This game was common in mid 19th century San Diego.
A cakewalk. Stop on the winning number and you receive a cake! This simple game was common in mid 19th century San Diego.
Several speeches included one by Connie Gunther, a descendant of early San Diego. The legacy of those early Californios, townspeople, settlers and pioneers live on.
Several speeches included one by Connie Gunther, a descendant of early San Diego. The legacy of those early Californios, townspeople, settlers and immigrants live on.

Are you a descendant of early San Diego? Do you think you might be? There’s a website I learned about that you ought to visit. Here it is. Those with family trees that reach back into early San Diego history can relate their knowledge for posterity and the benefit of others; those who think they might be related to an early resident of San Diego can perform searches and do extensive research. Check it out!

Kids listening to the speeches wave American flags.
Kids listening to the speeches wave American flags.
The keynote speech was by Tom Vilicich, portraying the 1st Sergeant, Company K, Ist U.S. Dragoons, who fought in the Battle of San Pasqual.
The keynote speech was by Tom Vilicich, portraying a first sergeant, Company K, 1st U.S. Dragoons, who fought in the Battle of San Pasqual.
After the speeches, there was a Flag Raising Ceremony. People removed their hats as Old Glory was hoisted up Old Town's high flagpole.
After the speeches, there was a Flag Raising Ceremony. People removed their hats as Old Glory was hoisted up Old Town’s high flagpole.
Salutes as the Star and Stripes ascends into the San Diego sky.
Salutes as the Star and Stripes ascends into the San Diego sky.
A billowing American flag on Independence Day!
A billowing American flag rises on Independence Day!
The musicians left the stage to make way for a special public reading of the Declaration of Independence.
The musicians left the stage to make way for a special public reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Diverse folk representing San Diego in the mid 19th century take turns reading the Declaration of Independence. Ordinary citizens in the crowd also took part!
Diverse folk representing San Diego in the mid 19th century take turns reading the Declaration of Independence. Ordinary citizens in the crowd also took part!
An ordinary American young person reads a few lines from the Declaration of Independence, on the Fourth of July in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
An ordinary American young person reads a few lines from the Declaration of Independence, on the Fourth of July in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
And then the parade began! It wound around the plaza twice. Ordinary Americans were invited to join in!
And then the parade began! It wound around the plaza twice. Ordinary Americans were invited to join in!
Represented in the small patriotic parade were Old Town volunteers, boosters, and descendants of early San Diego.
Represented in the small patriotic parade were Old Town volunteers, boosters, and descendants of early San Diego.
Here comes the old-fashioned marching band!
Here comes the old-fashioned marching band!
People in the parade wore every sort of period costume--even red, white and blue attire from our own modern period!
People in the parade wore every sort of period costume–even red, white and blue attire from our own modern period!
That's because ordinary American citizens joined in the fun!
That’s because ordinary American citizens joined in the fun!
This photo shows the good crowd that converged on Old Town San Diego for the Fourth of July!
This photo shows the good crowd that converged on Old Town San Diego for the Fourth of July!
A scene from the American Independence Day parade in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
A scene from the colorful American Independence Day parade in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.

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San Diego gets ready for 2016 MLB All-Star Game!

A booth anticipating this year's 2016 MLB All-Star Game sells official merchandise at Padres FanFest, the weekend before Opening Day.
A booth anticipating this year’s 2016 MLB All-Star Game sells official merchandise at Padres FanFest, the weekend before Opening Day.

I’ve taken more photos anticipating baseball’s Midsummer Classic!

San Diego will host the 2016 Major League Baseball All-Star Game in July, just one week separated from the internationally famous and wildly popular San Diego Comic-Con. Things are going to get crazy!

I live downtown, and I’ll be taking most of those two weeks off from work, so I promise to walk around and take loads of fun photos! Even though both events are several months away, I’m already getting excited!

2016 All-Star Game merchandise includes clothing, keychains, pins, commemorative baseballs and other collectible items. Major League Baseball will put on a big show this summer in San Diego!
2016 All-Star Game merchandise includes clothing, keychains, pins, commemorative baseballs and other collectible items. Major League Baseball will put on a big show this summer in San Diego!
2016 San Diego All-Star Game logo at end of pedestrian ramp inside Petco Park, stadium home of the MLB Padres.
2016 San Diego All-Star Game logo at end of pedestrian ramp inside Petco Park, cool stadium home of the MLB Padres.
This large sign at the top of Petco Park announces that San Diego is home of the 2016 All-Star Game.
This large sign at the top of Petco Park announces that San Diego is home of the 2016 All-Star Game.
The upcoming All-Star Game appears on a street lamp near Petco Park. These banners can now be seen around East Village.
The upcoming All-Star Game appears on a street lamp near Petco Park. These banners can now be seen around East Village.
Cool vintage baseball photo at entrance to DiamondView Tower overlooking Petco Park. More history will be made in San Diego this year.
Vintage baseball photo at entrance to DiamondView Tower overlooking Petco Park. More history will be made in San Diego this year.
Guy attending 2016 Padres FanFest wears an old 1992 San Diego All-Star Game jacket, reminding everyone that the Midsummer Classic is returning this year!
Guy attending 2016 Padres FanFest wears an old 1992 San Diego All-Star Game jacket, reminding everyone that the Midsummer Classic is returning this year!

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

This year I’ll be covering some huge events! Stand by for excitement!

Signs of 2016 All-Star Game appear in San Diego.

Sign in window of downtown's Omni Hotel, across Tony Gwynn Drive from Petco Park, proclaims San Diego is America's All-Star City.
Sign at downtown’s Omni Hotel, across Tony Gwynn Drive from Petco Park, proclaims San Diego is America’s All-Star City.

Winter is a week away. Time to start dreaming of next summer!

To help you dream, here are some photos I snapped in the past few months. During my walks around Petco Park, I’ve noticed a variety of signs which anticipate the 2016 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. It will be held right here in San Diego!

Digital display on Western Metal Supply Co. building at Petco Park, the downtown stadium of the San Diego Padres, counts down the days and hours until the 2016 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.
Digital display on Western Metal Supply Co. building at Petco Park, the downtown stadium of the San Diego Padres, counts down the days and hours until the 2016 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.
One cool window of the Omni Hotel seems to offer a view into the future, as the 2016 All-Star Game is being played in San Diego.
One cool “window” of the Omni Hotel seems to offer a view into the future, as the 2016 All-Star Game is being played in San Diego.
Baseball's All-Star Game is coming next summer! A few signs have popped up around Petco Park many months in advance. It's going to be fun!
Baseball’s All-Star Game is coming next summer! A few signs have popped up around Petco Park many months in advance. It’s going to be fun!

UPDATE!

Look what I saw in mid-December 2015…

Just before Christmas, All-Star Santa has been painted on the window of the San Diego Padres Store in the Western Metal Supply Co. Building!
Just before Christmas, All-Star Santa has been painted on the window of the San Diego Padres Store in the Western Metal Supply Co. Building!

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