Solano Stroll Has Deep Roots in Albany

Looking back. In our fast-paced world this is not an easy thing to do. Today, many of us have a hard time leaving the present long enough to consider our futures, let alone reflect on the past. Surely, reminiscing about our lives through personal memories can be satisfying and fun. But history is obviously older than that—what is the value of knowing about the people, events and situations that came before us? For me, it's knowing I've come full circle in my understanding.

Perceptions of the past can vary widely—sometimes the past seems strange, sometimes idyllic, sometimes horrific, sometimes entertaining and amusing—but whatever the impression, it is frequently interesting when compared with today. The perspective gained can lead to a fuller appreciation of what currently exists or knowledge that helps create necessary change for the future.

Albany is a small city—approximately 1.5 square miles—but it has a rich history, full of natural beauty, odd and amusing characters, and intriguing events. In this column, we'll explore some of these, in no particular order. I invite you to add your own memories and comments.

This month marks one of our (and the East Bay's) biggest annual events—the Solano Stroll. The stroll began in 1974 as a weekday evening sidewalk sale near the top of Solano Avenue. A much smaller gathering, it featured booths like an ice cream stand from McCallum's, the much-loved ice cream parlor that was located near today's Peet's Coffee.

By the 1980s, the stroll was getting larger, attracting several thousand people, and was held on a Sunday afternoon. As the event grew, the street was closed to traffic and controversies developed. Near the end of the 1980s, the stroll had "lost its direction" and was nearly discontinued, according to the Solano Avenue Association, which organizes the stroll. The event featured loud rock music and beer. Many merchants closed their shops and some nearby residents were unhappy with the commotion.

As a result, changes were made to the stroll, including eliminating alcohol sales, encouraging more merchants to participate, and fostering a greater focus on high quality entertainment and art. Another move, controversial with some of the merchants, was adding outside vendors to help fill in gaps that existed along the street where businesses were closed. Attendance continued to increase until the stroll became the major festival it is today, with continuous activities the full 26 blocks of the street.

Each year the stroll features a theme—which has ranged from Send in the Clowns to Journey of a Thousand Cranes—and a grand marshal, which has ranged from local dignitaries to Howdy Doody. Various characters have participated in the parade and event over the years as well. Allen Cain, executive director of the Solano Avenue Association, recalls Professor Gizmo, a one-man band, and Madame Ovary, who put on puppet shows for kids. And, of course, many people remember the unicycling Pink Man.

Today, the Stroll attracts 200,000 to 300,000 people, depending on who does the counting. According to Cain, the Berkeley Fire Department estimated last year's attendance at 260,000, and the stroll has now been listed as a "Local Legacy" at the Library of Congress. Probably few envisioned that in 1974.

See photographs from past strolls here.