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Solano Stroll Was a Great Party As Usual

By Steven Finacom
Tuesday September 14, 2010 - 11:49:00 AM
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The Solano Stroll brought thousands to Solano Avenue. A ferris wheel anchored the east end of the event. Marchers included a Chinese lion and dragon dancer contingent, samba dancers, groups from local schools, fencing students, and Berkeley High School cheerleaders. Two tiny drummers, part of the California Repercussions group, brought up the rear.
Steven Finacom
The Solano Stroll brought thousands to Solano Avenue. A ferris wheel anchored the east end of the event. Marchers included a Chinese lion and dragon dancer contingent, samba dancers, groups from local schools, fencing students, and Berkeley High School cheerleaders. Two tiny drummers, part of the California Repercussions group, brought up the rear.

Cheerleaders, fire engines, bicycle police, electric go carts, bands, fencers, gymnasts, samba dancers, and assorted local politicians marched, danced, or rolled their way down Solano Avenue in the traditional parade that kicked off the Solano Stroll on Sunday, September 12. 

It was the 36th year of the annual event. The 2010 iteration was entitled “A Global A-Faire”. The Stroll is hosted by the Solano Avenue Merchants Association. 

A mile of the Avenue running through Berkeley and Albany, closed to traffic for the day, was lined with scores of booths of non-profit organizations, craft sellers, local businesses, and cultural and activity groups. 

The thousands who showed up could get a slice of Zachary’s pizza, ride a ferris wheel, buy a historic postcard, or find out about the myriad community groups and causes in the area.