Bay Area Pet Fair

     The Bay Area has a lot to offer pets and pet owners, from numerous beautiful dog parks to swimming beaches to outdoor dining at countless restaurants. And every year, there's even a fair for pet families...The Bay Area Pet Fair, California's largest adoption event. According to their website, the pet fair boasts over 70 visiting rescues and shelters, around 1,500 pet adoptions, and about 50,000 visitors.
     The pet fair takes place at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, and admission and parking are free. Although temperatures in Pleasanton are usually pretty high during September, the fair had a few Big Fogg stations for cool-down, buckets of water literally everywhere, and most booths and adoption areas were indoors or under a large canopy. Driving is really the only practical way to visit, especially if you hope to go home with a new family member, and plenty of volunteers are on-hand to get the many visitors parked quickly and hassle-free.
     For visitors not looking to adopt, there are numerous pet food and pet product booths, almost all of which hand out free samples. You can get a tote almost right away to hold it all, but taking a bag is also a good idea. In between collecting samples and learning about different pet products, you can watch dogs going for distance at Splash Dogs, meet a variety of rescue pups and K-9 officers, get a snow cone or some other goody from the food vendors, and meet all the pet guests. Those looking to adopt can additionally get a Wag Bag upon adoption.
     My sister and I were interested in grain-free products, and we weren't disappointed. Most booths had a grain-free line. We also found hemp treats, dental chews, coupons for all kinds of pet products, and a variety of soft and hard foods. We were especially impressed by the Weruva brand. Although the samples were free, there were also booths where one could buy pet-themed floor mats, coffee cups, pillows, bags, and more. We even talked to an animal rescue group about adopting rescued chickens and other animals.
     If you or your pooch get easily overwhelmed by crowds, this pet fair can be a challenge. Each building we entered was deafening with pet chatter, but there was a quiet grassy area with plenty of benches to get away from the chaos for a while. And the Splash Dogs area and Big Fogg stations provided nice open areas to re-ground.
     Overall, the pet fair is ideal for new pet parents looking for the best food options, experienced pet parents looking for more advanced food, training, and supplement options, and for prospective pet parents looking to expand their family. If you like a carnival atmosphere, love animals, enjoy meeting other pet owners, and/or want your pets to have some socializing time outside of the dog park, The Bay Area Pet Fair is definitely a Bay-Area-Miss-Me-Not.

Parking filling up quick before 10 am

 

Alameda 4th of July Parade

     For me, the 4th of July isn't complete without a parade, and one of the longest parades in the US takes place right here in the Bay Area on the island of Alameda. Starting at 10 am, the parade moves down Park Street from Lincoln (Alameda's East End), turns right onto Otis Drive (where the judging stand is located), turns right onto Grand, left onto Encinal to Central, and from Central, turns right onto Webster (Alameda's West End) and continues down to Lincoln. The route is over three miles long, and this year, there were over 160 floats.

     The parade itself includes all the classic elements you'd expect to see: marching bands, dance troupes, city leaders on classic cars, horses...and more horses, emergency response vehicles, military vehicles and personnel, and floats representing local clubs, schools, businesses, and organizations. But there's always something unique or new or exciting: a zebra this year, for example, or men riding steers. The Sikh Riders have an impressive array of motorcycles. There's always an Alameda Gay Pride float. This year, there was a float dedicated simply to donuts, with a lady yelling "Celebrate the sprinkle!" Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter or FAAS always has a contingent of sweet pups wagging their tales at the crowds. And if you're hoping for a Coast Guard helicopter flyover, you probably won't be disappointed.

     Kenny the Clown, a local celebrity, can usually be found on Webster before the parade, making balloon creations for kids (donations welcome). His bubble machine is quite the sensation. There are also ice cream, fruit, and snack vendors making frequent circuits of the parade route. A little candy is dispersed by passing floats, and you may collect a strand of beads or two by the end. Most of the local shops are also open so you can stop in for a drink or even breakfast or lunch.

     If you're looking for a free, family-friendly event to celebrate the 4th, Alameda's parade is definitely a Bay-Area-Miss-Me-Not. If you arrive early enough to avoid traffic and find a parking spot, the event is pretty low-stress. The parade route is so long that it's usually easy to find a seat, even if you arrive late. If you are planning to drive, keep in mind that traffic on and off the island is usually a headache during events, but driving may be easiest (all bus routes are diverted for the parade, and though you can take BART to downtown Oakland, you have to take a bus onto the island). There is more parking on the West End (near Webster), and the parade arrives on Webster around 11:15. Make sure to wear a hat and sunglasses. Below are pictures from this year's parade (as you can see, I favor the horses). Enjoy!

Bubbles from Kenny the Clown

Coast Guard flyover

Mini AC Transit Bus

Bowzer's Pizza (Pug Power)

Sikh Riders

Hi from FAAS

Photos from previous parades:

Videos: