Fourth of July Family Celebration at Dunsmuir Hellman

Wow — so fun and so wholesome!
Golly! Gosh! More fun than a barrel of monkeys!
I am almost embarrassed to admit how much I love old-​fashioned, wholesome events! Even though I can curse like a sailor I am basically a cornball, simpleton at heart.
We missed the Teddy Bear parade but there were plenty of teddy bears in attendance, on display in the Dunsmuir mansion and cuddled in the arms of kids or lounging in their own tiny lawn chairs.
There were plenty of activities for kids and any young-​at-​heart grown-​up. Many people participated in the 3 Legged races, gunny sack races and craft activities.
The Dunsmuir Mansion was open for self-​guided tours:
16,000 + square feet
Countless bedrooms and bathrooms
Huge living rooms, dining rooms, parlours
Teddy Bears wee everywhere! So cute!
One of the highlights of this event was the Castro Valley Community Band composed of 50 or so very enthusiastic folks dressed in regular jeans and tee shirts. The conductor looked as if she was 14 years old from a distance but we were relieved when we saw her up close that she was a fellow middle ager.
The band really set the mood for the event.
People of all ages were clapping, dancing, swaying, singing and marching to John Phillip Sousa, the Beatles, standards from the 40’s and ’50’s, movie themes like «More.» and of course, «Teddy Bears Picnic» (which I knew all the lyrics and sang to in a far too loud and enthusiastic manner embarrassing my poor hubby.
It was a lovely day in an idyllic setting.
Next year think about going here with your family!
Next year I’m bringing my own teddy bear (s)!