Thousands packed quaint Grant Street this afternoon in Chinatown to catch the annual Autumn Moon Festival - on what turned out to be - a glorious carefree sunny day.
From old St. Mary’s Church down the length of the street to Broadway - shopkeepers and sponsors alike - hawked their wares under pretty white canvas tents as tourists and locals meandered by at a leisurely pace.
Overhead, the balconies were strung with delicate lanterns, which swayed in gentle breezes that swept in off the bay teasingly for the better part of the day.
At one point, drums rolled and bells clanged louely, as a ceremonial Dragon danced in the streets to scare away the evil spirits in keeping with ancient custom.
On a mainstage, performers adorned with exquisitely decorated headdresses and ceremonial garb, delighted pedestrians with their lilting - at times haunting - musical repertoires.
There were quite a few freebies, too.
At a handful of booths, the excited throngs sampled green tea, soy beverages, tasty noodle dishes cooked to perfection in a wok on open burners ringside, you name it.
McDonald’s got in on the action and was offering up yummy generous-sized frappes topped with delicious fresh whipped cream.
At the Thunder Valley Casino tent, I took my turn at the roulette wheel, and won a pair of trendy sunglasses.
Meanwhile, the Golden Gate bakery was ringing up a staggering number of sales.
Patient customers waited in line for up to one hour to purchase their legendary custard tarts and mooncakes purchased singly or packed in fancy dress boxes affixed with a royal red ribbon.
As I stood in the line, a couple of strangers waltzed up and asked me what was so special about the Golden Gate to attract such a long line in the street.
A look at the beaming faces of the customers - exiting with purchases in hand - said it all.
The baked goods are simply scrumptious and worth waiting for.
All around, there was such a feeling of good will, too.
Many of the owners of the shops that lined the main alley that is Grant Street, were flogging quality jackets, sweaters, and souvenirs at bargain basement prices.
Good karma on such an auspicious occasion, I expect!
If you’re quick on the uptake, you can catch the festival tomorrow (Sunday Sept. 19th).
See ‘ya there!
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