Stickball emulates baseball, but is played in the street. Buildings, curbs, parking meters, signs and balconies are all playable in fair territory. Bronx rules are applied; no gloves allowed, the batter pitches to himself, and he gets one swing of the stick to hit the rubber ball. People play to either recapture their youth, or simply to take over the streets and have fun.

There’s taunting and heckling and lots of fun from 8:00am to 6:00pm on Columbia Street, between Beech and Cedar Streets, and State Street, between Ash and Beech Streets.

For more information, call Stickball Willie at (858) 279-1924. 

Photo credit: Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/28622838@N00/510365934/

Post from: The San Diego Traveler

Tonight marks the beginning of start of San Diego Mardi Gras season, which culminates on FAT Tuesday, February 5th with the San Diego Gaslamp Mardi Gras Celebration and Parade.

The Little Italy Association begins this season hosting Carnevale, a family-friendly version of the traditional Italian festival and invites San Diegans to enjoy a special night of food, culture, live entertainment and celebration.

Also known as Carnivale or Mardi Gras, Carnevale is the final celebration before Ash Wednesday and the restrictions of Lent. However, unlike the Brazilian and South American festivals, Little Italy’s Carnevale follows the Italian tradition of masks and fully-clothed costumes, creating an event that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Businesses and restaurants stay open late as to join in the festivities.

Activities will include:

• Costume Competition – Attendees are encouraged to come in costume and compete for the title of Best of 2008 Carnevale. The competition will be held at Piazza Basilone and a panel of judges, led by the crowd, will decide the winner.
• Passaporto di Carnevale – Upon arrival at the Piazza Basilone (Corner of India and Fir Streets) attendees will receive a passport, which will guide them through the festival. The passport will direct attendees to participating businesses throughout Little Italy, the various vignettes of entertainment and performances. Once the passport is complete and submitted it will enter them into a drawing to win a mask to wear next year.
• Vignettes of Entertainment – Four set vignettes of entertainment at various Piazzas, roving stilt walkers, violinist & accordion player and more will roam the streets of Little Italy, entertaining the attendees with live music and performances.
• Italy for Life – Presented by the Tourism Board of Italy, there will be a life-size walk-through display on Date Street, which gives a tour of Italy’s most beloved sites and attractions.

    SAN DIEGO CARNAVAL MARDI GRAS 2008 SCHEDULE
                                                         
Saturday,  February 2: Carnevale in San Diego’s Little Italy  from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Saturday,  February 2:  San Diego Brazil Carnaval 2008  @ 4th “B” 345 “B” Street
Sunday,     February 3:  Sevilla “Official Carnaval After-Party” 555 4th Avenue
Monday,    February 4:  Wylcef Jean @ the House of Blues 1055 5th Avenue
Tuesday,   February 5:  Gaslamp Mardi Gras “FAT” Tuesday Celebration and Parade

Post from: The San Diego Traveler