Here Are 10 Crazy Traditions You'll Totally Get If You're From Northern California
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Joanne Kraft
Author
Northern California may not have a reputation of being very traditional but we have our own time-honored traditions and crazy events just like the rest of the USA. After all, we’re known to be on the forefront of culture and technology, it makes sense that we keep our traditions going.
Here ae 10 traditions that may not be as crazy as you think, but you’ll totally get if you’re from our neck of the woods.
We love our live music out here. There's just too many to highlight just one. Share which one is your favorite music tradition in the comments below!
We're a compassionate group of people here in Northern California. There are hundreds of events we participate in each year to make a difference for someone. Since its inception in 1982, The Race for a Cure (Susan G. Komen) has spent (through 2010) nearly $1.5 billion for breast cancer education, research, advocacy, health services and social support programs in the U.S.
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This weekly tradition is growing bigger every day. Because our part of the world is PERFECT for a long growing season, we have fresh food ALL THE TIME.
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We'll find any reason to celebrate--even vegetables! The Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival is an annual festival held in the coastside community of Half Moon Bay, California for one weekend during pumpkin harvest season. It is one of the oldest and largest local festivals in California.
For some of you recycling is something you do every once in awhile. For us? It's a daily habit that's more like a tradition on steroids!
Protests over pretty much anything is a tradition we've learned from our parents and one we're known for around here. While Berkeley and San Francisco are known for their strong beliefs and stronger opinions, what the rest of you may not know is that people in areas like Humboldt and El Dorado County are traditionally just as hard-headed in their beliefs, too. They just don't march about it.
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Taking place over three consecutive days, this event attracts over a million people every year. The United States Navy Blue Angels put on a breathtaking display, while on the ground visitors enjoy a family friendly festival featuring the Fleet Week Humanitarian Village. A tradition that's been going on out here for a long, long time.
From Thai food to Ethiopian cuisine, we've got it all here. A tradition for lots of people in these parts is not keeping to the traditional American diet and eating way healthier than the rest of the world. Plus, we try new foods. We're adventurous like that.
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Here's a tradition you may not be aware of. When you tell us you think a BIG earthquake is going to cause Northern California to sink into the ocean--we laugh. Hard.
"The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" is an 1865 short story by Mark Twain. It was his first great success as a writer and brought him national attention. Mark Twain has been gone for a long time, but the frog jumping contest continues annually in May. A tradition Mr. Twain would be proud of.
We can be a little snobby about good wine over here. Wine making in these parts is a legacy we've built over the generations, but the tradition we've built along side it is enjoying a great glass of wine with great friends.
Here's a tradtion...we stray from traditions. We're not always the kind of people who get in a rut. We like to try new things, do new things and, well, you get the picture.
What about you? What traditions in Northern California do you think should be on this list?
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