Reimagining City-Sponsored Community Events
Published on December 02, 2021
The Alameda Recreation and Parks Department (ARPD) has a long history of organizing community events for the City of Alameda. As we look toward bringing back large events in 2022, we have the unique opportunity to consider what is working well, what we might change, and how we can reimagine events to reflect the values of inclusion, diversity, and equity. With the approval of the City Council and Recreation and Parks Commission, ARPD is now offering the following events, with more information to be posted at www.alamedaca.gov/events:
December 2021 Tree Lighting Festival: While this event is no longer taking place in front of City Hall, the public was invited to attend the South Shore tree lighting event on November 26 to help Santa and the Mayor light the tree and enjoy live music and a performance by the Tap Dancing Christmas Trees. City Hall is decorated with a tree, menorah, and peace sign. A Chanukah Celebration was held at Rittler Park on November 18 with a menorah lighting, food, music, and family activities.
February 5 Storytelling and Drumming Festival at Mastick Senior Center: This community event will host storytellers, drummers, and puppeteers from many diverse cultures and communities. This event includes Native American and Asian folklore storytellers, African and Japanese drumming, poetry, and puppetry. We are currently seeking more storytellers from Black, Latinx, LGBTQIA, and Jewish communities.
April Spring Earth Festival: This new event is envisioned to include community organizations, educational and interactive activities about Earth Day and climate change, music, a bike festival, and family friendly competitions.
June Sandcastle and Sandsculpture Contest: A uniquely Alameda event to get sandy and build your own masterpiece! This event is co-sponsored by the East Bay Regional Park District and Bayview Women’s Club.
June – September Starlight Movies in the Park: Enjoy movies under the stars each month, co-sponsored by the Alameda Friends of the Parks Foundation. ARPD is working to make numerous improvements such as adding a movie in August, rotating locations for geographical equity, live music, food trucks, and a Dive-in movie, where people relax on the pool deck or on pool floats in the water while watching a movie.
July 4 Fourth of July Parade: At this time, ARPD is planning to bring back this well-loved event for all Alamedans to celebrate community and everything that is uniquely Alameda.
October Water Festival Regatta: A new event that celebrates Alameda as a community surrounded by water. This is an opportunity for people to get out on the water and try new sports and activities at the Encinal Boat Launch Facility. ARPD will collaborate with local paddling and boating organizations to create opportunities for residents to get aboard a sailboat, outrigger canoe, dragon boat, or paddle board -- or try fishing for the first time. This event could also include other water based demonstrations and landside activities with Alameda’s maritime companies.
October Pride in the Park: A family-friendly event celebrating LGBTQIA communities with performances, music, and food at Chochenyo Park. This event is part of a weekend long celebration with activities across Alameda. Pride in the Park is community-led and co-sponsored by the Downtown Alameda Business Association (DABA).