19 Oct Recreating Richmond’s Home Front

Photo Essay, Ann Bassette

Richmond hosted its 8th annual Home Front Festival on October 11 with a new theme — Kids Can Do It.

As always, it was a popular event driving scores of families to come out, enjoy the Richmond waterfront and celebrate the impressive history and beauty of the area.

The day kicked off with the 5k/10k Homefront Run and Walk along the shoreline from the Ford Point building on Harbour Way South, hosted by the Hilltop Family YMCA. Afterwards, there were plenty of free festivities in the Craneway Pavillion, on the S.S. Red Oak Victory Ship and at the nearby Lucretia Edwards Shoreline Park.

The historic World War II ship was built at the Kaiser Shipyards in Richmond. Veterans climbed the shaky stairs to board the ship. Once on deck, with the American flag flying high, a ukulele band performed and encouraged visitors to pick up an instrument and join in. Guests were also allowed to explore the enormous ship, which is one of the lasts of its kind. Only three of these ships remain, floating in the world. The Red Oak saw service in World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars.

At Lucretia Edwards Park, families enjoyed the beautiful Richmond shoreline while visiting local vendors, playing games and listening to music from local bands and choirs. Kids kicked off their shoes and bounced around in three large jump houses. A brightly painted children’s train circled the grass and travelled along the waterfront with smiling kids in tow.

This year’s festival coincided with Fleet Week and provided people a great view of the Blue Angels, the United States Navy’s flight demonstration squadron, who spun, flipped and showed off their aerial acrobats high above.

Rich City Rides offered bike tours along the bay trail, along with bike valet service and bike rentals for people to enjoy the area on two wheels.

The day was rounded out with top-notch entertainment for the whole family by Alvon’s Blues, Angelas de la Banda, the Elite Jazz Band, Switched Up! and the Contra Costa Chorale.

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