Feeling down? Me too. These are tough times we’re living in, but you can’t weep and worry 24-7, so here’s a tip from my therapist, who’s never wrong about these things: Get out and have some fun.
And what could be more fun than the best outdoor party of the year? That’s the Solano Stroll this Sunday, which runs the whole length of Solano Avenue, from Berkeley on the avenue’s east side to Albany on its west, and has taken place on September’s second Sunday every year since 1974 (except during the 2020 and 2021 COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns).
I’ve been going to the Stroll longer than I can remember, and I’ve never had anything less than a blast. How could you not, with singers, dancers, musicians who include the Berkeley High and Albany High jazz bands, magicians, stilt-walkers, clowns, professional wrestlers (no kidding) and the Big Bubble People (who make — wait for it — big bubbles)?
Of course, the biggest attraction is the festival-goers themselves. If you like people-watching, this is the place for you. The whole idea is to walk at your own pace, stuffing yourself as you go along with hot dogs, Korean corn dogs, kettle corn, shaved ice, barbecued chicken on a skewer and much, much more. If all of that’s too tempting, don’t fret: The booth at the corner of Solano Avenue and Pierce Street will be staffed by folks from Overeaters Anonymous. Many of the restaurants on Solano also will be open.
The Berkeley and Albany Police and Fire departments will be on hand with practical advice about protecting your home and family from crime and fire. So will the Berkeley Humane Society, who will bring adorable kitties and doggies available for adoption. (You won’t be allowed to take them home on the spot, though. You’ll still have to make an appointment instead to pick up your new furry friend and do the paper work the next day.) If you want to make friends with even smaller critters, check out the booth for the Alameda County Beekeepers Association.
If you’d like to meet Berkeley’s new mayor, Adena Ishii, she’ll be there to answer your questions and listen to your concerns and suggestions. One of the most valuable organizations I know, the League of Women Voters, will also be there. If you’re wondering how to do something positive in politics, check them out, as they are where Mayor Ishii got her start (by the way, they happily accept men too). Also, if you know someone who is being abused, the Women’s Daytime Drop-in Center booth may be worth a visit.
Many faiths will also have booths, including the Berkeley Buddhist Priory, the School of the Madeleine, Northbrae Community Church and Temple Beth Hillel. So will all ages, from Cub Scout Pack 30 in Berkeley to the Grey Panthers of the East Bay. As always, jewelers and artisans galore will also be there. If you can wear, use or display it, they’ll have a prettier version.
Back in the day, the Stroll’s grand marshall was usually someone famous, like Joseph Charles, the beloved Berkeley Waving Man, or Howdy Doody’s sidekick, Buffalo Bob. For those of you under 80, I should explain that Buffalo Bob was my generation’s Mister Rogers. I interviewed him once at the Stroll, and he was just as nice as he was on TV.
My only disappointment was that he didn’t bring Howdy with him. The iconic puppet was safely stashed in a sturdy safe in Buffalo Bob’s home. Instead, he brought a road version that looked just like Howdy. His name was Double Doody.
In recent years, however, the grand marshall has been one of the merchants on Solano. This year it’s Frederika Adam, who owns Albany Sauna and Hot Tubs, which has been on Solano Avenue since 1934. She’ll lead the parade that kicks off the Stroll from 10 to 11 a.m. this Sunday, then they’ll open the street to the rest of us until 5 p.m.
If you don’t want to drive to the Stroll, free buses will be shuttling to and from the North Berkeley BART station all day on nearby Marin Avenue, and if you want to bike to the Stroll there will be valet parking for your bicycle at the corner of Solano and Key Route.
Sound like fun? You bet. Looking forward to seeing you there. For more information, visit solanostroll.org online.
Martin Snapp can be reached at catman442@comcast.net.