May 16, 2008

San Carlos Hometown Days starts tonight

By Mark Abramson / Daily News Staff Writer

Organizers of one of San Carlos' biggest annual celebrations are expecting its events and parade routes to be packed this weekend.

The 28th annual San Carlos Hometown Days starts this evening with the San Carlos Educational Foundation fundraiser, but the festivities don't really get rolling until the downtown parade Saturday morning.

The parade will include all of the city's schools, various community groups and the Carlmont-Woodside Robotics Team.

The parade is a boon for downtown businesses, said San Carlos Chamber of Commerce CEO Sheryl Pomerenk.

Hundreds of volunteers put San Carlos Hometown Days together each year, said Linda Teutschel, who has chaired the event since 2001.

"It's just a group of people who love San Carlos ... celebrating San Carlos," Teutschel said about the volunteers.

"The biggest thing is the concert by Choo Choo Soul with Genevieve. She is a local girl who made good," Teutschel said.

Choo Choo Soul with Genevieve performs soul and other music for children ages 2 to 10.

Genevieve grew up in San Carlos and her grandfather is a former police chief, Teutschel said. Proceeds from her concert will go toward Burton Park improvements.

San Carlos Hometown Days also includes food booths, arts and crafts, games, and a beer and wine garden, along with fun activities.

Teutschel said that unlike a few years ago when it rained during Hometown Days, she expects the warm weather to draw huge crowds.

"I would like to think it helps San Carlos as a whole," Teutschel said. "It began as something that helped groups raise money.

Nowadays, it is more yes, you make a little money, but it is more about being there and everyone coming together."

For more information about San Carlos Hometown Days, go to www.sancarlos hometowndays.com or call 650-594-2700.

E-mail Mark Abramson at mabramson@dailynewsgroup.com