Old San Leandro in Alameda County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
San Leandro – Cherry Festivals
West side of marker:
San Leandro’s farmers expected a bumper crop of cherries in 1909. Why not celebrate and promote the city and one of its wonderful crops? The first cherry festival took place that spring. The Oakland Enquirer reported that it was the greatest carnival ever attempted in the county, and the host city was “as full of carnival spirit and joy as her orchards were full of cherries.” Festivities included a 21-gun salute, a parade, a grand ball, carnival games and booths, and of course lots of cherries.
After the success, the festival became a regular event. Between 1910 and 1912, attendance grew from 45,000 to a remarkable 75,000. In the 1920s the festivals were revived for a decade, and one was held for San Leandro’s centennial in 1972. Since then, cherry festivals continue to celebrate the San Leandro community.
Another opportunity to promote San Leandro crops was the Alameda County Day Parade of the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition, the great San Francisco fair to celebrate the opening of the Panama Canal. San Leandro stole the show with its parade floats bedecked with San Leandro produce, and Antone Vager’s cherry-covered car won first prize.
North side of marker:
attended the 1910 cherry carnival
and they consumed 25 tons of cherrys.
Ten tons were given away
and an additional 15 tons sold.
Erected by City of San Leandro .
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Notable Events. A significant historical year for this entry is 1909.
Location. 37° 43.435′ N, 122° 9.519′ W. Marker is in San Leandro, California, in Alameda County. It is in Old San Leandro. Marker is at the intersection of West Estudillo Avenue and Clarke Street, on the right when traveling west on West Estudillo Avenue. Marker is mounted on a pole on the northwest corner of the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: San Leandro CA 94577, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Historic Daniel & Meta Best Home (a few steps from this marker); Casa Peralta (a few steps from this marker); The Little Brown Church (within shouting distance of this marker); San Leandro Courthouse Site (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); County Courthouse (about 300 feet away); San Leandro – Industry (about 400 feet away); Estudillo Home (about 500 feet away); Masonic Temple (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Leandro.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 14, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,737 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 14, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 4, 5. submitted on January 17, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.