October 19, 2007

A good time had by all

Day in the Park a big hit

By Bill Highlander
Editor

Children display Spanish dancing, as thousands enjoy sunny skies and fun activities at Lake Cunningham at Day in the Park on Saturday, Oct. 6. Photo by William Bellou

The parking lots at Lake Cunningham were filled to capacity and visitors streamed to the Day in the Park activities Saturday, Oct. 6.

Presented by Vice Mayor Dave Cortese and the Rotary Club of San Jose East/Evergreen, the annual multicultural festival drew thousands of people. Michelle Playo, event coordinator, estimated more than 10,000 people in attendance.

Families stood in long lines to get free BBQ and pumpkins. Lucky/Savemart arranged to give1,500 pumpkins to children 12 and under. San Jose firefighters grilled and served 1,000 hot dogs and 400 hamburgers.

Arthur Revas, visiting with the Galindo family, said “It’s great for the kids. They are enjoying everything.” The children’s area provided face painting and bounce houses.

Aztec dancers recall a cultural tradition; Above right: Passing out a few of the million CIF bulbs scheduled to be given free to Californians.

A variety of multicultural groups entertained the crowd. The Vietnamese Lion Dance, Ku’u Aloha hula dancers and band, music groups and martial arts demonstrations performed on Stage 2.

On the main stage, Ronald McDonald bantered with the spectators while showing his magic skills. Vice Mayor Cortese and Mayor Chuck Reed welcomed all to the Day in the Park and then mingled with the crowd, shaking hands and saying hello.

Manuel Romero’s singing was a hit with the audience, especially the song announced as the mayor’s favorite, You Ain’t Nothing But a Hound Dog. Fans used cell phones to take pictures and Romero signed autographs after his performance.

Ed Medina, his wife Franchesca and daughter Ariana enjoyed Romero’s performance, took pictures and got his autograph. They said they come to the festival every year and look forward to it.

Kathy Gonzales, owner of Blossom & Bows passed out dozens of carnations.

A favorite attraction was the San Jose Police Department helicopter. Sergeant Larry Ellsworth, one of four pilots with the Air Support Unit, answered questions and pointed out its capabilities. The “Colibri” (translated from Italian as the hummingbird) can fly at 140 miles per hour, stay in flight for two hours before refueling and mounts a searchlight and FLIR (forward looking infrared) to help catch speeders and the bad guys.

PG&E and other sponsors gave away 1,500 CFL light bulbs. The energy saving bulbs last longer and help sustain the environment. They do, however, contain mercury and should be disposed of as hazardous waste.

More than 100 booths provided information and services. South Bay Mobile Clinic offered free flu shots, Evergreen College Nursing program tested blood pressure and Tooth Mobile handed out toothbrushes and dental floss.

Day in the Park has been held for 13 years, the last nine sponsored by Vice Mayor Dave Cortese and co-sponsored for the past five years by San Jose Rotary East/Evergreen.