Rolando gearing up for street fair
The 19th annual Rolando Street Fair will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 29. The fair will be held on Rolando Boulevard between El Cajon Boulevard and Solita Avenue.
Organized and run entirely by volunteers, the street fair draws thousands to this modest neighborhood that overflows with community spirit. This year’s fair features a variety of musical entertainment, a food court with both hot and cold items and merchandise booths from a number of vendors.
A special section just for children also is available and boasts child-friendly activities, carnival rides, face painting, balloon artists, bouncers and booths with items designed especially for the little ones in attendance. Plenty of youth-friendly booths also will be located in this section of the fair.
“It takes a lot of dedicated people to make a real neighborhood, and that’s what we have in Rolando,” said Virginia Martin, a member of the Rolando community. “The street fair is a labor of love for us. It’s a lot of work, but that day, seeing the community come together, we know it is all worth it.”
Another great musical lineup will grace the stage this year. Acts include Sister Speak’s edgy Americana/Alternative vibe, Len Rainey and the Midnight Players rock the blues, the Trey Tosh Band offers rock and soul and the Devastators offer a kinky Reggae. The final act this year is The Earful, who will bring the funk.
“It’s totally kid-friendly with rides, games and other attractions that make for a fun-filled day,” said Jeannine O’Clancy, a longtime Rolando resident. “It’s also on a beautiful tree-lined street that just feels like Rolando.”
On-street parking is available throughout the neighborhood, but is very limited. Public transportation will be running to and from the fair during hours of operation, providing another alternative. Visitors who wish to make use of public transportation should use bus Route 1 between Hillcrest and Grossmont, exiting the bus at the El Cajon Boulevard/Rolando Boulevard. stop. Trolleys also are available, with the nearest stop at San Diego State University. From the university stop, visitors should take the 856 or 936 bus to the College Avenue/El Cajon Boulevard stop and then transfer to the 1 bus. Bike racks also will be available at the fair site for visitors who wish to ride to the site.
Visit and like the new Rolando Street Fair Facebook page for updates on the event.
Source: DiscoverSD