Traditionally Iconic San Francisco

 “Just Thinking"

I want to start by acknowledging my two-week hiatus from my weekly newsletter. Some unexpected circumstances came up and disrupted my schedule, and I appreciate your patience during that time. I had been working on a follow-up piece to my leaving California article, which I plan to finish and share with you soon.

In the meantime, this week’s focus shifts to two timely and important events: Columbus Day and Fleet Week, coupled with the Bay Area’s Indian Summer and the onset of fall, this weekend is traditionally iconic San Francisco.

The history of Fleet Week in San Francisco dates back to 1908, when the Great White Fleet visited “The City” during its global tour. This historic stop came at a pivotal moment, San Francisco was still rebuilding after the devastating 1906 earthquake. The arrival of the fleet was more than a naval display; it became a symbol of San Francisco's resilience and renewal. Thousands of residents lined the waterfront to welcome the ships, forging a lasting bond between San Francisco and the U.S. Navy.

The modern iteration of Fleet Week was established in 1981 by Mayor Dianne Feinstein. Her vision was to create an annual event that honored the armed forces, educated the public about military capabilities, and boosted the local economy.

I have written in the past about how much I love the Blue Angels, the documentary last year on Prime was a great inside look into the history of the elite flight squadron as they go through intense training and into their season. Every year the highlight of Fleet Week has been the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Angels. Over the last couple years watching the United Airlines Air Show from the Deck of the Scallywag on the San Francisco Bay has been a thrill highlighted by catching the Blue Angels up close and personal.

Although the Blue Angels will be grounded this year and with limited participation from the US Navy due to the ongoing government shutdown. Fleet Week is expected to draw over a million visitors to San Francisco. Some of our international partners like Canada’s Snowbirds and Colombia’s ARC Gloria stepped in to pick up the slack and keep the tradition alive.

Columbus Day is Monday, October 13, which is the second Monday of October and celebrates Christopher Columbus' arrival to the Americas on October 12, 1492. In San Francisco Columbus Day is celebrated through the Italian Heritage Festival & Parade, a tradition dating back to 1868. This Sunday, the streets of North Beach will come alive with thousands of people joining together to enjoy the music, floats, and cultural pride as the 157th Italian Heritage Parade winds its way from Fisherman’s Wharf to Washington Square. It’s the longest-running Italian American parade in the United States.

For as much as I have bemoaned the changes that San Francisco has undergone in recent years, it is events like Fleet Week, Columbus Day, Chinese New Year Parade, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, The Bay to Breakers and Outside Lands that are traditionally San Francisco. These events, plus some of the other long-lasting traditions give us hope that The City by The Bay is still alive and capable of thriving once more.

Let me know what you think.

“Just Ask Chuck”

@ChuckBarberini  #ChuckBarberiniRealEstate 

@ChuckBarberiniRealEstate    #JustAskChuck

https://dot.cards/chuckbarberini


Location: Martinez, CA 94553, USA

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