San Francisco locals and tourists wandered Haight St. under clear skies as they explored the clothing, art, food and beverages with the sounds of the ‘60s submerging them in a time capsule. Guests gathered in the Upper Haight on Sep. 7 for the 46th Annual Haight-Ashbury Street Fair.
Nostalgia was at the forefront of the fair, from vintage pop ups and classic art to the sounds of ‘67.
Other merchants kept watercolor memories as inspiration for their artistic process. Amy Balsbaugh, owner of Object Found, sells upcycled pendants with images from damaged books, typically sourced from the early to mid-20th century. “What I make, it sparks peoples’ nostalgia, and I like hearing their stories about why they like [my art]. It often makes for great childhood stories,” she said. Many of her pendants highlight beloved childhood characters like Snoopy and Winnie the Pooh.
Jon Longhi, an artist from the City Art Cooperative Gallery, said, “People really like the nostalgic childhood feeling.” This sentimentality inspires the painted dinosaurs that made up a mini “Jurassic Park” at the gallery’s booth. City Art comprises about 100 artists who sell paintings and clothing, like jean jackets they sold at the fair, with printed or handpainted landscapes, animals and abstract shapes.
Mouthwatering smoky smells of savory chicken filled the air as guests lined up to Yakitori Yado, a food stand that served up a unique combination of skewered chicken kabobs with a mochi surprise. Laurel Rosenberger, a local San Franciscan, strategically waited to get in line for the one of a kind treat. After devouring this savory sweet combo, many guests made their way over to Pitayas Locas as they quenched their thirst on the sunny day with aguas frescas.
Rosenberger, who has been a resident since 2013, had never attended the street fair, but was lured by the bass she overheard while in the nearby park. “I always like when you give local bands and DJs an opportunity to have a platform,” she said.
The fair hosted 16 bands on two main stages ranging from ‘60s tribute bands to teen rock and surf indie. Alongside the bands, local San Franciscans showed off their musical skills on street corners, drawing in small crowds. “I am really enjoying the music so far, especially the fiddle,” local San Franciscan Kaylee Hana said, as she gathered around a fiddler on the fire hydrant.
There was an additional DJ booth encompassed by carefree fair goers twirling and San Francisco’s Rock Stage Project in the Children’s Alley. Upon entering the Children’s Alley, attendees danced with whimsical bubbles swirling around the laughter-filled bouncy castle. The San Francisco Public Library’s Bookmobile provided a popup children’s library, with the New Traditions School hosting a bake sale full of sweet surprises.
