Oakland, CA (May 2008) – Art, wine, and food lovers from all over the East Bay will converge at the crossroads of Lakeshore and Grand Avenue near Lake Merritt on August 2-3 from 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m., to participate in

Lakefest ’08.

Lakefest ’08 centers around epicurean delights and around a neighborhood which embodies and epitomizes these gastronomic and artistic pleasures. The festival will be held in conjunction with the much beloved Grand Lake Farmers’ Market, where locals shop for fresh local foods from over 50 vendors, and also in combination with Sunday’s “Splash Pad Park.” Besides wine tasting tents from about 30 wineries, the event will also include a live music stage, an arts and crafts fair with over 100 artisans & local vendors, a green living expo, and kid’s activities. Admission is free, however, food and wine tasting packages begin at $10 and include a commemorative glass and plate and tasting tickets for the various restaurants and wineries.

The Festival takes place near Lake Merritt (the “jewel” of Oakland), Lakeshore and Grand Avenue shopping district,, and the beautifully restored Grand Lake Theatre. Already a bustling local scene every weekend, the event will complement and draw from the vigorous and diverse spirit of the neighborhood and the food, wine, and art lovers who already patronize the area.

About Oakland Events and the Lakeshore/Lakepark Business Improvement District

Founded in 2008, Oakland Events is the creation of Helen Wyman and Tina Aiyer, women who are passionate about revitalizing Oakland by producing economically sustainable events that build community, celebrate culture, and support the local economy. Oakland Events is a full scale event planning company with years of expertise in promotion, production, and planning large scale events.

The Lakeshore/Lakepark Business Improvement District was established by the property owners to revitalize the Lakeshore commercial corridor. View the merchant directory at www.lakeshoreave.net.