19 Sep Stroll Lets El Sobrante Show People ‘Who We Are’
The 2024 El Sobrante Stroll is reflected in a horse’s sunglasses — yes, a horse’s sunglasses.
Story and photos by Denis Perez-Bravo
San Pablo Dam Road came alive Sunday with the 29th annual El Sobrante Stroll, a cherished local street festival that celebrates the community’s spirit and diversity.
The stroll has grown into a signature event for the region, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment, food and local culture.
Residents and visitors alike flocked to the festival.
Donald Bastin, an 80-year-old local historian and longtime participant, said the festival is important in connecting locals and people from the area to El Sobrante.
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- Donald Bastin, a local historian and author of a book about El Sobrante, speaks with a visitor to his booth.
“It gives us a chance to get people acquainted with who we are,” said Bastin, author of “El Sobrante (Images of America).” “You know, there is the creek society, and a lot of people don’t know that we live right on a creek.” (That’s San Pablo Creek.)
He also helps people get to know the area by promoting the El Sobrante Historical Society and the local creek watershed preservation group, Spawners.
Attendees also enjoyed a variety of activities, among them viewing classic and customized cars and a BMX bike show and shopping local businesses and sampling diverse cuisines at the booths lining the walk.
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- A Custom & Classic Car Show is part of the El Sobrante Stroll.
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- Anthony Simpson, 15 year-old El Sobrante resident, pops a wheelie during the El Sobrante Stroll.
Joseph Lee, a 56-year-old Pinole resident, is a yearly attendee. For him, it’s all about food and family. This year, he came with his daughter and grandson.
“Every year, I look forward to the barbecue, the Indian food, the Mexican food, and the hot dogs,” Lee said. “It’s a great place to be out in the sun with the family.”
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- Joseph Lee, a 56-year-old resident of Pinole who comes to the El Sobrante Stroll every year, was there this time with his daughter and grandson.
For Tiffany Bowers, a first-time visitor from Oakland and traveling crystal shop owner, the Stroll was a delightful experience.
“I’ve heard about this event for years, so I wanted to check it out,” Bowers said, “It’s been really fun. Everyone is really nice, and my favorite part was seeing the horses.”
Her booth featured crystal jewelry and home decor, most of it made by hand by her.
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- Tiffany Bowers, a 37-year-old Oakland resident, sells her mostly handmade jewelry at her Demeter’s Dreams booth during her first time at the El Sobrante Stroll.
Young performers also made their mark.
Jose Canela, 14, performed for the first time with the Richmond High School marching band as a freshman.
Despite the challenge of playing the flute while walking, Canela said, “it’s been good. I like it.”
The El Sobrante Stroll was started in 1994 to promote local business. The event, which this year had the theme “take a stroll on the wild side,” is hosted by the El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce.
See more from the 2024 El Sobrante Stroll:
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