Photograph by Jacqueline Ramseyer
Pruning Around: Super Prune gives the peace sign entertaining the crowd at the 2001 Prune Festival, held traditionally in Campbell every May for the past 20 years.
Best of Campbell 2002: Sense of Community
There's always an activity, organization or event in town that sets itself apart. This year, the winners reflected what has always been known in Campbell--several work hard and have successfully brought Campbellites together to feel a part of their community. Clearly, the Campbell Recreation Department, judging by our readers' votes, plays a big role in giving Campbell its great sense of community.
Best Community Activity
Campbell Farmer's Market
A stroll through downtown Campbell on a Sunday morning can bombard the senses with the aroma of fresh kettle corn, bread, fruit, flowers, and live music.
For many residents, the Campbell Farmer's Market is a weekly ritual where they enjoy an eclectic mix of local growers, bakers, artisans, florists and specialty foods.
Ron Pardini, the executive director of the Urban Village Farmer's Market Association, says: "The market is known for its high quality of vendors and live music."
Many shoppers say they look forward to chatting with the friendly growers and discovering quality produce that isn't readily available elsewhere.
Shopper Jacquie Davidson says, "I actually skip the San Jose Farmer's Market and come here on Sundays instead."
The market has been operating for four years, the last two years year-round.
Campbell Farmer's Market operates every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in downtown historic Campbell on E. Campbell Avenue between First Street and Central Avenue
Best Community Organization
The Campbell Recreation Dept.
Through the efforts of Campbell Recreation Department, Director Claudia Cauthorn and her staff, the department grows bigger and more popular each year. So it's no surprise to see parents lining up at the crack of dawn to register their children in the department's summer camp and preschool programs.
The department's appeal stems from its affordability and wide range of year-round offerings for children and adults. For adults, activities can range from yoga and getaways to tennis and ballroom dancing. For the youngsters and teens there are year-round sports activities, music and arts. The department even helps parents by offering a "parents night out" event that gives couples a few hours together on special Friday evenings.
"Our department really works hard to provide quality programs and customer service," Campbell Community Center Manager Linda Klemczak says. "We are a small department and a small city, but we are very community minded."
Although the department doesn't do a lot of advertising, Klemczak credits its success to repeat attendance and new customers finding out through word of mouth.
The Campbell Recreation Department, 1 W. Campbell Ave., 408.866.2138
Best Community Event
The Prune Festival
For more than two decades the organizers of the Prune Festival have pulled out all the stops at this annual May event.
Campbell, once renowned for its prune orchards, draws more than 50,000 people every year to the festival, says Campbell Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Betty Deal.
In honor of one of the city's most important crops, packages of prunes are often handed out to people attending the event.
The festival, which takes over historic downtown Campbell from Railroad Way to Winchester Boulevard, is lined with an array of food vendors, artisans and a children's activity area.
Festival-goers can walk the streets carrying wine and beer in commemorative glasses, and children can enjoy a street-readied train that slowly snakes its way through downtown, giving weary feet a rest. Music lovers can listen to a variety of live bands featured at the town's civic center green and amphitheater. The festival is a two-day event that draws people from throughout the South Bay.
The Prune Festival is held in Campbell in May. For information, call the Campbell Chamber of Commerce, 408.378.6252
The Best of Campbell 2002
Dining & Entertainment
People & Professions
Goods & Services
Kids Stuff
Places & Spaces
Campbell, California
