Alameda’s first street fair of the year once again delivered fun, food, great music, cool shopping, kids’ rides and more. Park Street was closed this past Saturday and Sunday for Downtown Alameda’s Spring Festival from Encinal to Lincoln avenues. Unique arts and crafts, beer and wine booths and live music added to the fun. 

“We really look forward to it each year and I’m lucky it’s Mother’s Day today,” said Alameda resident Barbara Marks. “I don’t have to cook and my husband said we can eat breakfast, lunch and dinner here!” 

Alameda Police and Fire departments, Public Transit, APT, Comcast, the U.S. Army, and many other civic and commercial business booths lined historic Park Street. This year the fair featured a new layout with the craft and other vendor booths forming a central promenade between them. 

Many of the stores and restaurants had discounted specials to entice new and returning area customers. Magicians and clowns entertained kids and adults. Some of the bands that rocked the crowd included Savannah Blu, Long Train Running and the Ben Luis Group. 

The two-day fair was actually part of a three-day Alameda spectacular as the 2nd Friday Art Walk was held the Friday prior and included art from Rhythmix Cultural Works, Studio 23 and the West End’s Cafe Muse.