Dragon boating, canoeing, rowing, whale boating, kayaking, outriggers and more will be on deck for the public to enjoy during Pirates in Paradise, a fun-raising event on Sunday, October 16 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on the waterfront at Bridgeside Shopping Center, 2671 Blanding Ave. in Alameda.
AFD & APD along with sponsors for Alameda’s Pirates in Paradise get ready for the Battle of the Paddle between the AFD & the APD. Photo by Nora Desmond
Published: October, 2011
Dragon boating, canoeing, rowing, whale boating, kayaking, outriggers and more will be on deck for the public to enjoy during Pirates in Paradise, a fun-raising event on Sunday, October 16 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on the waterfront at Bridgeside Shopping Center, 2671 Blanding Ave. in Alameda. Vendor booths from local yacht clubs, boating clubs, and the 34th America’s Cup will also be on hand for information gathering. Face painting too!
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Alameda Education Foundation, a local non-profit that supports vital programs in art, music, drama, sports and more in Alameda public schools. "This event is a great way to introduce the community to our hidden treasure—Alameda’s beautiful waterfront," commented event organizer Deborah Wright. "Many Alamedans have no idea what sort of ‘fun factor’ exists in our own backyard."
The event began simply as a fun way to raise awareness of these water-oriented activities, explained Wright, but participating organizations also wanted to do something to help Alameda’s struggling schools. "’Pirates in Paradise’ is a way of giving back and supporting our schools," said Dom Weaver of the Alameda Firefighters Association, one of the event’s sponsors. "Supporting our youth is essential to their ability to grow to becoming contributing members of our community."
The main event of the day will be the Alameda Fire Department and Alameda Police Department in "The Battle of the Paddle" in dragon boats during a Boat Regatta. Guests can also enjoy watching the Oakland Strokes exhibition crew race. The public is encouraged to register a team and race against other local organizations and businesses at the event. A donation of $10 per adult and $5 per child is suggested.
Alameda Education Foundation President Bill Sonneman commended the businesses’ involvement in helping public schools. "Our schools are in a difficult position these days due to the drastic budget cuts from the State," said Sonneman. "It really is up to the community to ensure that quality education continues in Alameda, and we are thrilled to have the support of so many waterfront and local businesses to make that happen."
The Alameda Education Foundation (AEF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that has supported Alameda’s public schools since 1982. "Pirates in Paradise" will help support AEF core programs including middle school sports, scholarships for after-school enrichment classes, teacher and classroom support, and visual and performing arts support. More information on AEF may be found at www.alamedaeducation.org.
Members of the APD & AFD “paddle it out” in dragon boats on the Alamerda Estaury. Raising both awarness of small boat activities and funds for Alameda’s schools. Photo by Nora Desmond
