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Carnaval San Francisco DRUMBEAT JULY 2009
Carnaval San Francisco 2009 Warms Up a Chilly Memorial Day Weekend
The weather may have been chilly but it was hot, hot, hot in the Mission District for the 31st Annual Carnaval San Francisco 2009. In spite of the luke warm economy and the chilly weather, Carnaval San Francisco 2009 was an artistic success and one of the most beautiful extravaganzas of multicultural dance and music in the Bay Area. Over 60 fabulous contingents representing the global community and some incredible fusions dazzled spectators that lined the more than 20 blocks of the Parade route. The Parade contingents outdid themselves in costumes, props, floats and Carnaval spirit. Ingenuity was the key with groups like Bras Arte/Ginga Brasil parading in recycled costumes from 20 years of participating in Carnaval San Francisco.
The staff of Mission Neighborhood Centers, Inc. (MNC) and the San Francisco Cultural Arts Traditions (SF CAT) Board of Directors wish to congratulate Rita Barela and her staff at Rita Barela Productions, Inc., (RBP) for their work in producing this year’s event in partnership with MNC and securing corporate sponsors in this tough economy. RBP’s staff was headed up by Ashley Montgomery, Managing Partner, along with Christine Andrews, Administrative Assistant. The Production Team consisted of: Bernardo Gonzalez, Festival Coordinator; Arturo Carrillo, Parade Coordinator; Denise LaMott, Public Relations, and Juan Gonzalez, Beverage Coordinator. Working with the Production Team was Karol An Meier, MNC’s Cultural Arts Liaison, and Peter L. Balogh, chair of MNC’s Board Cultural Arts Committee (BCAC).
Specials Thanks We Couldn’t Have Done It Without You!
Glenn Evans of Sambao Paro O Povo for sponsoring the King and Queen Float created by float designer extraordinaire, Dave Thomas…The Anonymous Donor who generously contributed the $1000 cash prize for the King and Queen winners, King Rodson and Queen Rebeca… All the volunteers who helped make the event possible from the Cultural Arts Advisory Committee to the person who swept the street clean on Sunday night… Alfredo Pedroza from the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services for his continued support in and out of City Hall throughout the CSF season… SF District 9 Supervisor David Campos, who was born in Guatemala, co-hosted us at City Hall and brought his parents up from Los Angeles had a great time in the luxury box across from the Mission Masonic Temple near 23rd & Mission.
Have a Voice in C'SF 2010
Join the Cultural Arts Advisory
Committee
Volunteers from the artistic and professional community are needed to join the Cultural Arts Advisory Committee (CAAC) to develop recommendations for Carnaval San Francisco 2010. This group is responsible for selecting the annual theme along with planning and hosting the many events that make up the Carnaval season. Volunteers must be able to attend monthly meetings and volunteer periodically at events including the City Hall Reception, King and Queen Competition, etc. For more information, contact: karolanmeier[at]yahoo.com
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San Francisco Cultural Arts Traditions Elects Board of Directors
The San Francisco Cultural Arts Traditions (SF CAT), is the new nonprofit created to promote cultural events including Carnaval San Francisco, recently elected its first Board of Directors. The new officers are familiar faces:
The SFCAT Board, whose members also include Elizabeth Tippin and Carlos Cordova, is working with TCC Group to develop a long range strategic plan for the new organization. Contact Jake Pavlovsky jakeskey[at]sbcglobal.net
High Fashion Carnaval Merchandise Still Available at Low Prices Not too late to stop by Rita Barela Productions’ new location in the Mission at 400 Treat at 17th Street, (Unit F), and purchase some cool Carnaval merchandise – ladies and men’s tees, baseball caps, and canvas tote bags for only $10 each. No year or date so the style is timeless. Perfect gifts for friends and family around the world! For info call 415-621-2255 or Christine[at]rbpevent.com
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| Carnaval San Francisco in Photos | |||||||
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Anyone who has been around Carnaval San Francisco for awhile will no doubt remember the incredible Mission One Hour Photo shop across from the street from Mission Cultural Center. The day after Carnaval the front of the shop was strewn with large, oversize binders filled with Carnaval photos that were all individually coded so Carnaval fans could order and purchase prints. While Mission One Hour Photos lives only as a memory like vanishing Kodrachrome film, Carnaval San Francisco continues to be a photographer’s delight. Thanks to the many professional and freelance photographers who shared their sites, links with us:
http://paintdragon.smugmug.com/
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The "Most
Interesting" "2009 Carnaval San Francisco" Pics @ flickr.com |
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[Check out the result from an informal contest sponsored by CarnavalCity.com] |
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Upcoming Events Please support fundraisers that benefit Carnaval contingents. |
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It’s Always Carnaval Somewhere in the World
St. Vincent Carnival 2009 in the Caribbean from June 26 to July 7. Celebrate in St. Vincent and the Grenadines for Vincy Mas 2009…Notting Hill Carnival in London is billed as the largest street Festival in Europe on Sunday August 30 and UK Bank Holiday, Monday, August 31… The West Indian American Day Parade and Carnival aka Brooklyn Carnival, on Labor Day weekend, September 6 and 7, 2009…And don’t forget to Come back for Carnaval San Francisco 2010 on Saturday and Sunday, May 29 – May 30.
Save the Date Mission Neighborhood Centers, Inc., Gala 50th Anniversary Celebration on Friday, March 5, 2010 in the City Hall Rotunda. Go to www.mncsf.org for more about the past present and future of this venerable community based organization details.
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A big thank you to everyone who came out and joined in helping to make 2009 a fantastic beautiful Carnaval to remember that he best things in life are free... Roots of Revival Seeds of Change. Thanks in particular to our sponsors for stepping up to make it possible.
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Also visit carnaval.com's new mashup platform carnavalcity.com/SF
