Author: Ken

It’s that crazy time of year again–the annual Bay to Breakers race!  I want to remind everyone that the annual Bay to Breakers race happens this Sunday, May 18, 2008.  The race starts at 8:00am, and the course traverses the full width of SF, starting at the Embarcadero, travelling west along Howard St, Ninth St, Hayes St, Fell St, and JFK Dr through Golden Gate Park, and finishing at the Great Highway.

Note that Lindy in the Park will still take place Sunday, May 18, 2008 at its regular time (11am-2pm) and location (south sidewalk of JFK Dr., near the de Young museum), even though we might have a few extra (65,000+) people running near or through our dance floor!

Please be forewarned that due to the crowds and street closures, it may take longer to get to Lindy in the Park, so plan accordingly.  To travel north-south in SF across the race course, the Embarcadero and 19th Ave./Park Presidio will remain open in both directions at all times.  For more information about street closures and public transportion, check the official Bay to Breakers web site at: http://www.ingbaytobreakers.com/race_information/transportation.html??????

Hope you can make it!
Ken

On Sunday, May 4, 2008, the San Francisco Inline Marathon (SFIM) will be held on JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park.  The race course loops back and forth along JFK Drive between the Conservatory of Flowers and Crossover Drive (19th Ave), and this portion of the road will be closed to ALL non-racers, including cars, pedestrians, bicyclists, and runners between 8:00 AM and 1:30 PM.

We *should* be fine on the south sidewalk area where we usually dance, and that’s where we’ll try to set up first.  But please be forewarned that (1) we may have to move LitP to an alternate location (probably somewhere in the middle of the Music Concourse); and (2) you may find it difficult to cross JFK Drive at times during the race.

According to the race organizers “Non-race observers will be able to cross the street at several designated areas with the guidance of our volunteers”.  So hopefully, regardless of where LitP ends up, it won’t be too difficult for people coming from the north side of the park to cross JFK Dr. during the race.  Another option is for people to use the north tunnel to go underneath JFK Drive to get to LitP.

Two other quick announcements:
1. KGO-ABC 7 is coming to LitP this Sunday to film a feature about LitP which will air during the week before Mother’s Day.

2. The free beginner swing dance lesson moves to a new earlier time, 12:00pm (noon)-12:30pm.

Hope to see you at the park!  -Ken

For the last 4 years, the free beginner swing dance lesson taught by Hep Jen at Lindy in the Park has been a wonderful addition.  It has become very popular with beginner-level dancers, introduced many new people to swing dancing, and proven to be an important contributor in maintaining a vibrant and friendly swing dance community.

In an ongoing effort to improve Lindy in the Park, beginning May 4, 2008, the swing dance lesson will move to an earlier time (30 minutes earlier) and take place every Sunday 12:00pm-12:30pm, weather permitting.

Please tell your friends and help spread the word!

Thanks,
Ken Watanabe
Lindy in the Park organizer, co-founder, DJ

2/24/08: Lindy in the Park has been cancelled today due to rain.  At this moment (10:07 AM), it’s currently raining, and the current forecast predicts a 90-100% of rain with winds up to 25mph between now and 2pm.  Stay dry and we hope to see you all next week!

2/3/08: Lindy in the Park is on (at the bandshell).  At this moment (10:27 am), the forecast predicts a 30% chance of rain during the middle of the day, so we’ll take our chances.  -Ken