The largest festival and car show in Castro Valley is back for its 39th year, but this time in a new location.
From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday, crowds from across the East Bay will gather on Norbridge Avenue near the Castro Valley Library and Castro Valley BART station.
Admission is free.
Festival-goers will enjoy live entertainment, art, crafts, food, wine, beer and activities for children courtesy of 150 vendors and community and nonprofit groups.
The original festival was held in 1972 in Castro Village Shopping Center—home to Loard's Ice Cream and dozens of retail and specialty shops. But the festival outgrew that space and added a successful car show, so about five years ago, it moved to Castro Valley Boulevard, where it has been held every year until this year.
A Boulevard Streetscape Beautification Project—under way since October—has turned the former festival location into a construction zone, prompting this year's one-time-only move.
Despite the move, the two-day festival is slated to showcase all its old favorites.
Live entertainment on multiple stages is planned, although the schedule has not been finalized.
Check back at http://www.castrovalleychamber.com/fall-festival-2011#highlights to see the final schedule when it’s posted.
This year’s classic car show will feature more cars than any previous year. It will take place on Saturday in the BART parking lot. All profits from the show will go to the Chamber of Commerce and the auto technology program at Hayward’s Eden Area Regional Occupational Program.
Castro Valley's other big events are the this year and the Rowell Ranch Rodeo, Parade and Chli Cookoff in May of every year.
Those interested in volunteering at the fall festival can also call the Chamber of Commerce office at 510-537-5300.
Lupita