The 54th Millbrae Arts and Wine Festival was held grandly in the downtown area of Millbrae on August 30th and 31st, attracting over 60,000 people over the two days. The event spanned seven blocks from Victoria Avenue to Meadow Glen Avenue, with a bustling atmosphere as people came and went.
Organized by the Millbrae Chamber of Commerce, the festival has become the largest end-of-summer street fair in the Bay Area since its establishment in 1969. Albert Yam, a director of the Chamber of Commerce, mentioned that despite the city’s population of only 23,000, the community’s unity and active involvement of leaders from various sectors have drawn tens of thousands to the event for shopping and enjoyment. “Serving the Chamber is my greatest satisfaction,” he said.
The event featured a wide range of activities, including over 170 artists showcasing jewelry, ceramics, glassware, paintings, leather goods, woodwork, and more. There were craft beer and wine tasting booths along the route, as well as bottled water stands. The food area offered delicacies such as grilled chicken legs, smoked sausages, calamari, teriyaki skewers, grilled corn, vegetarian stir-fry noodles, among others. Additionally, there were children’s playgrounds, interactive workshops, music stages, and street performances, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the neighborhood.
Deirdri Gladwin, a member of the Rotary Club who has attended almost 52 editions of the festival, noted that the commemorative wine glasses released each year have become a tradition and collectible items for many, enhancing the event’s reputation and attracting record-breaking attendance numbers, reaching as high as 89,000 attendees in the past.
City Councilor Stephen Rainaldi mentioned that he has been assisting in recruiting new volunteers for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) to raise residents’ disaster awareness. He also highlighted his special attention to Epoch Times as a news source.
Former mayor Ann Schneider, at the Japan Culture Festival booth, announced Millbrae’s sister city collaborations with La Serena, Chile, and Mosta, Malta, and the ongoing development of the “Friendship Garden” with Saitama Prefecture’s Hanyu City in Japan. The garden will feature cherry blossoms, wisteria, and a small performance area, serving as a new venue for cultural exchange among residents.
Jamie Monozon, a staff member of the Millbrae Arts and Wine Festival, is responsible for sponsorships and expressed excitement about hosting the event. “We are thrilled to organize this event. The crowd is enthusiastic, the music is great, and the atmosphere is fantastic,” she said.
Tsai Yuejiao, the principal of the Liu Yi Chinese Language School, established in 1994 with a non-profit mission to promote Chinese education and culture, expressed a commitment to serving the community and nurturing more young people’s understanding of Chinese culture.
Millbrae’s Leos Club, the division with the highest youth membership worldwide, involves over 200 members who sell water, clean up trash, and fundraise for cancer care. Enrique Zhang, a member, said, “This is a great opportunity to help others. The event is exciting, and everyone is having a lot of fun.” Treasurer Neel Ranji added, “Being part of the world’s largest Leo club, I feel very honored. This is the result of the efforts of past leaders and advisors.”
Many residents view the Arts and Wine Festival as their annual “vacation time.” Cynthia Carrasco from San Francisco has attended for 20 consecutive years and views it as a getaway despite the short 20-minute distance from home to El Rancho Inn. She and her friend Susanna Aranas enjoy the excellent vendors, food, and good weather each year. Ed Liu from Guangzhou often travels from San Francisco to Millbrae, praising the local restaurants, especially the Hong Kong-style tea cafes, for their flavors and relaxed atmosphere.
Established in 1949, the Millbrae Chamber of Commerce is the only government-recognized chamber in the city and a crucial organization supporting business growth, economic development, and community prosperity. Through policy advocacy, business exchanges, and resource sharing, the Chamber assists all types of enterprises to thrive while strengthening connections between businesses, residents, and local government.
Whether you are a budding entrepreneur or a long-established business, the Chamber sincerely invites you to join hands in building a stronger and more prosperous Millbrae together. Contact information: [email protected]. ◇