3rd Annual Neptune Beach Community Celebration Returns to Alameda

Visit the 3rd Annual Neptune Beach Community Celebration in Alameda’s West End and you might think you have been transported back in time to the heyday of Neptune Beach but it’ s still 2014 and you’re in the Alameda you know, only it’s better! There will be lively music and a host of great attractions for all the family. The event will take place on Saturday September 6th from 10.00am to 5.30pm and Sunday September 7th from 10.30am to 5.30pm.

Produced by the Alameda Chamber of Commerce, the Celebration recalls the festive atmosphere of the early 20th century, when Neptune Beach was a thriving tourist destination and celebrates the renaissance of West Alameda and Webster Street. “We’ve created an event that is full of family orientated fun,” says Michael McDonough, Chamber President. “Families can come to the Celebration for an hour or stay all day. It’s a real amusement park atmosphere.”

New for this year are classic 1920’s era automobiles, arcade games sponsored by theAlameda Boys and Girls Club, Girls Inc. and The Alameda Point Collaborative, and the Vintage Costume Pet Parade that kicks off the Opening Ceremony on Saturday at 10.00am. Returning favorites include; the East Bay Regional Park’s Crab Cove exhibit with live animals and hands-on kid’s activities, an exhilarating 100ft long slide, a huge inflatable obstacle course, a climbing wall and pony rides. This year the star of the show, a 50ft tall Ferris wheel, will operate all weekend giving riders even more chances to enjoy the Bay views, just as Neptune Beach visitors did a century before us.

The live music this year is packed with local talent. On Saturday, the band Beforia features local drummer Rene Escovedo of the famous Escovedo family (Sheila E is Rene’s niece), followed by Soulstice, winner of the 2013 Alameda Battle of the Bands. Sunday’s bands also include stand-outs like Bear Lincolnand all-girl disco group Shake Your Booty Band. Debuting this year will be a second stage called the “Unplugged Stage” featuring local kids and musical performances from the Alameda Can Sing program. Exciting cultural experiences like Hula and Peruvian dancing complete the musical playbill.

And don’t forget to eat and drink! Walking around you will be hit by the sounds, sights and smells of the global cuisine presented by the lively restaurant community on Webster Street. When you’re in need of libations, visit a favorite watering hole or sip some wine sponsored by Alameda’s own star vintners,Rock Wall Wine Company, or enjoy beer by local brewing sensations Faction Brewing Company.

Visit http://neptunebeachcc.com/ for all the latest information.

—Information and photo submitted by Alameda Chamber of Commerce