This just in - It’s officially summertime in the O.

The summer solstice may be a few weeks off, but if the nice weather at Sunday’s Temescal Street Fair is any indication of what to expect in the meantime, it’s time to put those winter clothes away (if you haven’t already) and get down in the sunshine - just like that Roy Ayers song says.
 
This year’s Temescal Street Fair took full advantage of the warm temperature and proved to be a perfect day for strolling, lounging, schmoozing and lolling about the Temescal district. The strip of Telegraph Avenue between 45th and 52nd streets is a fairly bohemian mix of Oakland’s legendary diversity and multicultural flavor. It’s funky, chic, hip, upscale and down-to-earth all in one. Where else could S&S seafood coexist peacefully with Moroccan restaurant Tanjia? Where else could you find tapas bars, pizza joints, dive bars and bike shops, all within close proximity?

For neighborhood residents, Temescal is a gem of a place to live, hang out and chill on a daily basis – for other Oaklanders (and visitors from other cities), it’s a place, which always looks distinctly more happening than the last time you were there; an area you want to make a mental note to revisit as soon as time and circumstance permit.
 
The primary purpose of street fairs isn’t to peruse the local shops, eateries and watering holes, catch up with old friends, make new ones, listen to live music, or let the little ones engage in kid-friendly activities like riding a miniature train. Nope, it’s people watching. In this regard, the Temescal Street Fair did not disappoint. And at this point, it must be said: Oakland folks are hella interesting.

Though the crowd was a little on the sedate side, what they lacked in rowdy boisterousness they made up for in sheer individuality. No two people, it seemed, looked (or dressed) alike. Tattooed rockers? Check. Soccer dads? Check. Holistic mamas? Check. Bicycle enthusiasts? Check. Afro-ed Ethiopians? Check? Venezuelans in traditional peasant garb? Check. Oaklanders in Warriors, Raiders and A’s gear? Check. Tied-died jugglers with bowler hats? Check. Sexy babes in cute summer dresses? Double check.
 
There was plenty to do and see – grab a slice or a pint from Lanesplitter; emblazon your arm (or other body part) with a temporary airbrush tattoo; listen to accordionistas and bluegrass bands on the sidewalk; snap up local fashion from Korrupted, Oaklandish and 510akland; have your bike valeted by the East Bay Bike Coalition; meander by the main stage for a Temescal fashion show; groove to traditional African and South American music; or watch your rugrats scale the climbing wall.
 
There’s not much more to be said, other than this pleasant Sunday afternoon was a wonderful way to welcome summer.