WorldOne is a celebratory local way to spend July Fourth with the EC community.
This is the event where I enjoyed great music; bought a local handmade, funky, glazed clay frog that now lives in our front garden; got to check out some insider views on local schools by talking to community members; conversed with reps from the City of EC about what was important to me as a citizen here. There are lots of activities and fun at this gathering for all ages and interests.
The local angle is sometimes hard to find...we get it here!
Well, another Five Star for the Fourth. In El Cerrito, that is.
Here's how the day went.
After rain last week, we ordered up a warm sunny day.
Mother Nature obliged. As always...El Cerrito sits on the warm side of the  Bay.
The day dawned, we played with the dogs for a while to tire them out, donned our straw hats and were off to a day at the Festival.
Walking. Â (We are one clean, green, city....)
Arrived, mingled with our fellow townspeople. Checked out the art exhibit. Checked out the various booths....
*National Rifle Association. Check.
*Citizens for Peace. Check.
*Republicans. Check.
*Democrats. Check.
*Aidell's Sausage booth. Check.
*About Face, Wholly Vegan booth. Check.
You get the drift...something for everyone. And everyone getting along nicely. (Sorry, Barbara...I missed your odd confrontation.)
*Red, white and blue flags flittered about in people's hands.
*Red, Black, and Green streamers flittered about, sometimes on tall poles, but often also in people's hands.
* Yellow dyed cloths flickered from booths.
Kids played games at booths. Lots of inflated jumping booths seemed popular.
All of this took place, as it usually does, on a sea of green grass. Spectacular...
"Twas wonderful.
And shout outs to the following people:
Gene and Roger, of course.
Sylvia Moir, our new police chief. Â
The entire ECFD, who manned their booth despite a devastating fatal fire two days ago...
Corey Mason for pulling the Fest off once again.
Betty and Charles at the Patch Booth
West Edge Opera
and, of course, Mother Nature.
You Guys Rock! Thank you all!
See you next year, "God willin' and the creek don't rise."
It's a very nice Festival that El Cerrito puts on, I was quite impressed!! Â Lots of great food, artisan vendors, performances, children's activities, and even rides!
I did have quite an ugly confrontation with some out of the area folk who came and obviously drank too much, enough to want to start a fight! Â It feels good to know that there were plenty of Police around, and they finally hauled Ms. Ghetto away from me! Â Unreal, in my own city this would happen to me!
Other than that brief ugly encounter, it is a plenty bountiful festival, glad I was there!
I have been to this festival 3 years running. Â Just took my chair, blanket and sat in the sun in a beautiful park listening to great music all day. Â You couldn't ask for a better family friendly environment for the day. Â So worth the price of admission! FREE! Seriously. Â A nice park, nice environment, nice people, decent food options, all and all a peaceful day midst music, people etc........V
Review Source:This is a nice, relaxing festival to take the kids. You can wind down by having a seat on the lawn and listen to the bands on stage, or you can take a walk across the street to the many vendors. This year they had an outdoor ice skating rink which I thought was cool for a 4th festival. Very enjoyable and family friendly.
Review Source:worldOne festival is the most sumptuous world music festival I know of in the Bay Area. Â Â
Moving into its 10th year this 2008 season, worldOne festival happens every July 4th (and now the 3rd too) AND its free! Â
The intertwining of global musics, arts + crafts, soaring colors and good spirit create a genuinely restorative atmosphere for All-Americans of all ages.
I am honored to be a volunteer and Co-Producer of  this gift to the community with my husband, Corey Mason, Event Director and Founder of worldOne radio and festival.  Tune in week nights year-round from 6-9 pm on 88.1 fm KeCg El Cerrito/Berkeley.  worldOne is also available for private events!
Come celebrate 10 years of music in the park this July 3rd and 4th.
Inspired sponsors are invited to be in contact. Â Now is the time.
You'll leave aglow. Â Alohaaaaaa.