September 26, 2006 > Fall ushers in Union City festival

by Julie Grabowski

Embrace the change of seasons with Union City's Third Annual Fall Festival of the Arts. Held on September 30 in Old Alvarado Park alongside the Saturday Farmers Market, the festival will offer a variety of arts, wine, food, and live music from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

With sponsors such as Tri-Ced Community Recycling, Union City Friends, Art Association of the East Bay, FedEx Kinko's, Allied Waste, Union City Leisure Services, Paddy's Coffee House, and Pasta Pomodoro, this year's festival promises to be bigger and better than its forerunners. Event coordinator Diane LaMountaine says festival applicants have doubled with each year, and hopes the increase in marketing will draw more people. "The purpose of this event has not shifted since its inception. It is a non-profit based event, dedicated to supporting the artists and providing a family friendly experience for the surrounding communities to look forward to each year. This is truly a 'community' driven event." LaMountaine also holds hopes for great weather and a good crowd of people who enjoy the festival setting and like to support local artists. "This is a great time of year to find unique one-of-a-kind gifts for the upcoming holiday season."

Over fifteen booths will offer creative works including photography, oil and acrylic paintings, mixed media, custom jewelry, sculpture, hand-poured candles, pottery, clothing, handmade dolls and more. Livermore's White Crane Winery will be on hand with moderately priced Cabernet and Chardonnay, as well as a higher end Reserve Cabernet and Reserve Pinot Noir. For $5, aficionados can sample the lower priced wines in a Fall Festival glass bearing a frosted, etched logo designed by local graphic artist Marcel Miranda. Whole bottles will also be available for purchase. The entertainment stage will be set with musical performers Paul Parker and the Pep Sounds, Down the Road, and Taiko Drummers, with DJ Magic Styles providing CD music during breaks. Attendees can visit represented businesses like Century 21 Realty, Corinthian Realty and Common Wealth Title Company, and Tri-Ced, or treat their locks to a new style by Darleen's Braid Salon. A Fun House will also be set up for kids.

Think of changing leaves and friendly faces, samples from Pasta Pomodoro, colorful Shaved Ice, and warm Churros; plan to spend some time mingling with your talented and vibrant community. For more information contact Diane LaMountaine at (510) 477-9459.

The Fall Festival is made possible by the support of Chris Valuckas of Union City Leisure Services and his team of volunteers; Bob Swartz, President of Union City Friends; Diane LaMountaine, President of the Art Association of the East Bay; Steve Miller; and the Union City Police and Fire Departments.

Third Annual Fall Festival of the Arts
Saturday, September 30
9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Old Alvarado Park, Union City
(Across from Paddy's, 3900 Smith Street)
(510) 477-9459

Performance Schedule:

10:00 a.m.-Noon Paul Parker and the Pep Sounds
12:15 p.m.-1:45 p.m. Down the Road
2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Taiko Drummers