Happy anniversary, Dublin, you "All America City."
In honor of its 30th year of incorporation and its prestigious title, Dublin is throwing itself a good old-fashioned, Main Street, USA-type party.
Open to the public, is Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the .
On the agenda, are performances by folk musicians and a local blues band featuring Zakiya Hooker, daughter of blues legend John Lee Hooker.
Organizers have planned sack races, a water-balloon toss and a watermelon-eating contest.
And while supplies last, hot dogs, apple pie and root beer will be served.
Also planned: face-painting; inflatables for the kids; tractor and wagon rides, according to the city.
Dignitaries from Dublin's past will share recollections and unveil a recently-discovered piece of Dublin's history.
The City of Dublin was one of 10 cities nationwide recognized by the National Civic League as a 2011 "All-America City," an award given to regions that demonstrate outstanding civic accomplishments.
Dublin Mayor Tim Sbranti said that since the honor coincided with the
30-year anniversary of Dublin’s incorporation, a family-friendly celebration was in order.
“We wanted to give Dublin residents an opportunity to not only celebrate Dublin’s history, but to recognize where we’re going as a city," he said.
"The All-America City award recognizes the positive path that we’re on as a city, while also honoring achievements from
Dublin’s past,” Sbranti added.
Musical performances by Bay Area folk musicians Steve Ewert
and Russ Gautier, will be anchored by a 90-minute concert featuring Dublin resident and renowned blues-woman Hooker.
Hosted by another Dublin resident, Kathy Blackburn, guitarist and vocalist Jim Caroompas, and backed by the band Four and More, Zakiya will take the audience on a musical and historical journey.
Hooker is excited about helping Dublin celebrate.
“The blues grew out of the South more than 100 years ago and spread throughout the country until it became jazz, R&B, and
rock ‘n roll," Hooker said.
"In this concert, we’re going to bring back the great blues men and women like Robert Johnson, Etta James, and, of course, my dad, John Lee Hooker, along with some jazz and R&B.”
“I’ve performed blues all over the world and now, bringing this universally
loved music to my hometown will be a real treat,” she added.
For more information, visit the Dublin website at
www.dublin.ca.gov. or contact Shari Jackman at (925)
556-4555.
For information about the blues concert, contact Kathy
Blackburn at (925) 828-1894.
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