September 12, 2006 > Newark celebrates 51 years

by Linda Stone

The birthday parties just keep on coming. Last weekend, Fremont held its big 50th birthday bash at Central Park and this week, its Newark's turn as elder sibling to celebrate its 51st anniversary. This year's annual Newark Days party promises that "It's All Here" and will show celebrants exactly what that means from Thursday, September 14 through Sunday, September 17 at MacGregor Fields and Community Park next to the Community Center at 35501 Cedar Blvd. near Newark Blvd. in Newark.

Celebrating the city's heritage and pride, this four-day party has been held every year since 1972 to remember and rejoice in the birth of the city of Newark in 1955. Parades, carnival rides, a car and truck show, art and commercial displays plus lots of food and entertainment are the hallmarks of this fall event. Newark Days 2006 activities will be no exception when the citizens of Newark once again pull out all the stops to make it a "Yowza" occasion.

The traditional Kid's Parade kicks off the celebration at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday at the corner of Cedar and Newark Boulevards. Presented by the Newark Jaycees, entrants include city schools, civic groups and organizations. Awards will follow at a reception after the parade. That evening, everyone is invited to enjoy carnival rides at half-price ($1). Friday night promises additional carnival fun plus an art, photo and quilt show and spectacular live music.

On Saturday, a sanctioned 2.5 mile "fun run" called "The Newark Mile," is scheduled for Saturday at 8:30 a.m. beginning at the Community Center. This is the 23rd annual run. Goodie bags and T-shirts will be given to all runners who pre-register and trophies will go to six different categories divided by age. Following the "fun run," Newark's Birthday Parade will begin at 9:45 a.m. at Central Ave. and Newark Blvd. and end near the Community Center on Cedar Blvd. to signal the beginning of two full weekend days of festivities. Sunday will feature ArkNew's Dog Show with talented pups judged in categories of "Best Pet Tricks," "Best Owner/Dog Look-A-Like contest" and "Best Dressed."

Don't forget to bring a toy valued at $10 to donate to Toys for Tots on Sunday to support the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program benefiting needy children in Fremont, Newark and Union City. Participants will receive complimentary coffee, hot chocolate and donuts. A special appearance by the Oakland Raiderettes and a big surprise for the kids await visitors.

There is no cost for admission.

Newark Days
Thursday - Sunday
Sept. 14 - 17
Next to Newark Community Center
35501 Cedar Blvd., Newark
(510) 793-5683
www.newarkdays.org