October 9, 2007

TGIF: Downtown Campbell Celebrates October First Friday with Carnival of Arts

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Editor

Need to unwind from a hectic work week? Then a visit to downtown Campbell for their First Friday event is just what you need to unwind.

The Olive Bar’s Ed DeSoto was busy handing out samples of extra virgin olive oil at October’s downtown Campbell’s First Friday. Photos by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

This past First Friday was no exception. Monikered the Carnival of Arts, the event featured music and dance from around the world on the historic downtown Campbell streets. The restaurants and cafes are open, the galleries and many of the boutiques. There’s fun in the air as people relax and stroll Campbell Avenue with all the time in the world.

“This is the fourth time I’ve participated in First Friday,” said Pirjo Polari-Khan of Terra Polaris Original Arts Gallery on Campbell Avenue. “There’s always a different theme and people know we’re open. They come to shop and chat. And it’s a lot of fun.”

Moon Frye Metaphysical, next door, also stayed open and spiritual guider Dan Vorheis agrees with Polari-Khan.

“This is a no-Elvis zone,” said Vorheis regarding Timo Gutierrez playing percussion and steel drums between the two shops. Gutierrez has played at the Sonoma Kitchen Coop down the street. You have the feeling that everyone is family at First Fridays. There’s a real community spirit.

Shaheem enchants with her belly dancing at October’s First Friday Carnival of Arts in downtown Campbell.

Down the corner Dance Effects shows off its moves with a modern boogie number. Later, another troupe will tap dance to “Singing in the Rain.” But the only rain is the good time everyone has in Campbell at the First Friday in October.

People enjoy the outdoor bistros at Twist, Blendz, Katie Bloom’s or pizza at Slice. It’s all casual and leisurely and a great way to unwind. Families push strollers and couples enjoy date night.

There is something for everyone whether its clothing like chic Toastshop and Simply Smashing, Let’s Talk Dolls or Garofalo’s Interiors and Antiques. Strolling couples visit the 10 art galleries, many with artists’ studios like Mary Medrano or Heartworks where you can watch the artists create.

First Friday is one of the Downtown Campbell Business Association’s [DCBA] numerous events sponsored throughout the year.

The soothing Reggae sounds of singer/songwriter Lemo were featured at October’s First Friday.

“We have many events planned all year long,” said DCBA President and Trailslogger Outdoor Discovery Gear owner Neil Collins. “This Carnival of Arts is a lot of fun, but we having a scavenger hunt store-to-store for gift baskets at the November First Friday Turkey Trot and in December there will be Christmas carolers. There’s always some event in downtown Campbell.”

In front of Collins’ shop, there’s a booth drawing a crowd with kids and dogs. It’s the Bay Area Pet Patrol with pumpkin and other dog treats. Lindsay Wanek and Misty Dodero specialize in dog walking, pet visits and more for the canine and feline lovers.

Next door, The Olive Bar’s Ed “Don Eduardo” DeSoto is pouring shots of extra virgin olive oil with apple overtones for visitors to try. “This is really good,” said one taster.

Across the street, singer/songwriter Lemo performs rhythmic Reggae music influenced by his native Trinidad and Tobago, while passersby stop to boogie at dusk.

Everyone has fun at First Fridays in Campbell. Moon Frye Metaphysical spiritual guider Dan Vorheis and Pirjo Polari-Khan of Terra Polaris Original Arts Gallery play bongos with musician Timo Gutierrez on steel drums and percussion.

“This is my first time at First Friday,” said Alberta Beasley. “I came to see my friend Megan Moluf belly dance, but I want to walk down Campbell Avenue and see everything. It’s really nice and I’ll come back.”

Campbell Avenue becomes a wonderland of lighted trees and sounds at the Carnival of Lights. Shaheem and her Jewel of Opar belly dancing troupe are enchanting. The San Francisco Hula Dance Company and Northern California Highland Dancing Association wait in the wings.

“I had B and J Automotive Repair right on this corner in 1984,” said Jacob Herzog with son Coby and their four Italian greyhounds in tow. “Now I’m around the block here. We come down here often. It’s a destination.”

First Fridays are held the first Friday of every month from 6- to 9 p.m. in downtown Campbell. Visit www.downtowncampbell.com for information on future events.