What could be better than a full day of family fun, food, a parade, entertainment and a carnival to celebrate a milestone? Well, if the occasion is to mark the City of Newark’s birthday, nothing shorter than four days will do.
Officials from the annual Newark Days Celebration estimated more than 100,000 people showed up September 19-22, 2024 to help celebrate the anniversary of the city’s incorporation in September, 1955. The admission-free gala was centered around Newark Community Center and the nearby MacGregor School playfields along Cedar Boulevard.
Among visitors on Saturday were Fremont residents Wei Liu and his wife Michelle who brought their young daughter with them. “It’s a really nice community event,” Liu said, adding that it was a surprise to find there was such a large event close by that included many family activities. The couple, who have lived in the area for about four years, said their daughter particularly enjoyed the children’s petting zoo.
Hometown parade hits stride
This year’s celebration theme was “Let the Games Begin” and included a 4K race/walk for adults and a separate 4Kids tiny tot race for children on Saturday. But the signature event was the Hometown Parade that marched along Newark and Cedar Boulevards on Saturday featuring about 100 entries from schools, community groups, military units and officials from the City of Newark and Alameda County Fire Department.
The parade highlight was the 1,000-plus students representing local and regional schools including bands from Newark Memorial, American, Kennedy, Washington and Half Moon Bay High Schools. Also hitting their stride were younger students from Birch Grove Primary School, Coyote Hills Elementary School, A.L. Schilling Elementary School, St. Edward School and others.
A carnival of music food and fun
Live entertainment included a taiko drum performance by Wadaiko Newark, music by Newark Symphonic Winds and headliner jams from rock ‘n’ roll, Motown, country, Latin, jazz and pop music bands.
While taking a break from all the activities, visitors had an opportunity to sit down and sample foods, spices and beverages from more than 30 food booths featuring a variety of ethnic and American foods. Additionally, a beer and wine pavilion offered adults 21 and older a chance to buy numerous imported, domestic and craft brews.
Rounding out the festivities each day were dozens of arts and craft booths, community information exhibits, a classic car show and carnival with rides, and family-friendly games.
The weekend of Newark Days includes many fun and friendly contests and competitions. Below is a list of some of the winners of the Newark Day’s competitions.
Newark Mile 4k:
Top 5 male winners all age groups
Muhammed Ahmed, age group 15-25: 11:31.2
Anthony Cortes, age group 26-35: 12:18.0
Christian Lucatero, age group 26-35: 13:37.7
Aiden Snow, age group 0-14: 13:58.4
Kristian Clemens, 26-35: 14:01.1
Top 5 female winners all age groups
Cali Barberi, age group 15-25: 14:22.9
Kristen Chin, age group 0-14: 14:27.6
Eva Luu, age group 26-35: 14:42.3
Anelli Baron, age group 26-35: 14:58.0
Juli Barberi, age group 0-14: 16:12.0
Car show winners:
Best of Show: Darrell Benner – 1961 Chevy Impala
People’s Choice: Steve Luperine – 1963 AMC Rambler 770 Wagon
Mayor’s Choice: Bill Campbell – 1947 Ford Convertible
Best Custom: Doug Patterson – 1950 Chevy Truck
Best Original: Richard Ghiselli – 1972 Plymouth Satellite Sebring Plus
Best Hot Rod: Larry Strouse – 1932 Ford 5 Window
Best Foreign: Jennifer Teguia – 1991 Nissan Figaro
Best Convertible: Dick Modzeleski – 1948 Willys A48 Jeepster
Band Awards:
I.D. Units
1st Mission San Jose High School Marching Warrior Band
2nd American Eagles Marching Band
3rd Tri-City Band Corps Cadet Regiment
Flag Team
1st Mission San Jose High School Marching Warrior Band
2nd American Eagles Marching Band
3rd Washington High School Marching Band
Drum Major (Mace)
1st Mission San Jose High School Marching Warrior Band
2nd Tri-City Band Corps Cadet Regiment
3rd Kennedy High School Marching Band
Drum Major (Military)
1st American Eagles Marching Band
2nd Washington High School Marching Band
High School Band (Class A – 40+ musicians)
1st American Eagles Marching Band
2nd Washington High School Marching Band
High School Band (Class B – <40 musicians)
1st Kennedy High School Marching Band
2nd Half Moon Bay High School
Middle School Band
1st Newark Middle School
2nd Tri-City Band Corps Cadet Regiment
Newark Days Celebration
