Celebrate Fremont's 50th Anniversary Blog

Capturing Fremont's Stories

2006-12-01T15:07:00.000-08:00

The Celebrate Fremont Heritage Team is bringing the conclusion of the Fremont Stories Oral History Project to the Fremont Main Library on Wednesday, December 6th, at 7pm. The presentation will feature interviews collected during Celebrate Fremont @ the Park. Residents and visitors recorded their experience of Fremont’s 50th Anniversary celebration and special memories they wanted to share with others. The stories are entitled Capturing the Moment.

The Fremont Stories Project included production of a set of DVDs which reflect three eras of Fremont History:
➢ Washington Township through 1955
➢ The New City: 1956-1977
➢ A United Nations City: 1977-2006

The Fremont Stories DVDs will be available for purchase. For more information about the Fremont Stories project, please contact the project coordinator, Patricia Schaffarczyk. at (510) 677-8461.

The Fremont Main Library at 2400 Stevenson Blvd. is wheelchair accessible. No reservation is required. For an ASL interpreter, call the library at least 7 working days before the event. For more information, contact the Fremont Main Library at 510-745-1401 or Janet Cronbach at 510-745-1429.

There's a new sculpture in town!

2006-11-19T22:44:00.000-08:00

Last week... a wonderful gift was given to the Fremont Main Library.

Larry Milnes, the engineer and project manager who built the Fremont Main Library in 1989, was the former assistant city manager of Fremont.

Last Wednesday he and his wife, Ellinor, donated a beautiful sculpture of a little girl reading a book. He selected the sculpture in celebration of the City’s 50th Anniversary. It is a special sculpture named after Larry's granddaughter, Jayme Milnes.

The sculpture now rests in the Children's Area of the Fremont Main Library, reading to all of the children that visit the library.

2006-10-25T23:34:00.000-07:00

The Fremont Cultural Arts Council has selected about 100 photographs (out of a record 300+ submissions) from Fremont photographers for it's 13th Annual Juried Photo Exhibit.

The opening night exhibit will be on Friday Oct. 27th from 6:30-8:30pm in the Fukaya Room at the Fremont Main Library. There will be some light refreshments. The award ceremony will be around 7:30pm. It’s a fun event and a chance to meet lots of photographers in our community. This year, in honor of Fremont’s 50th year, there will be an additional special category for photos of Fremont, her citizens or various activities in Fremont, with awards provided by Celebrate Fremont.

Come and vote for your favorite for "People's Choice!"

Shakespeare Part Deux : The Present

2006-10-17T23:44:00.000-07:00

Our Fremont brothers and sisters wrote some lines about the present day Fremont as well!

What talent we have in our city!

Enjoy:

I love the shimmering orange coat covering the tall eucalyptus trees at Ardenwood Farm. The old train invades this sacred grove and suddenly the coat dissolves into thousands of glorious monarchs heading skyward.

I love the crowded soccer Saturdays at Lake Elizabeth. The vibrant uniforms – purple, pink, blue – dancing in the warm sun. Whistles, hoorahs and lots of cheers.

I love the cool morning breeze that dances through my yard, wakening the leaves so green and hearing the Bluejays chime in to greet a new day.

The hot yellow sun as a furnace beats down, warming the heart of our beloved Fremont, causing the sweet fragrances to burst into bloom and fill each little nook of each little room.

I breathe in the scent amidst towering structures with ribbon and scissors too large to make use of. The crowds look with awe and a grand pleasure a plenty as their home passes from a mere passage to ---destination. The land between AutoMall & Mission has become the mecca of commerce and rest.

I love summer barbeques by the creek; splash in the blue water; enjoy the golden sun, spending time with family and friends, ball games on the great green fields – a glimmer of perfection.

I love the special beauty of the occasional storm that frosts the lush winter emerald grass of Mission Peak.

I love Fremont, especially on the night hours.
It becomes so quiet and serene.
All the night bugs wake aup and start chirping. The light breeze starts. It feels so fresh and exotic.

Shakespeares in Fremont - Part I

2006-10-09T21:46:00.000-07:00

We had a unique opportunity at the Celebrate Fremont @ the Park event last month. In the Fremont Tomorrow section of the park, Fremontonians of all ages and cultures sat down and learned how to write poetry.

They wrote about Fremont's past, the present, and the future. The Niles' Rotary Club wrote a poem about Fremont's past. Here is Part I of what the Shakespeares of Fremont had wrote about our past last month at the CF @ the Park event:

I am my pale white shoe slapping the damp ribbon of concrete

hugging the curve of the lake, again and again

as my moving feet carried me around the duck-shrouded body of water.

Evidence of bird passage occasionally spattered

as my body moved through the early summer morning run.

I remember the thunderous claps of flame

spewing dragsters disappearing into the darkness

at Fremont Drag Strip.

I remember the chug, chug, chug
Whistle, wind, cold, smoke
Gliding the rails in Niles Canyon
At Christmas time
With the train lights
Reflecting off the full white moon.

I remember the soaring red-shouldered hawks

soaring in the cool breeze

above Mission Peak in the crisp autumn morning.

I remember the golden glow of grass and the red sunset

on the long long summer day

as I traveled through my mind on the windy trails of Mission Peak.

Motion was not present.

I remember driving through the Sunol Grade at sundown

just as the sun touched the horizon

and the golden rays of light lit up the fields of yellow mustard turning them to California gold.

I remember that springtime drive through Niles Canyon,

filtered sunlight casting eery shadows through the Eucalyptus Cathedral.

The creek boiling, swollen from winter run-off…

We played with the sunlight, then shadows, mysterious at every turn…Welcome Home!

Spring always returns me to the Fremont of my youth.

White & pink flowers cloak the bare brown skeleton’s

of apricot & cherry trees.

Bright yellow mustard flowers cling to plants

and lift softly in the bright blue sky,

while tri-colored blackbirds fill the air

and I breathe in the earthy smell of fresh turned earth.

I remember Fremont 1963 moving here- “the big country”

cows, orchards, mustard weeds, wildlife, big yards, bumpy roads

my father’s commute to S. F., no transit system,

no BART, no Lake Elizabeth to speak of,

Blue Gill fishing in cow hollows

then my brothers to Vietnam dark days

Bittersweet days being young, full of hope.
Training around Lake Elizabeth later.

Bringing my children here.

Feeling pain here.

Life around a lake.

Take a minute and think about the things you love about your past in Fremont... submit a comment! Add your own line... your own mark... your own signature... to our poem about Fremont's past!

Still Raving...

2006-10-05T22:53:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Fremont Education Team Members

with Mayor Wasserman and Superintendent Gephart.

Fremont is still raving about the murals from Celebrate Fremont at the Park!

Well... you're blog team rolled up their sleeves and got to the bottom of WHO was responsible for those murals! Congratulations to all of the schools who participated. We are so proud!

Fremont Christian School artists

Mission San Jose High School artists

Fremont Chinese School artists

Kennedy High School artists

Thank you for giving the city and its citizens such a wonderful, long-lasting gift!

Thousands of people saw the murals at Celebrate Fremont @ the Park! And now everyone else has a chance to "ooh" and "aah" over them at the Fremont Main Library! They're marvelous aren't they?

And the Winners Are . . .

2006-10-04T20:19:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Fremont People Choice Award Winners

Margaret Thornberry, Nancy Pratt, Angela Villegas, Alvin Dockter, and Sue Chan

Presentation of Award Winners before Fremont City Council

One of the most popular exhibits at Celebrate Fremont @ the Park was the Art Pavillion. If you stopped by the 'Art, Not 4 Sale' tent, you saw the work of some wonderful local sculptors, painters, photographers, fabric artists and ceramicists - there was art galore!

Attendees met and chatted with the artists and voted for their favorite artist's work. No hanging chads or questionable ballots - although the votes were close, the winners are:

1st place - Angela Villegas, for her acrylic painting of the A's;

2nd place - Nancy Pratt, for her watercolor scenes of early Fremont

3rd place - Alvin Dockter, for his black and white photograph of Bird Island at Lake Elizabeth

Our People's Choice awardwinners were honored during the October 3 Fremont City Council meeting with a presentation by Creative Engagement Co-Chair Margaret Thornberry and Vice Chair, Sue Chan.

Congratulations Angela, Nancy, and Alvin!

One more!

2006-09-26T20:38:00.000-07:00

Somehow the Mission San Jose mural got left off the Fly Away post!

Here it is ladies and gentleman!

SRO! - Standing Room Only!

2006-09-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

Fremont's Terrific Trio of Former Mayors (Left to right) Don Dillion, Gus Morrison, and Jack Parry

The Impossible Dream was SRO!!

A jammed packed room of eager Fremontonians were treated to a wonderful account of how Fremont came to be. The Fremont Main Library was packed wall to wall!

Former mayors Don Dillon and Jack Parry entertained, educated, and charmed. They shared fascinating stories and compelling tidbits of how our 5 historic towns came together in 1956 to form Fremont.

We heard it all. They told us of the challenges they faced when developing the City's General Plan and founding the first City Council. Two of Fremont's founding fathers, Dillon and Parry, illustrated how Planning Commission envisoned Fremont would be 50 years in the future.

This last installment of the Library Speaker Series was true to Celebrate Fremont's mission statement: "Creating a legacy for the future, by cherishing our past and connecting with our future." The Impossible Dream was a perfect way to wrap up this popular lecture series!

Hats off to our past Mayors Don Dillon and Jack Parry! Your contributions and vision made Fremont the incredible city that it is.

Magical really! The presentation was inspriational!

(Left to Right) Don Dillon, Janet Cronbach (Fremont Library: Local History and Reference Services), Jack Parry, Gus Morrison, Angela Yang (Fremont Library Manager)

The Past and Present: First Planning Commissioner Jack Parry and current Planning Commissioner Sue Chan stand in front of the City's First General Plan.

Flying off the canvas.

2006-09-19T23:29:00.000-07:00

Wow! Did you see the murals at Celebrate Fremont at the Park? They were awesome! Everyone is talking about them.

The murals have great detail and colors. They embody the wonderful diversity of Fremont. And they've got real personality!

The Fremont stories. The Fremont people. The Fremont emotions. They just fly off the canvas.

The murals were painted by our local high school students and are now on display at the Fremont Main Library. Students from Fremont Christian School, Fremont Chinese School and American, Kennedy, Washington, Mission San Jose and Irvington high schools painted the murals all summer long.

Take a look at the fruits of their hard work!

"Every stroke and every color on the art piece is carefully calculated and contemplated. We hope that when people see these murals at the [Library], they will not just see the beautiful artworks, but the beautiful minds and souls of our teachers and students who demonstrated the true spirit of Celebrate Fremont --Unity is Strength."
Ivy Wu

1,000 Words

2006-09-19T21:12:00.000-07:00

The Fremont Cultural Arts Council's well-regarded Annual Juried Photo Exhibition will be held for the 13th year at the end of October, 2006, and will include a special section of photos of Fremont's people and places in honor of Fremont's 50th, with prizes and judge's fees sponsored by Celebrate Fremont!

For more information visit the FCAC website at http://www.fremontculturalartscouncil.org/and click on 'Events'. If you have a photo you think is especially good, don't be shy, submit it! You will find entry blanks on-line at http://www.femontculturalartscouncil.org/ and in printed form at most photography departments and at the Fremont Main library.

Check out last years winner's!

First Place, 2005 Fremont Juried Photography Exhibit
The End of Fall by Pralay Dakua

Second Place, 2005 Fremont Juried Photography Exhibit
Passage Way - Empty But of Light © -- by Douglas Stinson

Third Place, 2005 Fremont Juried Photography Exhibit
Snowy Egret at Nest © -- by Julianne Howe

The Impossible [and Inspiring] Dream

2006-09-18T23:47:00.000-07:00

We've got news about the hottest show in town!

The Fremont Library has booked two inspirational local celebrities for their last installment of the Celebrate Fremont Library Speaker Series.

Two of the founding fathers, Don Dillon and Jack Parry, will be presenting "The Impossible Dream" at the Fremont Main Library on Wednesday, September 20 at 7pm. Come to hear about the city's birth. Their stories and their pictures are inspirational and outstanding. Fremontonians have been awaiting this presentation all year!

Learn how five little townships came together to govern themselves, launching the new City of Fremont one minute after midnight on January 23, 1956. Not only instrumental in the formation of Fremont, both speakers served on the City Council including serving as Mayor. Niles native, Jack Parry, was Chairman of the first Planning Commission. Don Dillon moved to the area in 1954, founding Four Winds Growers Nursery and quickly becoming involved in the movement for a new city. Their deep community roots and abiding commitment to Fremont enrich their personal stories of the city’s birth.

Fremont Libraries Manager, Angela Yang, is thrilled to share this event with the community. “We are so fortunate to have these two wonderful gentlemen to share their stories with us. Their vision, courage, and guts made Fremont a beautiful place for generations to live and enjoy. We are honored that they will wrap up a fantastic series of local history lectures”.

Copies of Don Dillon’s DVD “The Impossible Dream: The First 25 Years” will be available for sale at the program.

Don't worry you don't need tickets...but come early because word on the street is that there will be lots of folks there!

Well, Gee Golly

2006-09-16T08:41:00.000-07:00

We woke up today and found this article up in The Argus featuring the blog. Thanks so much to Chris DeBenedetti and everyone at the Argus for getting the word out about the blog, Celebrate Fremont and all our events.

For those return visitor's surprise we have a new look! For those of you who are new, the first page of the blog only holds our most current 10 posts, so please be sure to check out the archives in the column to your right. In the July Archives you'll find gem's like 4th of July Parade pictures, others turning 50th this year, the Fremontia, Fremont's across the country, the Warm Springs Wineries and more!

The August archives feature posts on the Fremont Redas program, National Night Out, the Festival of the Arts, Ardenwood's Art in the Park, the FIA's Festival of India pictures, Fremont Day @ the A's, the Heritage Tours, The Hayward Fault exhibit and tons more!

September has posts on the high schools painting murals for Celebrate Fremont @ the Park, Flavors of Fremont, Dennis Eckerseley & Shawon Dunston, Fremont Artists, and pictures and videos from Celebrate Fremont @ the Park (come back soon we're working on getting a high quality version of the laser light show)!

Whew! That's a lot and we didn't even list it all! Feel free to check out a few posts now, come back and see the rest! As you can see we update pretty regularly, so if you have things you want to see up on the blog, please leave a comment and let us know! The future is in your hands!

The City Behind the Celebration

2006-09-15T20:21:00.000-07:00

Check out the video Celebrate Fremont produced on the historic fouding of Fremont on January 23, 1956. The townships of Washington, Irvington, Mission San Jose, Niles & Centerville came together to incorporate into Fremont, now the Bay Area's 4th largest city - the video shows the story on how it happened!

Enjoy!

Now that's Class

2006-09-14T21:53:00.000-07:00

If you missed it today, our friends at Dale Hardware (who's also turning 50 this year) took out a full page ad in The Argus Newspaper saying thanks to all the volunteers of Celebrate Fremont. It's with great community partners like Dale Hardware that we were able to Celebrate Fremont in style.

And the survey says...

2006-09-14T20:26:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Fremont's Future team has been conducting surveys around Fremont for the past year.

If you haven't taken the survey yet, there's still time to give us your opinion on what you would like to see in the future of Fremont! It's just a click away!

You may have seen the team and the surveys around town! At the library, local events, annual shows and fairs, outside of Safeway, and even in your neighborhood.

You may have seen the survey on the Celebrate Fremont website... or even on a post on our blog!

Below are the top results from each category so far:

ENVIRONMENT
1 Maintain "small town" feeling 692
2 Affordable Housing 637
3 Develop walking and bike paths 622
4 Landmark downtown/Civic Center & Performing Arts Center 586
5 Open Spaces 555

EDUCATION
1 Strengthen facilities and programs of all schools in district 1115
2 After school programs 867
3 Equal distribution of school services 773
4 More youth programs 700
5 Increase awareness of educational opportunities 565

ENTERTAINMENT
1 Recreational activities for teenagers, seniors and residents 1065
2 Build Performing/Cultural Arts Center 914
3 Quality shopping 812
4 Many quality restaurants 804
5 Free wireless Internet access downtown 569

TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION
1 Smooth traffic/better roads 1033
2 Extend BART to San Jose 1014
3 Free bus system 694
4 Cross-Bay mass transportation 533
5 Consideration for elderly in transportation 526

MULTI-CULTURAL DIVERSITY
1 Help unite community despite differences in background 846
2 Offer multi-cultural activities 820
3 Build multi-cultural center 780
4 Eliminate prejudice through building unity 662
5 Build understanding through language appreciation 450

Who needs fireworks anyways?

2006-09-13T22:37:00.000-07:00

Check out the SUPERB laser light show accompanied by the Fremont Symphony Orchestra on September 9th during Celebrate Fremont @ the Park's evening concert!

Click here for more pictures!

Beauty in Motion

2006-09-13T22:20:00.000-07:00

Did you miss the Evening Concert on Saturday night of Celebrate Fremont @ the Park?

If you did, or even if you didn't here's your chance to see Yoko's Dancers dancing to the Fremont Symphony Orchestra's performance of the Nutcracker Suite.

Enjoy the video and click on the pictures to get to the Photo Gallery of the whole performance!

Day 2 pictures

2006-09-10T22:51:00.000-07:00

Whew - we don't know about you but we had a GREAT time at the phenomenal Celebrate Fremont @ the Park. With so much going on we took a ton of pictures (1,200 yesterday, and another 1,100 today!) - day two pictures are in a separate gallery - Day 2 of Celebrate Fremont at the Park Photos. Just in case you missed Celebrate Fremont @ the Park Day 1 pictures they're here the gallery also includes Hands Around the Lake Pictures! Though Celebrate Fremont @ the Park has closed stay tuned to the blog for wrap-up's of the event of the year and for more pictures as we get them!

Back to uploading pictures!

Celebrate Fremont at the Park Pictures

2006-09-09T23:29:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Fremont @ the Park was an awesome fun filled day on Saturday. Come by tomorrow to join in the fun. Did you come to Lake Elizabeth for Hands Around the Lake or to Central Park for Celebrate Fremont at the Park?? If you did check out our Celebrate Fremont @ the Park Day 1 photo gallery, you may be featured in one of our photos! The gallery includes Hands Around the Lake photos and pictures throughout the Celebrate Fremont @ the Park festival through the different areas like Sports, Fremont Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, the stages and food areas!

Didn't make it out? See the pictures, see what you've been missing and see you tomorrow for Celebrate Fremont @ the Park!

An Exclusive Sneak Peak!

2006-09-09T07:04:00.000-07:00

We here at the blog have your exclusive sneak peak of Celebrate Fremont @ the Park. Check out Setting Up @ the Park, your first look at the Street of Dreams, the High School murals the MASSIVE main stage and tons more! It's bright and early and we're headed over now. See you at the park!!

Now Hear This!

2006-09-07T21:57:00.000-07:00

Still deciding on whether you're going to make it to the biggest party in Fremont's history??

Check out the Entertainment Schedule and sample some of the awesome acts right here!

David Benoit
Click here for David Benoit - Linus & Lucy

Barrelfish
Click here to download Barrelfish MP3's for Free!"

Jewels Hanson
Click here to hear all of Jewels' Tracks

Alien Cowboys
Click here for a direct link to hear Alien Cowboy's Music

10 Lots and 5 Shuttle Stops.

2006-09-07T21:31:00.000-07:00

How are you getting to the park?

I might walk there... Most people I know will be driving there. That's a lot of people though!!!

So do yourself a favor and car pool over. Here's the map:

There will also be 5 shuttle locations to help transport Fremontonians to the celebration.

Oh yeah, there will be bike racks too! So whether you walk, drive, or bike - just get there - you don't want to miss out on all the fun, food, and entertainment - get ready to party!

See you at the park!!!

Fremont Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

2006-09-06T23:34:00.000-07:00

Three different color-coordinated areas will showcase Fremont's Yesterday, Fremont's Today, and Fremont's Tomorrow.

In Fremont Yesterday, classic cars will be showcased, along with a timeline of events of Fremont's history through the years. The Essanay Silent Film Museum will set up a projector in Fremont Senior Center and show silent films, including Charlie Chaplin's "The Tramp" and "The Champion," along with "Broncho Billy's Redemption" and "The Making of Broncho Billy."

A recorded oral history of Fremont will be played, as well as overviews of Fremont's five original neighborhoods. In Fremont Today, attendees can play interactive games and visit arts and crafts pavilions. The event's main stage will be located in this area too, featuring musical entertainment. There are now nine stages filled with all types of entertainment. Check the schedule for detailed information.

Fremont Today will have a rock wall, art pavilions (with Art 4 Sale - 30 local Artists will show their work in a tent near the main stage, including watercolors, acrylics, oils, photography and pottery), Community Partners Pavilions (featuring citizen organizations of Fremont), the Alameda County Library Bookmobile, HAM radio operators, and Washington on Wheels.

Fremont Tomorrow will showcase the city's future through the schools and work of students. Utility companies such as AT&T and Alameda County Water District will showcase their "green" or energy efficient services. Guests can also glimpse the city's new Future Pavilion, which officials hope will serve as a permanent location for outdoor performing arts events. This Pavillion will be dedicated on Sunday evening.

A "Vision for the Future" survey will be available for people to submit what they'd like to see for the city in coming years. Based on over 2000 surveys, the Future team created a 120-foot long Main Street, showcasing 10 things people would like to see for Fremont's future. Come see the Performing Arts Center, school, restaurant and new City Hall.

We can't wait to see our city's history, it's current events, and prospects for the future come alive at the Park this weekend!

Celebrate Fremont Art @ The Park

2006-09-06T22:13:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for high-speed internet? Perhaps a wireless phone? What about new shades for your windows? New roof? How about a FREE spinal exam? Hmm...well neither were we! Celebrate Fremont @ the Park is NOT that kind of festival.

Celebrate Fremont @ The Park is featuring an Arts area and we mean it! There will be over 130 pieces of original art displayed for sale, all by local artists, in the Arts area during Celebrate Fremont @ the Park...see some of the artwork featured below and go here to get a free preview!
Don't forget the Art Car will be making an appearnce - bring your spare coins from around the world to glue onto this one of a kind exhibit!

Sports

2006-09-05T10:56:00.000-07:00

Baseball, cricket, indoor karting, outrigger canoe, R/C (Radio Controlled) vehicles, skateboarding and table tennis... this weekend is going to be awesome for sports fanatics! Check out the schedule!

Kids are getting excited about the youth baseball/softball clinics in honor of Dennis Eckersley and Shawon Dunston hosted by Fremont Baseball Inc., Fremont Girls Softball Association, Fremont National Youth Baseball, and Bay Area Vintage Baseball (BAVBB). Fremont native baseball stars, Dennis Eckersley and Shawon Dunston, will actually be at the park too! Come meet Eckersley on Saturday, Sept 9th from 10am - 1pm and Dunston at Sunday, Sept 10th 10am - 1pm.

The Tennisball Cricket Association is hosting the Cricket Revolution at the Fremont Softball Complex. Check out the schedule of teams playing. Everyone can also participate in the free cricket clinic the Association will provide. Lemas Karting will have a display of indoor carts! Have you ever experienced the heart-pumping thrill of indoor kart racing? It's exciting!

Have you ever canoed the serene waters of Lake Elizabeth? You'll get the chance on Saturday and Sunday between 10am - 3pm. The Kilohana Outrigger Canoe Club will host outrigger canoe rides in the tropical waters of Lake Elizabeth. There will be lots of clinics and demos for families to participate in.

The Station will provide skateboarding demos. FC Fremont will have soccer games, demos, and clinics.

REI will showcase a tent setup contest, bike repair 101, camp cooking demo, and PEAK games.

The Spin Magicians will provide table tennis demos.

And you can even learn how to fly a model airplane, operate a radio controlled model helicopter and car and build a Delta Dart glider with the Bay Side RC Club.

The Fremont Sailing Club, National Junior Basketball, International Basketball League and Sharks Ice will also be at the Sports area of the Celebrate Fremont at the Park event!

Boy oh boy!

The countdown begins!

2006-09-04T22:35:00.000-07:00

The most amazing, exciting, and brilliant party is coming to Fremont this weekend!

Celebrate Fremont at the Park is just a few days away... and we couldn't be more excited!

You remember the timings right? Saturday, Sept 9 - 9am - 10pm and Sunday, Sept 10 - 10am - 7pm.

Hands around the Lake will start things off. (Check out the latest info here). Make sure you bring the whole family as we come together for a unique and historic moment of communal unity.

The two-day festival will showcase Fremont's past and present, with Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow sections connected by variety of food and sports venues. The entire festival will formally start at 10 a.m. at the Contemporary Stage with greetings by Mayor Bob Wasserman, a band performance by all 5 High Schools, and airplanes flying over to announce the opening of the Festivities.

The entire park will glisten with exciting activity. Come visit the various areas:
- Fremont Yesterday
- Fremont Today
- Fremont Tomorrow
- Sports
- Entertainment
- Kid’s Zone
- Food

The entire event is free, save for food and beverages.

After nearly 2 years of planning, Celebrate Fremont @ the Park is just a few days away now... we can hardly wait!

It'll be finger lickin' good!

2006-09-04T17:10:00.000-07:00

Come join us at the Celebrate Fremont at the Park for the Flavors of Fremont at the Food pavilion.

The food tasting area will feature the following restaurants:

- Asian Pearl
- Blue Agave
- Cafe Buena Sera
- Fremont Marriott Hotel
- Kinnaree Cuisine
- Los Olivos
- Massimo's
- Mirchi Cafe
- Nouvelle Bistro
- Papillon
- Spin-a-Yarn
- Vienna Bakery

There will even be cooking demos!! Check out the schedule.

The concessions will feature food from all around Fremont...and all around the world! There will be barbeque, ice cream, yogurt, burritos, samosas, tandoori, biryani, chili, malasadas, lemonade, watermelon, hot dogs, hamburgers, hawaian bbq, and much more!

Mmmmm... we can't wait!

Where's Charlie?

2006-09-03T10:07:00.000-07:00

He’s at the Park!

As part of the CF festivities at the park, children can search for figures of Charlie Chaplin in the five major display areas at the park. When they reach the Fremont Tomorrow area, they'll be given game cards. They may spy a live Charlie peaking at them from behind a tree or strolling down a path, cane in hand. Teens and adults can learn about Charlie and explore the displays about Fremont’s past, present and future.

Here comes the cool part! Both activities will culminate in prize drawings for children, youth and adults. Prizes like bikes, electronic games, one year passes to all East Bay Regional Parks, full body massages, movie passes and more will be given out.

The Future Team is sponsorsing “Where’s Charlie?” as well as performances of “Frog and Toad”, poetry classes for children and much more.

Remember! Admission to Celebrate Fremont is free. Hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, September 9 and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, September 10.

What a Beautiful Sight

2006-09-01T00:32:00.000-07:00

To support the vision of Celebrate Fremont – “Bring our community closer together”, the Education Team embarked on the portable mural project. The idea is to have all of our high schools work on 6 murals representing the people and the 6 districts of our City. We have American and Washington High Schools working on Niles District; Kennedy on Coyote Hills; Irvington High on Warm Springs and Irvington; Mission San Jose High on Mission District; Fremont Christian School on Centerville; and Fremont Chinese School on the multiple cultures of our City.

In putting together these paintings, our teachers and students dedicated many hours of research and hard work during summer. Every stroke and every color on the art piece is carefully calculated and contemplated. We hope that when people see these murals at the Park, they will not just see beautiful artwork, but the beautiful minds and souls of our teachers and students who have demonstrated the true spirit of Celebrate Fremont – Unity is Strength.

A Handy Update

2006-08-30T20:33:00.000-07:00

Hands Around the Lake, is just around the corner - come join over ~~1,400~~ 1,700 + (the number just keeps growing!!) fellow Fremont residents as we join hands around the entire Lake Elizabeth!

Have you registered yet?? If not, the great news is that you have some choices! You can still register via the the Hands Around the Lake registration form OR you can drop by the Celebrate Fremont. If you've already registered, come by the office to pick up your t-shirts then you'll be all set for Saturday, Sept 9th.

Be sure to get to the Lake early on Saturday morning, so that you will have ample time to get in position. You may want to bring some sunscreen and a lawn chair. Are you ready for this fantastic historical event? We sure are excited!

The Celebrate Fremont office is located at:

4589 Eggers Dr, Fremont, CA
(510) 790-9352

Click Here for Office Hours for picking up T-shirts
Click Here for Directions

For more info check out the nifty Hands Around the Lake Power Point deck! See you there!

Shake Rattle & Roll

2006-08-29T21:47:00.000-07:00

For any native of California, earthquakes are a part of life. Ever wonder what causes an earthquake? Well here's your chance to find out - The USGS and 1906 Earthquake Centennial Alliance have opened up The Hayward Fault Exposed! at Central Park in Fremont!

The exhibit is open Saturday and Sunday from 10am - 3pm and runs through October. The best part is that the swell folks over at the Hayward Fault Exhibit have extended hours from 9am - 6pm, during Celebrate Fremont at the Park which is September 9th and 10th!

This is your chance to see the fault up close and personal, as you walk down to excavation site to see the fault line that's causes so much commotion! Big shout out to our mutual sponsors Robson Homes, Summerhill Homes, the Oakland A's and NUMMI for making the exhibit possible!

Fremont Tomorrow

2006-08-28T23:56:00.000-07:00

The Future team has a bunch of fun planned for the September 9,10 event in the "Fremont Tomorrow" section of the park!

Over 2000 surveys were collected and counted over the last year. The survey asked Fremontonians, "What do you want the future of Fremont to look like?" The survey results will come alive at the "Street of Dreams" at the park! Top survey results include: BART to San Jose, more open spaces, better after school programs, a more upscale shopping and restaurants and much more. The Future team has literally and physically created this "Street of Dreams" for you. There will be a performing arts center with entertainment, a schoolhouse where families can learn how to write poetry, and even a city hall where you can have your say about the future of Fremont!

"Fremont Tomorrow" will also have local companies like NUMMI, AC Transit, and BART will also bring their latest innovations, green projects, and state of the art technology to the Future area. You'll get to see the new hydrogen fueled bus, a green car, and much more!

CERT and Fremont's finest are coming together to provide emergency preparedness training for all of Fremont's families. On September 9,10, you'll be able to learn what to do in case of an earthquake, fire, or other natural disasters. This is important stuff!!!

The team is also helping to put together a contest! This is going to be a lot of fun! When you register, you'll be given a stamp card. Find the Chaplins scattered around the park, get your card stamped, and win lots of cool prizes!!!

See Fremont ...

2006-08-24T22:10:00.000-07:00

... like you've never seen it before!!

The Celebrate Fremont's Heritage team will be hosting another awesome bus tour this weekend on Saturday August 26.

The Mission San Jose and Warm Springs tour will run from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.
The Irvington tour will run from 1 pm to 3pm.

Meet us in Niles at the intersection of Niles Blvd & “I” Street at the Veterans Commemorative Flagpole!

There's a lot to learn and many landmarks to see --some that are big and in plain sight and others that are nestled away in subtle corners of Fremont's Mission San Jose, Warm Springs, and Irvington districts.

To sign up, click here.

Each Heritage Tour is $20.00 per passenger.
Students and Seniors(65+) $15.00 – save $5
"$60 Four Pack" – good for one person taking all four tours, or for four guests attending one tour together - save $20.
"$50 Family Pack" – good for two adults and two children (under 18) attending a tour together - save $30.
$25 -Young Friends - good for one adult and one child under 18
Additional Youth tickets (under 18) can be purchased for $5 each.

And This Circle . . .

2006-08-21T21:16:00.000-07:00

Some say the walls between us stand so tall
They don't see there's just one sun shining on us all
I say we each choose roads to call our own
But none of us is traveling through this universe alone
And this circle just goes on and on
It began before us it will be here when we've gone
And this circle
Just goes on and on and on. Connecting our humanity
Joining me to you and you to me . . .
Lyrics by Jud Friedman, Cynthia Weil

Saturday, September 9 at 9:00 a.m., the Kick Off of our 2 Day Celebrate Fremont @ the Park will begin with Hands Around the Lake.

Imagine 3500 people wearing special orange colored commemorative T-shirts,

joined hand in hand as we circle Lake Elizabeth –

Be sure to be a part of this historic moment of community unity – sign up today. Bring your families, friends, neighbors, colleagues, teams & leagues, scout troops, congregations, service organizations, religious groups, everyone is welcomed.

Special thanks to our exclusive Hands Around the Lake sponsor Fremont Bank, which continues to generously support Celebrate Fremont.

Let’s make history together!

Wanna help out?

2006-08-20T21:04:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Fremont @ the Park is going to be awesome!

Come volunteer! There will be many fun opportunities.

You can sign up to help at the following activities:

Set-up (Friday only)
Control Center
Food Area Monitors
General Runner Water/Soda
Entertainment Area Gatekeeper/Driver
Information Booth/Sales
Communications/Lost & Found
Wine Tent General
Wine Tent Pourer [note: if you will be pouring wine, you must be certified]
Parking/Traffic
U.S. Post Office Booth
Merchandising
Security
Handicap Cart Driver
General Help - we will use you where help is needed most

Everyone is welcome. If you work in Fremont, live in Fremont, or just love Fremont! Come give us a hand!

Have you seen us around town?

2006-08-20T20:56:00.000-07:00

We're trying to get the word out.

Help us by telling your family and friends to look out for the signs around town about the big Celebration @ the Park.

We're everywhere!

At Lake Elizabeth's community center...

At the library...

At the Palo Alto Medical Foundation's office in Fremont ...

At Fremont Hub...

And at BART!...

It's a Hit!

2006-08-18T00:20:00.000-07:00

10 Reasons why Fremont Day @ the A's was a homerun!

10. Getting to cheer on the A's with over 5,000 Fremontonians
9. Can you say dollar dogs? (not to mention peanuts, ice cream and nachos!)
8. Witnessing the A's 15th win in a row!
7. Seeing Mark Ellis' 3 run homer
6. Getting a free pizza for Mark Ellis's homerun
5. Tailgating with Celebrate Fremont
4. Watching Sue throw out the ceremonial first pitch of the night!
3. Raising $25,645 for Celebrate Fremont @ the Park
2. 30,000 people seeing the Celebrate Fremont logo on the scoreboard!
1. The hope that the A's will come to Fremont one day =)

Check out more pictures from the game in the Fremont Day at the A's gallery! And be sure to vote for Dennis Eckersely in the DHL Home Town Heroes Sweepstakes by clicking here !

Scrumptious food, vibrant colors, tons of fun!

2006-08-15T22:27:00.000-07:00

Mmmmm...! Samosas! Kulfi! Tandoori Chicken!

Boy did we have a good time this weekend at the Federation of Indo Americans Festival and Parade. The weekend festival was expected to draw almost 60,000 people. It probably did! The Fremont Courthouse grounds were packed with Indo-Americans from all over the Bay Area. The festival drew an diverse array of Fremontonians too!

The event included a parade, dance performances, and a health fair. Food vendors sold everything from samosas (vegetable-filled Indian pastries) to kulfi (ice cream).Click here to see the pictures!

Celebrate Fremont participated in the parade on Sunday. The birthday cake was a big hit! We won an award for our float! The parade was vibrant with different Indian cultures.

A group of Indians from the island of Fiji spent three days designing a cardboard replica of a train designed to haul sugar cane, the industry that employs many Indian immigrants onthe island.
Nearby, Indo-Americans from the Indian state of Rajasthan rode in a model of the Palace on Wheels Train, a famed luxury train.
A float constructed by members of the Fremont Hindu Temple trailed behind a Jesus-themed caravan built by the International Christian Center of San Jose, whose pastor, Chris Nallan, said included several Indo-American members.
Aboard a float constructed by the Indian youth organization Hindu Sangam's, children acted out the epic story of Ramayana.

The weekend festival is the largest Indo-American festival in the Bay Area. It is always held around August 15th in order to salute to the Indian Independence Day, which was Tuesday.

See You at the Game!

2006-08-15T22:12:00.000-07:00

Fremont Day @ the A's is Here!!!

Are you ready to see the A's 15th straight win against the Seattle Mariners? Fremont Day @ the A's is here, be sure to come to the pre-game ceremony which is honoring Celebrate Fremont and it's awesome sponsors, 6:30pm on the pitchers mound at Oakland Coliseum. We're really excited to announce that Celebrate Fremont's own Executive Vice Chair Sue Chan will be throwing out the ceremonial first pitch - come with signs to cheer her on!!! With the help of our corporate sponsors and the A's, Fremont Day at the A's has raised over $25,000 for Celebrate Fremont @ the Park! Big shout out to Phil Chapman and Sean O'Keefe of A's for their dedication and hard work for making this fundraising effort a huge success!

Fremont + A's = happy baseball fans q:)

Come join us at the Library!

2006-08-14T21:45:00.000-07:00

Do you know about the ghost town of the salt flats?

Hidden on the edge of the salt flats, Drawbridge was founded in the late 1870s when a narrow gauge railroad was built from Dumbarton Point to Santa Clara, with two swing bridges connecting tiny Station Island to shore. A colorful community developed in this most unlikely environment along the railroad tracks. Come hear the fascinating story of this lost treasure.

The Fremont Main Library has teamed up with Celebrate Fremont to present Drawbridge: Ghost Town of the Salt Flats! It is the eighth program of the speaker series held in honor of Fremont's 50th Anniversary.

Patricia Anthony, a resident specialist on the history of the Drawbridge, will speak at the library on Wednesday, August 16 at 7pm. She will unveil the mysteries of Drawbridge, the unique town of our south bay marshes. Patricia is a volunteer at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay Wildlife Refuge and has worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife department since 1982. Patricia has also led many guided tours at Don Edwards and has become a specialist on the history of Drawbridge.

The beauty, the isolation and the intimate bond with humans that defined the life of Drawbridge are reflected in the 9,000 acres of South Bay salt ponds recently acquired by the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. LIke this old town, they are true children of both the surrounding wetlands and of human innovation and impact. But as mother marsh slowly reclaims her child, Drawbridge, we are reminded that she just may need some help with these new lands, which will soon become the focus of the largest wetland restoration ever attempted on the West coast.

The Fremont Main Library is located at 2400 Stevenson Blvd and is wheelchair accessible. No reservations are required! Just come and join us! For an ASL interpreter, call the library at least 7 working days before the event.

For more information, contact the Fremont Main Library at 510-745-1401 or Janet Cronbach at 510-745-1429.

14th Annual Federation of India Festival and Parade

2006-08-10T22:49:00.000-07:00

Come enjoy the mouth watering food... the foot tapping music ... energetic dancing ... and the vibrant culture of India this weekend!

The Federation of India (FIA) will be hosting it's annual festival (mela) and parade on Saturday and Sunday, August 12-13 at Paseo Padre Parkway and Walnut ave in Fremont. Be sure to come and check out the Celebrate Fremont float in the parade!

Through the years, the festival has grown from 5,000 people at its inception to about 60,000 last year. This weekend, organizers say they hope to exceed last year's turnout by drawing more of the 300,000 Indo-Americans living in the Bay Area, as well as those who simply want to learn about South Asian culture.
At a time when the children of immigrants from India are assimilating into American culture, the Festival of India helps remind the next generation about their roots, said Yogi Chugh, vice president of the Federation of Indo-Americans of Northern California, which hosts the event.
Although many still see the festival primarily as an event for the Indian diaspora, its organizers hope it also will come to symbolize the diversity of Fremont and the greater Bay Area.

There will be lentil curries, hot out-of-the-oven naan, Bollywood & bhangra dance competitions, clothing exhibitions, and even a medical health fair!

And at about noon on Sunday, you can line up on Liberty and State streets and Beacon and Walnut avenues. This fantastic parade will have floats representing different regions of India and feature legendary Indian actress Poonam Dhillon.

Celebrate Fremont is proud to partner with the Festival of India. Our awesome float will be in the parade! Be sure to wave to us as we pass by!

We can't wait to see you there!

Quilting. Lace making. Railroading. It's Art in the Park!

2006-08-09T20:25:00.000-07:00

Come enjoy a day full of fun family activities at Ardenwood Park/Patterson House.

The 5th Annual Art in the Park Event is Saturday, August 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Ardenwood Park/Patterson House. It's a great event for the entire family.

It'll be a day full of exciting activities:
- Art exhibits
- Creative art activities for the kids
- Patterson House tours
- Silent film viewing by the Essanay Film museum
- Quilting
- Lace making
- Railroading
- Tours of the garden
- And much more!

And if that wasn't enough...we've got MORE to tell you about!

The morning of Saturday, August 12 will start off with the accordian harmonies of the duo, Gary Breitbard and Jena Rauti. You'll hear French and Italian country-dance music, and even Parisian Musette, Irish jigs and Balkan folk dance tunes.

Then at noon, families can enjoy Marty Atkinson's "homegrown style of storytelling, tasty accompaniment, acoustic guitar, and mandolin."

And then you can stick around to throw up your jazz hands for the Jazzinators! This East Bay Traditional Jazz Society Youth Jazz Band plays for the support of youth scholarships to fund young musicians in the East Bay area who want to study Dixieland jazz.

You can even get a tattoo this saturday! No... not a real one. Mom said no to that!You will be able to get airbrush tattoos at the 5th Annual Art in the Park event between noon and 4pm.

The event is sponsored by:
City of Fremont Parks and Recreation Department
Fremont Cultural Arts Council (FCAC)
East Bay Regional Parks District (EBRPD)

Fremont's 23rd Annual Festival of the Arts

2006-08-03T23:49:00.000-07:00

It’s that time of the year again –Fremont Chamber of Commerce’s 23rd Annual Festival of the Arts - the only place to be this weekend! This mega extravaganza is touted to be the largest free street festival west of the Mississippi with an anticipated attendance of over 300,000 visitors!

Talk about a good time for everyone – there is Something for Everyone! How about tasting some great local wines? There’s going to be a Wine Tent for your tasting pleasure! Music, you say? Check out the smooth sounds of R & B to classic Mowtown to Country and beyond; the entertainment will have people dancin’ in the streets.

Feeling hungry? Wanna a great linguisa sandwich? How ‘bout some sushi? Lumpia? Hot dog? Strawberry shortcake? With over 40 different food booths there is something for everyone – ummm, yummy! What’s great about the food is that local non-profit and service groups do some serious fundraising; so every bite you take is helping to do good in the community. Come with a BIG appetite.

There’s going to be a huge Kidzone for the kiddies. Be sure to check out the very popular Firefighter Combat Challenge – that has firefighters from all over the U.S. and Canada competing to show who is the fittest of the fit – get ready to be wow’ed! There’s plenty of arts over 700 booths of artisans displaying an incredible variety of crafts and arts.

Course we’ll be there – come by and check out our Celebrate Fremont booth. We’ll have our famous Art Car and lots of information about all of our activities. Let’s have a chillin’ time at the Festival of the Art! See ya there!

National Night Out

2006-08-02T19:50:00.000-07:00

Celebrating Neighborhood Unity

Tuesday, August 1 was Fremont’s Annual National Night Out– this was our 23rd year of being a part of this National Program to promote community unity – exactly what Celebrate Fremont is all about! There were over 125 block parties to check out – talk about a great time had by all – the food was awesome, the music blaring with good vibes, neighbors were out and about getting a chance to get to know each other better, kids laughter filled the air, and everyone was having a jammin’ time!

This annual event is organized by Fremont Police Department – they did an awesome job of registering the parties; coordinating the teams of City staff and citizen volunteers, that went to the various neighborhoods; and getting the goodie bags chock full of information and merchant coupons assembled for distribution. Props to Fremont PD! The Fire Department added excitement to the festivities, especially when the fire trucks showed up to the delight of the kids of all ages.

Celebrate Fremont team members Sue Chan, Snigdha Dhar, Irene Koehler, Gaby Machuca, Anu Natarajan, Jack & Marie Rogers, Bernie Stewart, and Doug Tinney were there to talk up the Fremont Day at the A’s Game, Hands Around the Lake, and our big bash –http://www.celebratefremont.org/park.htmlEveryone was excited to hear about all these great upcoming events! Word’s out!Check out pictures from the event below!

One city, one book

2006-08-01T22:19:00.000-07:00

Calling all Fremontonians to Fremont Reads!

"The Fremont Libraries are sponsoring Fremont Reads 2006. The book is PROFILES OF COURAGE BY John F. Kennedy. Hopefully, discussions among friends and strangers of Kennedy's still timely meditation on the nature of courage and selflessness will enhance a sense of community and understanding. Help build community by reading PROFILES OF COURAGE by John F. Kennedy. You can find a copy at one of the Fremont Libraries, at Barnes and Noble or at other area bookstores."

Not sure if you want to invest in the book yet? Read an excerpt on Google books.

You can contact the Fremont Main Library's Information Desk at (510) 745-1401

The view from the top...

2006-07-27T21:47:00.000-07:00

Have you checked out our backyard lately?

Mission Peak soars above Fremont's rolling hills.

Mission Peak has been described as one of the Bay Area's most underrated summits. The determined hiker who reaches its top (2.8 miles) will be rewarded with views of Mount Hamilton to the south, the Santa Cruz Mountains to the west, Mt. Tamalpais to the north, and Mt. Diablo and the Sierra Nevada to the northeast.

Where do you go to hike this 2,999 acre peak? Follow Stanford Ave off of Mission Boulevard to it's east end. This will lead you to the staging area. The climb is steep from this location. You can get driving directions from Google maps!

If you desire a more gradual ascent, take the trail up from the Ohlone College parking lots.

Which ever path you choose to follow, your journey will surely be an adventure!

I'm just a kid from Fremont who throws hard...

2006-07-26T00:05:00.000-07:00

We here at Celebrate Fremont think that Dennis Eckersley is pretty great. Our own hometown hero, who grew up in Fremont and went to Washington High, is the first Fremontian to be entered into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Check out the exerpt from the Argus article below and be sure to come to "Celebrate Fremont @ the Park" and join in on Dennis's FREE baseball clinic!

Celebrate Fremont calls for naming Washington High field after Eckersley

"Eckersley spent nine years as an Oakland A's relief pitcher, seeing the team through three consecutive American League championships from 1988 to 1990. He was named the league's most valuable player in 1992."

The school district has a policy that allows for the naming of a school facility after an individual who has contributed greatly to the district as a student, staff or community member, or who has made "contributions of local, state, national or worldwide significance."

"I think being the first and only person from Fremont being elected to the Hall of Fame would fit that criteria," Jack Rogers said. (more)

Take me out to the ...Ballgame...

2006-07-24T23:36:00.000-07:00

A's Game tickets are going like hot cakes! LAM Research has purchased 2000 tickets! What a homerun! Hooray for LAM! NUMMI also bought 1000 tickets!

Well its no surprise to us. The "Fremont Day @ the A's" is sure to be spectacular!

Celebrate Fremont and The Oakland A's are celebrating Fremont's 50th Anniversary on August 16 @ 7:00pm. The event is co-sponsored by Lam Research Corporation.

Tickets are $10 off Plaza Infield Seats, with $5 going to Celebrate Fremont!

Go to our website for the order form before tickets run out! The deadline for purchasing tickets has been extended to August 9th. You still have some time to grab a seat!

This is a chance to reach out and network with our friends, families, colleagues, neighbors, co-workers, fellow club members, and religious groups to come together," observes Irene Koehler, chair of the Celebrate Fremont steering committee. "What a beautiful sight it would be to demonstrate our unity by wearing Celebrate Fremont 50th Anniversary T-shirts to the game!"

You can buy a t-shirt on celebratefremont.org

The former Napa Valley

2006-07-23T23:23:00.000-07:00

Away from the coastal fog and wind, and close by a major market, this area of Alameda County was ideal for vineyards and wine production. The history began with the Spanish Missionaries in 1797, and continued until 1996, when the last winery moved out.

Acreage devoted to vineyards, and wine production, increased until the 1890's when a phylloxera infestation killed many of the original vines. Faced with the cost of replacing the vines with resistant varieties, many of the vineyards were converted to growing other fruit or sold for non-agricultural use. The earthquake of 1906, further diminished production as the Gallegos/Palmdale Winery was destroyed, and Prohibition in the 1920's stopped production completely (though temporarily) until 1933. Finally, Fremont's urban growth since 1960, put an end to production, as former vineyards were converted to housing.

Jill Singleton offers a fun history of the wineries and vineyards of Fremont's past.

Today...
The olive and palm trees of the McIver Linda Vista wineries still stand tall off of Anza Avenue and Mission Boulevard.

The William Brother's cannery and bottling plant stood in the vicinity of the Amtrak station in Centerville.

The original brick winery from Leland Stanford's and the Weibels' Winery can be found at the end of Stanford Lane near the Mission Peak Regional Park staging area.

The Palmdale Winery was demolished during the Great Earthquake of 1906. The remnant landscape now stands at the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Osgood Road.

Grizzly Bears...where?

2006-07-22T00:04:00.000-07:00

Wow! Has the landscape of Fremont changed since 3000 B.C!

Yup! That's right.

The earliest evidence of human occupation in the Bay Area was in 3000 B.C. The Ohlone culture is said to have been created in 400 A.D., but didn't meet Europen explorers until 1772. Washington Township was created during the Gold Rush in 1849. It grew to become a stable agricultural community of orchards and vegetable fields. The township provided food, supplies and gas to the rural community.

Wanna learn more? There is a full timeline chronicling Fremont's steps from 3000 B.C.

There's so much more to learn! For example, did you know that Warm Springs was once a health spa and resort? Or that in 1956, when the city incorporated, Fremont was the third largest city in the state --only smaller to L.A. and San Diego? We didn't know that there were once grizzly bears in Niles Canyon!

Paul Holmes also features a great condensed history of Fremont on the Museum of Local History's website.

Choo Choo!

2006-07-20T08:46:00.000-07:00

The Library talk yesterday was a hit! Check out our own Doug Tinney's wrap up of the event (complete with pictures - what a guy!) and be sure to check out the Celebrate Fremont website to mark your calendar's for the next one in August!

The July presentation at the Fremont Main Library was entitled "Fremont and its Railroads", but "Where did the Railroads Go?" would have been equally suitable.

Randy Hees provided a very informative and interesting look at how the railroads in the area came to be and why Washington Township was bypassed as the main rail corridor as multiple railroads developed in the late 1800's.

Many train buffs were in the crowd, with one gentleman driving down from San Francisco to attend! Randy was delightful to listen to, sprinkling in a number of anecdotal stories about the early rail barons.

Oh! Excuse me, my trains about to pull out.

So Uhh...What do you do?

2006-07-19T08:47:00.000-07:00

Many have asked us what Celebrate Fremont is all about, and why so many individuals and businesses within the community have donated their time and money to the organization. Well, if you haven't already heard, Celebrate Fremont is throwing a TWO-DAY absolutely free event at Central starting September 9th, called Celebrate Fremont at The Park.

What can you expect? Fun for the whole family of course! Come to learn about the history of Fremont and where it's headed in the future. Discover unique arts and crafts from local artisans. Learn ethnic dance from the cultures that make up our most diverse city. Take a sports clinic (including a pitching with Dennis Eckersley!). How about great food, NINE stages local musical talent, and of course a beer garden!

Go to the website to learn more about the event. We've got the scoop from the event planners so stay tuned to the blog for more updates and announcements! Check out the video here first at the Celebrate Fremont Blog!!

All aboard!

2006-07-16T22:04:00.000-07:00

We have not one...not two...but THREE different railroads in Fremont!

Come learn how these railroads helped tie Fremont to the outside world. They helped develop not only Fremont, but our neighboring cities as well --50 years ago to even today!

Fremont Main Library will be presenting a local history program, "Fremont and its Railroads, 1862-2006, a review of the history of railroads in Washington Township." Randy Hees will begin his presentation at 7pm on Wednesday July 19, 2006.

The Fremont Main Library is located at 2400 Stevenson Blvd. No need to register in advance. Just bring yourself! Bring your family! Bring your friends!

Speaking of Niles...

2006-07-13T21:17:00.000-07:00

His shoes were too big for him. His derby hat was always falling off. But with his trademark moustache in tow, Charlie Chaplin always managed to find trouble.

And where did he find trouble you ask? On the sets of his hilarious movie sets --in our very own Niles district!

Learn more about his adventures in Fremont. Go on the heritage tour this weekend! You'll see Historic Niles and learn about Essanay Studios, where Chaplin filmed his knee-slapping silent movies!

Also...Celebrate Fremont's future committee is organizing a "Where's Charlie Chaplin?" hunt for the celebration on September 9 & 10. Find all the Charlies scattered around the park and win an awesome prize! It'll be lots of fun!

Can you imagine Tom Cruise hanging out on Mission Blvd (minus the crazy of course)? Well we bet that's what it was like when Charlie, an internationally renowned superstar of his day, made movies in our very own Fremont.

Get on the Bus!

2006-07-11T21:28:00.000-07:00

Hi Fremont Fans – looking for something fun and educational for the family to do this weekend? Well you’re in luck – the ever popular Celebrate Fremont Heritage tours are rolling through this weekend! Tour guides Nydia Estrada and Al Minard will share their wealth of knowledge about Fremont’s five fabulous districts.

So what’s up for the next tour? This weekend the morning tour will feature Historic Niles where you’ll learn history behind the Essanay Studios, where Bronco Billy and Charlie Chaplin made films (way before there ever was a Hollywood). And how about the Historic Niles Canyon Railway? Learn more about it’s history and all that Niles has to offer!

In the afternoon, sightseers will explore Centerville –the district that is at the center of the roads crossing to the four points of the compass: Oakland to the north, San Jose to the south, Mission San Jose to the east, and the Bay landings or Embarcaderos to the west. Home of the historic Center Theater, Centerville Depot, Pioneer Cemetery, Bill Ball Plaza and much, much more – this district has a lot to discover.

Tickets are selling fast (how many Fremontians can you fit on a bus!?), so be sure to check out the Celebrate Fremont website (http://www.celebratefremont.org/) to learn more and snatch up those tickets!

Not just in California

2006-07-11T20:50:00.000-07:00

We all know that Fremont, California was named after the John C. Fremont.

John C. Fremont arrived in the 1840's to map a trail through Mission Pass. California’s admission to the United States and the Gold Rush stimulated further migration to the area [that is now the city of Fremont], attracting people from all parts of the world.

He also inspired communities across the country to name their city after him. We have to admit they have great names but none quite match the California version :)Check it out:

Fremont, Alabama
Fremont, Indiana
Fremont, Iowa
Fremont, Kentucky
Fremont, Minnesota
Fremont, Missouri
Fremont, Michigan
Fremont, New Hampshire
Fremont, New York
Fremont, North Carolina
Fremont, Ohio
Fremont, Pennsylvania
Fremont, Tennessee
Fremont, Utah
Fremont, Virginia
Fremont, Washington
Fremont, Wisconsin

The Fremontia

2006-07-10T20:16:00.000-07:00

Check out the official flower of the city of Fremont.

The fremontia's five petals are said to represent the five districts of Fremont. The leaves are covered with hairs which give the flower a fuzzy, flannel-like feeling.

It is tolerant of smog and drought resistant but does best in well-watered but well-drained situations. This species produces showy displays of lemon-yellow saucer-like flowers followed by bristly brown capsules. The largely tropical family to which Fremontia belongs includes such economically important plants as Cola (a source of caffeine) and Theobroma (cocoa).

The Future!

2006-07-09T23:49:00.000-07:00

What could the future of Fremont hold?

A landmark downtown?

More open spaces?

More after school programs?

BART to San Jose?

A multicultural center?

Help us create a united vision for the future. To give us your opinion, fill out this survey!

Speaking of 50...

2006-07-08T13:58:00.000-07:00

We all know that Fremont is celebrating it's 50th anniversary, having incorporated on January 23, 1956. If you haven't already seen, check out how Celebrate Fremont commemorated our great city's birthday. As it turns out there are a bunch of 50th birthdays this year including:

Disneyland
Mel Gibson - 01/03
Mimi Rogers - 01/27
Eddie Murray - 02/24
Paula Zahn - 02/24
Andy Garcia - 04/12
LaToya Jackson - 05/29
Kenny G - 06/05
Chris Isaak - 06/26
Montel Williams - 07/03
Tom Hanks - 07/09
Sela Ward - 07/11
Joan Allen - 08/20

And last but not least Uncle Suresh...we're not sure who he is but he has a cute family:

-CBFT

Geocaching

2006-07-07T18:40:00.000-07:00

Looking for a fun activity this weekend? How about discovering the Celebrate Fremont Geocache? What's Geocaching you ask?

Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for gps users. Participating in a
cache hunt is a good way to take advantage of the wonderful features and
capability of a gps unit. The basic idea is to have individuals and
organizations set up caches all over the world and share the locations of these
caches on the internet. GPS users can then use the location coordinates to find
the caches.

Once found, a cache may provide the visitor with a wide
variety of rewards. All the visitor is asked to do is if they get something they
should try to leave something for the cache.

For more info check the Celebrate Fremont Geocache website!

Don't have a GPS tracker? How about trying Google Earth?

Happy geocaching!

-CFBT

Fremont on Wikipedia

2006-07-06T19:46:00.000-07:00

Wikipedia has become a phenomenon - it's a place where anyone can add any information about any topic they want. So...what does it have to say about Fremont?

The city is named after John Charles Frémont, "the Great Pathfinder."

Fremont had the largest Afghan population in the United States in 2001 and still has a large Afghan population today.

On the other end of Hip Hop's political spectrum, Emcee Lynx grew up in the Irvington district of Fremont.

Click here, to find out what else Wikipedia has to say about our fine city, and for that matter add your own tidbits. And if you haven't yet checked out the Celebrate Fremont 4th of July Photo Album, here are some more pictures from the gallery!

-CFBT

Fremont Day at the A's

2006-07-05T20:56:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Fremont and The Oakland A's are celebrating Fremont's 50th Anniversary with "Fremont Day @ The A's" on August 16 @ 7:00pm, co-sponsored by Lam Reseach Corporation.

Tickets are $10 off Plaza Infield Seats, with $5 going to Celebrate Fremont!

Go to our website for the order form before tickets run out!

If the video doesn't load click here too see it.

-CFBT (celebrate fremont blogging team)

4th of July Parade Pictures

2006-07-05T20:41:00.000-07:00

After many days of putting together our floats, we're proud to announce that with our first effort, Celebrate Fremont was awarded second place for best non-commercial float! Check out pictures of the team assembling the float as well as tons of great pics of the whole parade at Celebrate Fremont's 4th of July picture site! Below are just a few of the photo's we took at the parade, if you were in the parade or watching from the crowd you may be featured in our pictures!

For more pictures of Celebrate Fremont events be sure to check out the Celebrate Fremont website and Celebrate Fremont Web Album (a separate album from the 4th of July picture site). Have any great memories to share about the parade? Did you like our float? Any favorite pictures? Be sure to leave us a comment on this post and let us know!

-Celebrate Fremont Blogging Team

Welcome to Celebrate Fremont's Blog

2006-07-05T19:45:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

Celebrate Fremont has been active for two years, putting together great events celebrating Fremont's 50th anniversary this year. Stay tuned to the blog for upcoming event schedules as well as pictures, videos and recaps of past events! Of course visit our website for more exciting information about Celebrate Fremont!

-Celebrate Fremont