Decided to stroll down First Street the eve before St. Paul’s 58th Annual Peddler’s Fair. The air was electric with anticipation. Cars with trailers were parked on the side streets, porta potties stood like sentinels, ten to a contingent, ready for duty. A woman who sounded like Janis Joplin was belting out a tune from the Lucca Beer Garden. Have been attending the Peddler’s Faire since the 1970s. “Get there early before all the good stuff is gone” has been my motto. This year, I wanted to beat the heat and the crowds.
Early the next morning drove up to J Street and secured a parking spot amid the yard sales lining the entrance. Back in the day, the event featured mostly antiques and has evolved into sellers peddling just about everything there is to peddle – plants, crafts, jewelry, clothing, food, and even arm chair massages. Volunteers in their yellow vests were standing by. Saw a number of locals at their booths —Kathy and Andy Monroe, at the Benicia Yacht Club booth, Laurie LeTellier with her whimsical collection of hand-painted furniture. Sparkley Rags had a lovely tent and were broadcasting live on Facebook. HQ created an airy outside exhibit in front of their gallery. Was stunned to see that Romancing the Home is closing — a beloved mainstay in this town for 18 years founded by Rob and Deborah Machado. Deb passed away in June. We will particularly miss the annual Christmas tree, the beautifully wrapped packages, and the bounty of tasteful gifts and such.
Earlier in the week, while walking by the tented space at Avant Garden, I zeroed in on a miniature, curly palm tree for sale, the only one among a display of potted plants. Turns out that this is the third pop-up for the Lee family. Michelle Lee, a kindergarten teacher and her brother Marshall grew up in Benicia. Giving Michelle my credit card, I raced home to get my car, as the tree was too heavy to carry. Alas, I had locked the garage door opener in the car which was now locked in the garage. Dragging myself back to First Street, in the heat, I shared my dilemma. Michelle volunteered brother Marshall to drive me home, carry the tree in, and then try to pry open my garage door. He succeeded in all three! To top if off, Marshall was a delivery boy for the Benicia Herald back in the day. Thanks, Marshall.
The day before their official opening I walked into Cose Bella Boutique (beautiful things) housed in master framer Lowell Dalton’s former workshop near East G St. The tastefully appointed and orderly rooms are now a fiesta of color, girly frocks, earrings, jewelry, purses, and food items, displayed in a bohemian setting. Julia, the new owner, comes from an old Sicilian family who has been in the restaurant business for years. Her official opening was the next day. What a party! Guitarist, singer, and composer Rolando Morales set the mood on his acoustic guitar singing Latin, Cuban, and flamenco tunes as a woman danced around the room shaking a tambourine. “Besame Mucho” brought Julia out from behind the counter, rocking black jersey hot pants and high heeled espadrilles as she danced with a mysterious man with a sleek ponytail. An over-the-top purple Lamborghini with scissor doors was parked in front along with a late model red Corvette. Felt like I had dropped onto the set of Mama Mia. As Rolando sang “Copacabana” — the hottest spot north of Havana — Julia started a conga line which I got pulled into. As the party wound down, Julia’s mother sang “Piu Bella Cosa” —The Most Beautiful Thing — in an emotional contralto. Ciao bella!
Passing by the former Vintage Owl shop, saw some young folks painting the interior. Evidently, they will be opening a spa. Stay tuned. Further on at the Union Hotel, I spotted Randy Sexton and Susan Street at a table and stopped to chat. Randy has recently moved his studio from Crockett to the Benicia Arsenal and loves all of the space. A multi-award-winning plein air and studio painter and teacher, Randy shows in galleries in Carmel, Montecito, and Hawaii, among others venues. rcsexton.com.
Strolling down First I spotted a sign for a garage sale on West E Street. Imagine my surprise when I approached the sale and saw my old mosaic table that I’d sold three years ago at my own yard sale propped up against a tree. There can’t be two of these funky, surfboard shaped tables with a parrot design, I thought. Only days before, had been bemoaning the fact that I’d sold it. Danielle, the owner was amused and asked if I wanted it back. “Yes, please,” I squealed. She wouldn’t let me pay for it and said “it’s meant for you.” On top of that she offered to deliver it to my house as it was too heavy to carry. I’m looking at it now, ensconced on my Benicia patio, with warm memories of Danielle’s generosity and how serendipity life can be when you’re lucky enough to live in Benicia.
Next weekend is Benicia Main Street’s August Wine Walk with some 27 businesses participating. Be there or be square!
Sarah Beserra is an artist, writer, collector, Dharma practitioner, and former lobbyist.
Letters From Benicia 