(and additional high quality entertainers) solved the problem of
dead spaces along the Avenue – the Stroll buzzed from top to
bottom. The Stroll finally paying for itself.
Fast forward: Today the Stroll draws 300,000 people over the
course of the day. It takes about 600 staff hours to produce the
event, plus hundreds of additional hours of volunteer time. The
event expenses exceed $50,000. It is one of four events in the
entire United States and Canada that operates in two separate
municipalities simultaneously.
The Solano Avenue Stroll hosts about 75 performing groups, 150
arts and crafts booths, 150 non-profit organizations, and almost 50
food booths. The non-profit organizations include libraries, scout
troops, humane societies, and more. There is a “green zone” for
environmental organizations, a strong presence of faith booths and
most elected officials in the area come and stay to talk with friends
and constituents. All of these groups rely heavily on the exposure
the Solano Avenue Stroll provides and consider it a key annual
activity in marketing themselves. Ninety-two percent of them
attend repeatedly each year.
In the year 2000, the Solano Avenue Stroll became an official
“Local Legacy,” installed into the United States Library of Congress
with the help of Congresswoman Barbara Lee. The Solano Avenue
Stroll “celebrates America’s rich diverse culture.”
This Stroll is family friendly – safe, “smoke-free” with no alcohol
sales, and a “Kids Town” with lots for little ones to do. There are
very few police incidents the day of the event, mostly lost children.
The street is virtually spotless the following Monday, and “restored”
within 48 hours.
The Stroll draws locals and “out-of-towners”. On the east end,
the Stroll is referred to as “Berkeley’s Reunion” and on the west
end much of Albany turns out. Both ends are united by the festive
Parade that starts at the top of the street with dancers, bands, floats
and kids kicking off the Stroll. Solano Avenue merchants benefit
from the exposure to 300,000 potential customers who see Solano’s
products and services. While not everyone sees an immediate
boost in sales that day, ripples from the event continue for months.
(Source: Office of Economic Development, City of Berkeley.)
The SAA takes meticulous efforts in producing the Stroll.
The membership pays to produce it and the money pulled in
from the Stroll is put to events that benefit Solano Avenue and
the surrounding community throughout the rest of the year. We
require little support from either the City of Albany or the City of
Berkeley to sustain ourselves as an organization.
The Solano Avenue Association Board of Directors is comprised
of fifteen volunteers who have business or professional interests
on Solano Avenue (or within one block of it). They meet (at least)
every other Tuesday and work continuously to make Solano a street
that serves its community. Solano Avenues is the antidote to sprawl
– it brings a sense of vitality to the urban core. The Solano Stroll
celebrates that vitality.
Despite its magnitude, 300,000 people leave the Solano Stroll
with a smile on their face at the end of the day. They have had
another good day -- and they know the Solano Avenue Stroll is an
event that gives back to the community.
2017 SOLANO AVENUE STROLL
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1 in 5 children faces hunger.
There’s more than enough food in America for every child
who struggles with hunger. Help get kids the food they
need by supporting Feeding America, the nationwide
network of food banks. Together, we can solve hunger™.
Join us at FeedingAmerica.org
1 in 5 children faces hunger.
There’s more than enough food in America for every child
who struggles with hunger. Help get kids the food they
need by supporting Feeding America, the nationwide
network of food banks. Together, we can solve hunger™.
Join us at FeedingAmerica.org
1 in 5 children faces hunger.
There’s more than enough food in America for every child
who struggles with hunger. Help get kids the food they
need by supporting Feeding America, the nationwide
network of food banks. Together, we can solve hunger™.
Join us at FeedingAmerica.org
classes
Walnut Creek Albany Marin
54
CALLING ALL CONTRACTORS
AND HOMEOWNERS!
OVER 100,000 SF
FLOORING AND CARPET
up to OFF
*Suggested Retail Price
IN STOCK 70%
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1081 Eastshore Hwy. Berkeley • (510) 525-5656
www.floordimensions.com
Monday-Saturday 8-5 • Closed Sundays