News Update
10-Day Celebration at Alameda Theatre & Cineplex
In celebration of its 10th Anniversary, Alameda Theatre & Cineplex is hosting a 10-Day THANK YOU CELEBRATION consisting of giveaways, special offers, and surprise gifts for movie goers, May 18-27.
Random giveaways will be awarded to lucky movie goers each day of the celebration. Giveaways will include free Theatre movie tickets, candy, Movie Money, free In-Seat food delivery before the movie. Two tickets to the premiere of “Solo: The Star Wars Story” will be given away daily and a handful of lucky movie-goers will receive tickets to Golden State Warriors Playoff Games at Oracle Arena.
Other special offers:
- Box Office Specials include “2 for $10 Tuesday” and “Age 10 & Under FREE Wednesday.”
- Cinema Grill will offer a special “Anniversary Appetizer” with any $10 drink order.
- Daily Pop-Up Popcorn Stands will offer free popcorn outside the theatre. Pop-Up locations will be emailed to those who sign up for the Alameda Theatre Newsletter at www.alamedatheatres.com
It’s been 10 years since the Alameda Theatre & Cineplex opened its doors following an extensive restoration in 2008.
Theatre Management wishes to say Thank You to the community and to those who have enjoyed the films and special events over the past 10 years.
New Happenings at the Spring Festival
Long time residents, recent arrivals, and island visitors alike enjoyed all that Downtown Alameda had to offer at the 18th Annual Downtown Alameda Spring Festival.
The Spring Festival is one of a few annual fundraising events. Part of the proceeds from the wine, beer, and mimosa sales goes to our “Clean, Green, & Safe” fund to further support our efforts to maintain our tree-lined streets.
The Downtown Alameda Business Association is grateful for those who attended… Thank you!
Original Post:
The Downtown Alameda Spring Festival brings 150 art and craft vendors, mouth-watering festival food, local craft beer and premium wine sales, nonstop live music on multiple stage, and an interactive kids’ area to the island city. Festival-goers will enjoy a stroll in Alameda’s historic downtown district where unique shops, amazing restaurants, and other businesses will also be offering event specials throughout the weekend, making it the perfect place to find a gift for Mom. Or bring Mom to the festivities and treat her to a mimosa and lunch.
The 18th Annual Downtown Alameda Spring Festival is a Mother’s Day weekend tradition with something for everyone. The fun happens on Saturday, May 12, 2018 & Sunday, May 13, 2018 from 10:00am to 6:00pm both days and is FREE to attend.
Come see what’s new at the Spring Festival and stay to enjoy all that Downtown Alameda has to offer!
New for 2018:
Alameda Alley: Catch up with friends at a newly expanded section located on Central Avenue near the historic Alameda Theatre & Cineplex. Thanks to Alameda music legend Jim Parodi and Habanas Cuban Cuisine, the new Alameda Stage area will be bursting at the seams with local talent; plus, lots more tables and chairs to encourage visitors to sit and enjoy the all that the festival and the downtown district have to offer.
Free WiFi: All festival attendees can enjoy free, high-speed internet service throughout the event area compliments of Alameda’s own Common Networks.
Free secure bike parking: An upgraded bike valet is located at Vietnam House at 1527 Park Street.
ATM’s: ATMs Unlimited will have ATM machines in convenient locations near each of the three beer/wine/mimosa booths as well as in Alameda Alley.
“It’s exciting to be able to offer so many new free activities and services to our visitors this year.” says Janet Magleby, Executive Director of the Downtown Alameda Business Association. “Some of my favorite moments at the Spring Festival are watching people taking selfies with their favorite food in hand, toasts being given over the amazing beer and wine selections, and the faces of kids on the bungee jumper!” Read More
Classic Car Show Celebrates 25th Year
Duane Watson and Mayor Trish Herrera Spencer at the 2017 Classic Car Show
Registration for the 25th Annual Downtown Alameda Classic Car Show is now open. The show takes place October 13, 2018.
Lee Auto Supply says good-bye; Classic Car Show continues!
After 60 years on Park Street, the World Famous Lee Auto Supply located at 1525 Park Street will be closing its doors on Saturday, April 28, 2018. A retirement sale is now in progress and so are plans for the Silver Anniversary Celebration of the annual Downtown Alameda Classic Car Show that Lee Auto Supply owner Duane Watson founded on Park Street.
When Duane took over the business from his father in 1986, it was not only with a passion for cars but also a passion for the customers and the business community. Duane has always valued customer focus, team effort, attention to detail, integrity, honesty, and pride. These qualities are also shared by the small but dedicated staff as they welcomed each and every visitor with a friendly smile.
“It has been a great run. We thank you all for the support and the great friends we’ve made over the years,” states Duane upon reflection of his time at Lee Auto Supply.
Duane has been a positive force in Downtown Alameda over the years. In recognition of all that he has done for the downtown district, Duane has been the recipient of the Downtown Alameda Business Association’s “2017 Member of the Year” award and the “2016 President’s Award.” As examples of the many ways he has contributed to the success of the downtown district, Duane served on the board of the Downtown Association for 24 years and he has delighted thousands of Alameda children by playing Santa during the holiday season.
Of all of the wonderful things that Duane has done for the district, perhaps the most well-known is the Classic Car Show he created for Park Street. Duane presided over the car show committee for 24 super-charged years and he revved up car enthusiasts from all around the East Bay with this annual family-friendly event. Read More
Building a Greener Economy in Downtown Alameda
With Earth Day being celebrated in Alameda this Saturday, April 21, it’s a terrific time to reflect on how the Downtown Alameda businesses do their part to protect the environment and make Alameda a greener community every day.
Common green practices in the district include reducing water use with low flow toilets and auto-off faucets; conserving energy by upgrading lighting and equipment; diverting waste from the landfill through reuse, recycling, and composting; and using non-toxic or low-toxic cleaners.
When it comes to being green, the Downtown Alameda has racked up some impressive numbers:
- Over 45 businesses have participated in Alameda Municipal Power’s energy efficiency programs in the past 3 years.
- More than 30 businesses have signed up for AMP’s “Alameda Green” program, helps bring more renewable energy to Alameda.
- Nearly 75 restaurants and eateries participate in “organic” recycling of all food waste. According to Alameda County Industries, that’s over 1/3 of all participating businesses on the island.
- Over 20 retail shops sell almost exclusively reused and reclaimed items… clothing, furniture, toys, antiques, videos, books, and more.
- 4 downtown businesses have recently completed the new ReThink Disposable: Unpackage Alameda program and have switched more of their disposable items to re-usable items, with dozens more ready to “graduate.”
As a commitment to sustainability, eleven Downtown Alameda businesses have taken steps to become a Certified Green Business. The green practices of these business has been verified by the California Green Business Network: Read More
Tucker’s Ice Cream Announces New Ownership
David Lee and Kate Pryor, previous owners of Tucker’s Ice Cream
A ribbon-cutting to celebrate the transfer of ownership will be held on Sunday, April 15, 1:00-4:00pm. The community will be treated to games, a baby scoop, and fun time for all.
Stephen Zimmerman and Lauren Zimmerman Cook, longtime Alameda residents and CEO and COO of Alameda-based AEC Living, and their spouses, Joshua Cook and Erika Zimmerman, have become the new owners of Tucker’s Super Creamed Ice Cream. The Zimmerman’s are the fourth owners of Tucker’s since 1941. They are dedicated to keeping the famous ice cream parlor under local, independent ownership, and continuing the traditions set over the last 77 years of business.
Kate Pryor: Commitment to Community
Kate Pryor, a second generation Alamedan, grew up enjoying Tucker’s Ice Cream and purchased the business in 1990 while it was still located at the corner of Park Street and Webb Ave (the current site of Habanas Cuban Cuisine). In April of 2000, the business was moved to its current and larger location at 1349 Park Street.
While carrying on the tradition of producing the finest “Supercreamed Ice Cream,” Kate also invested in her community through service and support. Through the years, Tucker’s Ice Cream has grown to be a central meeting place and a supporter of community programs, sports activities, and youth. Read More