The Dickens Christmas Fair is a San Francisco tradition well loved because of its robust exuberance and attention to Dickensian detail. Within the Fair there is a whole population of English characters ready to delight you - some with their elegance and some with their their bawdy songs and manners. You rub your eyes and truly wonder if you did not really step back in time, that it is not 2003, and you are really in England. The authenticity of what you see and hear and taste and feel is staggeriing.

Have you heard the expression, "A parade of shops?" This was the way an Englishman gave us directions once....."a parade of shops to the left and a parade of shops to the right......" and the parade of shops at the Dickens Christmas Fair offer unique hand made items that have reasonable prices. It is a good place to do your Christmas shopping! Last year’s best purchase - one of a kind pewter goblet for Mr. Meyer.

There are many forms of entertainment all going on, delicious food to order up, and some fine ale stands and pubs that offer stout, ale, lager with some of the best names of the Mothercountry -Guinness, Bass, Boddingtons. Or, if you are in the mood for mimosa’s or Irish Coffee, Hot Buttered rum, Hot Mulled Wine, Hot Toddy, Brandied Eggnog.....the choice is yours!

So hurry on over to the Cow Palace on weekend through December 21, 2003. Everything is there for your creature comforts. We are all waiting for you.

Dianne Boate is a San Francisco based photojournalist. Her work can be seen on www.danielakart.com. Robert is a consultant to the wine and spirits industry. they have been sampling vermouths, wines, champagnes, ports, rums and Icelandic schnapps for 24 years.

Dianne Boate

MADE BY HAND

415 751-4955

P.O.Box 210325

San Francisco CA 94121