Editorials

Berkeley will celebrate its seventh annual “How Berkeley Can You Be?” parade and festival Sunday. 

The streets will begin bursting with Berkeley spirit at 11 a.m. when the parade begins at the corner of California Street and University Avenue. The parade route runs up University, onto Shattuck Avenue, then down Center Street, culminating at Civic Center Park, where festivities will continue until 5 p.m. 

“It’s about Berkeley being represented in all of its diversity,” said John Solomon, founder and organizer of the event. 

Outsiders often misconstrue the celebration as just an off-the-wall parade. But the event includes all of the city’s cultural, political and ethic groups. “It’s not just about wackos running around the streets naked,” Solomon said. 

One of the highlights of the parade will be more than 80 cars from ArtCar Fest. Also watch for People Eatin’ Them Animals, Welcome to the AARP with The Hot Flashes and the Synchronized Nap Team, and The Chicken Ranch on Wheels. Grand Marshall this year will be artist Michael Masley, a long-time Berkeley street performer whose motto is “conformity can be addictive, so beware.” 

The festival at Civic Center Park will include live performances of world music, food, dance, and a kids’ area. 

“How Berkeley Can You Be” will take place 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information call 849-4688 or go to www.howberkeleycanyoube.com.