This Sunday's the Castro Street Fair, and that means it's time for Sugar Valley!
Why, yes -- I'd love one!
Sugar Valley is a group of alternative vendors and organizations -- kind of on the alternaqueer and Gay Shame end of the homo spectrum -- who hawk their mostly DIY fares with flair on 18th Street between Noe and Hartford. There's tons of great, local-made art and clothing as well as some of the weirdest-wonderfullest items, entertainment, and carnival-like shenanigans you'll see all year. Also, there's some pretty neato places to sit and chill out -- especially for those of us who feel faint after weathering the onslaught of rainbow windchimes and travartine nude wall-sculptures on offer at the rest of the fair.
Artist Ms. Vera jumps ship -- to swim to Sugar Valley!
digg •
del.icio.us •
sphere •
google
•
Comments (7)
sugar valley is the only thing that makes the castro street fair worthwhile, IMHO. lots of amazing folks creating interactive booths. this isn't just a space for people to sell their wares - no! this is more about community and less about commerce. it's a little slice of art in a sea of rainbow candles and protein powder. go check it out. on 18th street between noe and hartford!
Posted by michael | October 5, 2007 09:55 AM
Sugar Valley is what all street fairs should aspire to be: free of corporate sponsorship, beer gardens, and mass-produced wares.
The rough-around-the-edges and funkalicious ambiance of Sugar Valley is what separates it -- and puts it above -- your average fest.
Posted by Suzannarama | October 5, 2007 10:02 AM
I wholeheartedly second and third the above!
Posted by Marke B. | October 5, 2007 10:11 AM
Yeah! I especially appreciate the interactive energy of Sugar Valley. I'd dare to compare its spirit to that of Burning Man— where spectators are transformed into part of the show. That aspect truly makes Sugar Valley outshine the typical commercial interactions of your average street fair.
Posted by Jaina Bee | October 5, 2007 10:42 AM
Yeeehaw! Hooray for Sugar Valley! And hooray to Flower Frankenstein for starting the whole thing.
Posted by L. Ron Hubby | October 5, 2007 11:34 AM
Sugar Valley is Sweetness! It is San Francisco at its best - people loving what they do and showing off. You will be amazed at the art, performances and costumes. A nice slice of imaginative life filled with Comquat Jelly and sprinkled with the absurd.
Posted by Pijo | October 5, 2007 01:36 PM
If you only go to one street fair a year, Sugar Valley should be it. In fact, if you avoid street fairs, then by all means, run to 'The Valley! You'll laugh, you'll cry (again, with laughter), you won't believe your eyes.
Every year is different, and this year promises to be the best yet!
Posted by Nell | October 5, 2007 06:40 PM