Holiday Boot Camp – Golden Gate Park Workout

Getting ready for the New Year's Eve parties is as easy as enrolling in the Holiday Boot Camp at Golden Gate Park, taking place on Sunday, December 21st and Monday, December 22nd, 2008. Interested parties should plan on rising and shining early in the morning for a session in fitness from 7am to 8am that meets at Kezar Drive at Stanyan Street. Usually, people who experience a brief taste of AlaVie Fitness or PowerVie Boot Camp decide to enroll in more intense, longer programs throughout the year.

As for this 2-day romp, this is the perfect chance to get acquainted with the coaches and test out the workouts you may want to make part of your routine schedule. Did you know that this workout ranked high amongst the readers of San Jose and San Francisco Magazines? Come see what all the buzz is about when you tap into a newfound energy right in the middle of beautiful Golden Gate Park.

The Holiday Boot Camp costs $20 to $35 to enjoy. For more details, check out http://www.alaviefitness.com, email info [at] alaviefitness.com, or call 415-567-7411.

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Golden Gate Express – All Aboard!

Whether you tinker with a model train set at home or have children fascinated with magical locomotives, Golden Gate Park is currently home to the Golden Gate Express – the first ever garden railway exhibition for the Conservatory of Flowers (John F. Kennedy Drive).

Surrounded by replicas of famous San Francisco landmarks, a miniature G-gauge train zips by local attractions, such as the Transamerica Pyramid, Golden Gate Bridge, and Ghirardelli Square. Living plants create endless green spaces that depict parks and gardens. Reusable materials (like old computer keys and plumbing supplies) are used to build some of the significant structures.

The Golden Gate Express also offers:

• Access to a vintage train station seating area
• Guest appearances by costumed conductors
• Information regarding the development of San Francisco and its railways

So, the next time you're wondering what to do this weekend or any weekend until April, come browse the Golden Gate Express – an entertaining holiday experience. This Conservatory of Flowers event will continue on every day (with the exception of Monday) until April 19th, 2009 – from 9am to 4:30pm. Without a paid admission to the Conservatory, expect a fee between $3 and $5. For more details on this event, call 415-831-2090 or 415-666-7001.

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Golden Gate Park Run Wild or Wild Creations

After the smoked turkey, apple pie, and candied yams have settled in your stomach – it’s time to step out of the comforts of your home and enjoy the Golden Gate Park events scheduled for Sunday, November 30th, 2008: Run Wild and the Bazaar Bizarre San Francisco Holiday Show.

Run Wild

Mark your calendars! Two fun courses will be offered at the 24th annual Run Wild event, which both start together on John F. Kennedy Drive & 8th Ave. The 5K & 10K USAT&F certified courses weave throughout Golden Gate Park, alongside the Panhandle and end at the Music Concourse. Prizes are given to the top three finishers in each race. Rain or shine – the race is on!

Bazaar Bizarre San Francisco Holiday Show

Get a jumpstart on the holiday season when you check out the Bazaar Bizarre San Francisco Holiday Show between 10am and 5pm. An explosion of do-it-yourself and handmade ideas and materials will surround live entertainment, craft workshops, and food at this event. Whether it’s a leather-bound book, knitting must-haves, or baby clothing, don’t miss out on endless custom-made specialties. Tickets for this San Francisco County Fair Building event are a mere $1. For more information, check out http://www.bazaarbizarre.org/sanfrancisco.html.

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Holiday Artisan Fair at De Young Museum

If you're looking for inspiration to get started on the right path towards holiday cheer and making a joyful noise, consider the second annual Holiday Artisan Fair at the De Young Museum, taking place on November 21st and 22nd, 2008. From decorative textiles to jubilant tabletop pieces, the work of 17 Bay Area artisans will brighten up your day, as well as your festive spirit.

At the Holiday Artisan Fair, this is your chance to browse and purchase distinct books, jewelry, and other gifts for the holiday season. If you're a FAMSF member, you can take advantage of a 10% discount on all purchases. Just some of the work to look forward to includes jewelry by Denise Peacock and Christine Aiko Beck; and decorative arts by Jane Woodside, Grant Irish, and Shuji Ikeda.

Don’t forget – this free event will take place at the Piazzoni Murals Room in De Young Museum, located in Golden Gate Park at 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive: Friday (12pm – 8:30pm) and Saturday (9:30am – 4:30pm).

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Golden Gate Park Gems – the Great Outdoors

At the Golden Gate Park, the weekend weather is still suitable enough to take in fresh air and get a bit closer to the earth and environment. This Saturday, explore two opportunities that allow you to absorb the beauty of glistening local waters and breathtaking woodlands.

From 10am to 12:30pm, you can contribute to Golden Gate Park Oak Woodland Restoration Project Work Day, held every second Saturday of each month. Simply meet up with others in front of the Conservatory of Flowers to make a difference. For more information, contact Robert Bakewell (rcbakewell [at] yahoo.com, 415-221-1137 or 415-710-9617).

Hopefully, you'll learn to catch more than just your reflection the next time you go fishing after paying a visit to the GGACC Angler's Ponds at Golden Gate Park (9:30am to 12 pm). Here is your chance to take advantage of free casting lessons – offered no matter what the weather conditions are. When you arrive, you will be assigned to a group based upon your previous experience: Beginning to Intermediate, or Intermediate to Advanced. Don't forget to bring along protective eyewear! To learn more about this event, call 650-348-1216.

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Pet Pride Day at Golden Gate Park

Hook the leash up your favorite furried friend, slip the sparkly collar on, and if you’re looking for a special someone to call your own, make your way to Golden Gate Park for Pet Pride Day on Sunday, October 26th, 2008. Registration for this Animal Care and Control agency event is from 11am to 12pm, which is when the pet costume pre-judging will also take place.

Throughout the afternoon, Sharon Meadow will serve as a watering hole for the owners of pampered felines and man’s best friend. To ensure the safety of your companions, free microchipping is offered at this family-friendly event for licensed cats and dogs located within the city. This is also a chance to see what the ACC is all about and to become aware of their many services.

Some of the events held for Pet Pride Day (from 12pm to 3pm) include:

• Parade of Pets (12:00-12:25 pm)
• Pet Camp Pet Trick Contest (1:00-1:20 pm)
• Disc Dogs of Golden Gate (1:50-2:10 pm)
• Pet Camp Halloween Contest (2:15-2:35 pm)
• Carnival Games (2:40-2:55 pm)

Looking for more information? Contact Deb Campbell at deb.campbell [at] sfgov.org

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All-Skate Jam at Metson Lake

Calling all skaters! This weekend, pay a visit to Golden Gate Park’s Metson Lake (located close to Polo Field on Middle Drive West), to enjoy high-flying tricks and non-stop shredding action. On October 12th, 2008, from 10am to 2pm, the park plays host to an event open to all skaters – no matter their specialties – freestyle, slalom, old school flavor, or new school flair.

Joining a host of other Sk8Kings Freestyle Team members, the “Brown Bomber” himself, Richy Carrasco will show off his skills. This is your chance to set eyes on a live performance by the Guinness Book World Record holder for consecutive 360-degree spins on a skateboard.

Food and refreshments will be provided at this event. The All-Skate Jam will also include product tosses and exciting giveaways. You are additionally encouraged to bring your own board to receive a free raffle ticket. After the festivities, remember to head on down to the Purple Skunk Board Shop (5820 Geary Blvd – 3pm to 5pm) for in-store discounts and raffle results.

To avoid getting lost when making your way to this adrenaline-infused occasion, don’t forget to enter from Lincoln on 25th or 41st avenues to reach the front of Metson Lake. Best of all – this is another thrillingly free event at Golden Gate Park. For more details, check out http://www.purpleskunk.com/category_s/269.htm.

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Maori Art and Culture at the de Young