by C Song

Created on: June 01, 2009   Last Updated: August 13, 2009

An oasis of greenery in downtown Sacramento, Cesar Chavez Plaza Park was established in honor of the great labor leader Cesar Chavez, who used nonviolent resistance to attain better wages and working conditions for farm workers. The park is historically significant as a reminder of Chavez's achievements, but it is not rooted only in the past. Cesar Chavez Park also serves as an ideal location for casual outdoor activities and as a venue for community events.

The park features a picturesque fountain, plenty of shade from lush trees, a few acres of open land, picnic barbecue areas, and a caf. Situated in downtown Sacramento near the City Hall, the Central Public Library, numerous eateries, and parking garages, Cesar Chavez Park makes for a convenient stop. On a given week day, you are liable to find state workers on a lunch break, families with young children, and casual wanderers. Occasionally, there are even street entertainers regaling park goers with jazzy tunes, and some homeless people with varying states of mental soundness (who can be just as entertaining!). With such a diverse demographic of visitors, the park is a prime location for just kicking back and doing some people watching. You can also put the picnic barbecue area to use and enjoy homemade food while relaxing in the California sunshine.

Another gastronomical event (though with slightly more questionable health benefits) is the Raley's Grape Escape. This annual wine tasting event celebrates the region's wine culture by featuring culinary delights from eight different northern Californian counties. More than 100 local wineries and restaurants appear at the Grape Escape offering wine and food tastings. Entertainment includes live music, art displays, and an exciting chef competition. The Chef Challenge showcases the talents of local chefs as they whip up a creative dish using a given basket of fresh local produce and cut of meat, all within a 25 minute time span. For those food and wine lovers out there, designate a driver and save the date for this festive event!

Watching your diet? From May till October, Cesar Chavez Park is the site of a Certified California Grown Farmer's Market which offers fruits, vegetables, and other nourishing goodies. Drop by any Wednesday from 10 am to 2 pm to pick up fresh tasty produce and support the local farmers.

The park's most popular annual event is the Concerts in the Park series. Every Friday night evening, the park attracts people of all ages seeking a summer evening of music, food, and fun. The Concerts in the Park series has been showcasing Sacramento's local music scene for more than a decade. The bands in the concert line up reflect a broad spectrum of genres including pop, punk, rock, soul, R&B, reggae, and much more.

Cesar Chavez Park is also the ending point of a parade held every year near Cesar Chavez Day. Starting in the morning at Southside Park, participants wind through downtown streets for 2.6 miles, marching past the Capitol before concluding the parade at Cesar Chavez Park. This event brings together a diverse crowd; barefoot dancers, musicians, mothers and their children, older marchers with walking sticks, politicians, and various vocational organizations all come with the purpose of remembering a great leader.

Learn more about this author, C Song.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.