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Getting Ready For Gatsby Summer Afternoon
Do you have to be a Art Deco Society California member to get in?
We welcome non-members to attend. Membership however does have its privileges which includes discounted Gatsby Summer Afternoon tickets…and so much more throughout the year. Click here to find out more about being an Art Deco Society California (ADSC) member. If you become inspired to join us during the Gatsby Summer Afternoon event there is a membership table inside the event on the hill near the wine tasting.
What is the deadline for advance ticket sales?
The last date for advance purchase of tickets is Friday, Sept. 7, up to 6 pm. After that, advance ticketing is closed, and all tickets sold at the gate are $70.
Can I buy tickets for each person in my party, even if we arrive separately?
Yes, if you want to purchase tickets for other people and have them picked up under their own names, you have two options: You can add a note to your PayPal order (in the note field), or purchase tickets online, then email the ADSC office with your name and the names the tickets should be held under. Alternately, have your friends pick up their tickets under your name.
How do I get a table? What about just a chair & umbrella?
The invitation has information about renting a table, umbrella and chairs for a group of ten people. Or, you may wish to order individual seats at a group table. Tables & Umbrella sales end by 9/4/12 or while supplies last.
On the website, it says there was a reading circle prior to attending Gatsby Summer Afternoon; will it happen again?
No, this year there is not a reading circle planned. Each year we experiment with something new!
Day of Gatsby Summer Afternoon
What do I do if I have purchased an Early Entry Pass?Please bring your EEP ticket to Gatsby Summer Afternoon you will recieve it in the mail.When you arrive at the Dunsmuir, STOP at the bottom of the hill on Peralta Oaks Street and show your Early-Entry pass and tickets for everyone in the car to the volunteers who will be waiting there. They will direct you to the queue that forms on Peralta Oaks St. for early entry. Please do not first drive up the hill to the gate. You will only be directed back downhill to join the queue. If you have event tickets to purchase or pick-up from Will Call, a volunteer will direct you. If you want to be one of the first in the queue, you’re free to arrive at any time after 10:00 a.m. on Peralta Oaks St.
At 11:00 a.m. early entry will begin. The car queue will be released in groups. The Dunsmuir staff will allow only five early entry vehicles onto the grounds at a time. PLEASE KEEP YOUR VEHICLE ON THE PAVED ROAD AT ALL TIMES. Volunteers will direct you to drop off locations. Unload picnic items by the side of the road; do not attempt to drive to a site on the lawn. As each vehicle empties its contents and leaves the grounds, the Dunsmuir staff will notify the ADSC volunteers on Peralta Oaks, and they will signal another vehicle to drive up the hill to enter. Please have your pass and event tickets to show the gate attendants.
Once on the grounds, your vehicle must remain on the paved roads. Only vintage autos are permitted on the lawn. So if you are bringing heavy items, please consider the means to transport those from the drop-off to your picnic site. To ensure all early entrants have equal time to unload, we ask that you strive to unload your contents within 15 minutes. To expedite the process, volunteers will assist with unloading at the drop off site. You may want to leave a helper with your picnic stuff. Please make sure everyone has a ticket with them at all times.
SPEED LIMIT ON THE DUNSMUIR ESTATE: 5 MPH. Route is one way. No vehicles are allowed to exit the front gate.
After you have unloaded the contents, drive your vehicle to the parking lot in the extreme rear of the estate. No parking near the carriage or other work houses in route. The gate to the rear parking lot will be closed from 1:30 – 6:00. At the end of the day, when you retrieve your picnic supplies, the vehicle must remain on paved roads and cannot be driven on the lawn. Volunteers will be present to facilitate the exodus.
Can I buy tickets at the gate?
Yes, but all tickets purchased day of the event at the gate will be $70. If you buy your tickets in advance by September 7th, you can take advantage of our pre-order discount. More Info.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not allowed. Service dogs with papers are the only exceptions.
Is there a discount if I arrive late/leave early?
There are no discounts for early or late arrival.
Where do I park?
This year there is only ONE parking lot at the business across from the front entrance. It will fill up fast leaving only street parking. If you can, please carpool & pick-up friends from BART. You may drop off passengers or picnic items at the circle before parking. You have to vacate lot by 8pm. The lot is private and we are only insured for the day. Only FIVE new cars on the grounds at any one time. NO MODERN CARS ON THE LAWN. Park on the shoulder of the road on the ashpalt.
Is it safe to unload and leave my belongings at the front gate while I go park my car? Yes, you can leave your things, park and return.
What is the “back parking lot”?
The back parking lot is where vendors, volunteers and those with an Early Entry Pass will be directed to park. Only FIVE new cars on the grounds at any one time. NO MODERN CARS ON THE LAWN. Park on the shoulder of the road on the ashpalt. It is not “open” during the posted event hours from 1:00 until 6:00 so it is not used by the general public. Vendors are not allowed to enter through back lot and drive onto estate. You have to vacate all lots by 8pm. Lots are private and we are only insured for the day. It does get dark earlier and it is a long walk through the "woods" to the back lot with no lighting so be prepared with comfortable shoes, a walking buddy...
Is there a lot of walking involved to get to the event?
Yes, there is a good amount of walking from where you will need to park and to get to the picnic area. It is about a quarter mile from the gate to the main picnic area. We suggest having a change of comfortable walking shoes. For the ladies; high heels do sink into the grass so you may want to change into your precious vintage shoes once you reach the picnic area. There is a shuttle provided during limited hours and does come with a queue so if you want to leave at a certain time you do need to be prepared for walking.
When do the shuttles run?
This year we have a motorized cable car and two vintage autos to help shuttle people into the grounds and back. They will run from 1:00 until 2:00 and from 5:30- 6:30 only. There is no fee to ride.
What is the “Costume Closet”?
The Costume Closet is a treasure trove of wonderful vintage accessories and a few complete outfits. It is a special offering to anyone looking to complete their Gatsby-look or for anyone who didn’t know the attire of the day was meant to be vintage-style 1920’s-30’s garden party day wear. The Costume Closet is a labor of love provided by Jonathan Belmares, who purchases, repairs and stores the items...he is an independent volunteer and not backed by a store. There is a $5 suggested cash donation. The costumes need to be returned between 5:30-6:15pm. Your ID will be held until you return your borrowed items. If serious damage occurs to borrowed items a fee will be assessed based on the value of the item. For minor damages or dirty items a fee will be assessed relative to costs of repair or dry cleaning. Fees are under the total discretion of Mr. Belmares and you should discuss in advance the value of item you are borrowing so proper consideration is given. Some items may be available for purchase.
Should I be offended if someone suggests the Costume Closet to me even though I have tried to dress for the occasion?
Please do not take offense; “Vintage” can be interrupted in many ways and the Gatsby Summer Afternoon is more specific than most as a daytime elegant affair. Perhaps our volunteer stylists felt that the addition of something from our Costume Closet would help to make your outfit more compete as well as your enjoyment of our theme. To find out more about dressing for the occasion Click Here.
Who do the vintage cars belong to?
The vintage cars are owned by members and guests of the Gatsby Summer Afternoon. Much care and time is put into restoring and maintaining vintage autos so do admire them, but resist touching them or leaning on them. Click Here to find out how to show your car.
What is inside the mansion?
The mansions closets, kitchens and bathrooms are filled with artifacts from the families who lived there. Thanks to a generous sponsor the house will be open to tour from 2:00pm until 3:00pm during the event. They do ask that there is no photography inside the mansion.Where can I smoke?
There is no smoking on the grounds and subject to a $600 fine.Where is lost and found?
Lost and found will be located by the stage near the audio / video table. Lost and found items will be taken by a board member if not claimed and you can contact ADSC post event if you are looking for an item - contact info.
Where are the bathrooms?
There are bathrooms located just behind the mansion for the public on the hill. There is a handicap ramp that goes up the hill. The bathrooms inside the mansion our not for public use they are part of the mansions display.
Are there any places I may NOT set up my picnic?
We ask that you set up your picnic in the large meadow or in front of the mansion (leaving room for the croquet area). Please don’t set up too close to the cars. For safety a wide walkway needs to remain open around the dance floor allowing room for guests who do crowd around the dance floor. If you set up too close to the floor you may be asked to move and if you are not present our staff may find it necessary to move your things out of the way. To avoid blocking other guests' view, umbrellas and canopies should be set up further back from the stage, towards the tree line, or approximately 50 yards away from the stage. Picnics without a covering are asked to stay at least 10 yards back from the stage, to stay clear of foot traffic.
Where do I pick-up my umbrella & chairs that I ordered in advance?
The umbrella packs will be located in a cluster on the meadow past the tables and labeled with the renter's name. You may move the umbrella and chairs to your desired picnic area but they are weighted umbrellas; and if you can kindly return them to original area after event.
No one seems to be sitting at a table, is it ok if I sit down for a little while?
No, we are sorry but those are not “open tables”. All tables are reserved in advance and belong to the people who have paid for them. There is no opportunity to purchase day of.
Is there anywhere else I can sit?
There are a few benches on the grounds, and you may sit on the steps of the mansion. We encourage and expect people to provide their own seating …either by reserving them in advance or bringing their own chairs or blankets and pillows.
Can anyone dance on the dance floor, or just pros, or paying people (like the table holders)?
The dance floor is for everyone. You are encouraged to dance. Please consider non-slip dance shoes. If you are not dancing please do not stand on the dance floor.
Who can participate in the fashion/dance/picnic/ contests?
Anyone may enter the fashion and Charleston contests. There is no sign up or fee. Contest times are listed in the printed program.
The picnic prizes are awarded by our judges who view all the picnics on the grounds. This year we will have “People’s Choice” ballots at the Membership Table and you may fill in your vote for best picnic - look for the framed names on the corners of the displays who have entered the contest...turn your ballots in at the membership desk by 3pm. Note that only “Gatsby” themed picnics are eligible (no western, hobo, Arabian nights, gypsy or themes other than and elegant 1920’s-30’s garden party picnic please).
Can we bring and consume alcohol publicly?
You may bring alcoholic beverages for your picnic and can be shared with anyone 21 years of age. Please drink responsibly and ensure you are sober before driving home. If you do need to consider a cab you must vacate all lots by 8pm. Lots are private and we are only insured for the day.
Can we bring glass bottles?
Plastic would not be period correct so you are encouraged to bring glass bottles. Please do dispose of them properly or carry them out. Be careful with corks and bottle caps they can harm the Dunsmuir’s lawn mowers the following day.I parked in the front outside of the grounds; when the event is over can I just drive in the front entry to get my stuff?
At the conclusion of the event you may not drive in the front gate...this is now an exit. You need to carry out what you brought in or consider bringing a red wagon with wheels to help ease your journey to your car.
After the Gatsby Summer Afternoon
Will there be a Gatsby Summer Afternoon next year? Do you know the date?
The Gatsby Summer Afternoon is always at Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate and is always on the Second Sunday in September. Next year will be Sunday, September 8, 2013. We hope you will join us again!
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Gatsby Summer Afternoon, Sunday,
September 9, 2012 @
Dunsmuir Helman Historic Estate
2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA 94615 (map)
The DecoBelles