Or is it Mayor Days? Union Street is busy on many fronts these days, but recently we’ve become one of the stops on the campaign trail for anyone and everyone who is running for mayor. With six months left until the election, meet and greet on Union Street is the most current trend I see lately. At La Boulange, there was City Attorney Dennis Herrera casually chatting it up with fellow croissant munchers, and Board of Supervisors President David Chiu was up and down the block with his campaign posse including cameramen, note takers, photographers, and a hopeful “can you put this poster in your window” person. Our own much-admired former supervisor Michela Alioto-Pier has been spotted many times in the neighborhood … but then again, she lives here. And just last week, venture capitalist Joanna Rees was pumping our hands in her purposeful “vote for me” visit to the neighborhood. With several more candidates in the hunt, I think I might throw in my hat, too. On second thought – full disclosure here – the relentless scrutiny and background checks would expose the fact that my dogs occasionally urinate on random welcome mats, and that I’ve been caught on occasion wearing Big Bird attire.

Yes, the mayor-elect hunting season is officially open, though I don’t believe it’s made its way into one of the sanctioned “awareness” holidays of the month … yet. Give it a little time, because everything else in this month is deemed a kind of awareness something. Sure, we all know about Mother’s Day and Cinco de Mayo, but really, who knew that May is Asparagus Month, or Fungal Infection Awareness Month? I get that it is National Health Month, but honestly, Borderline Personality and Disorder Month? And what about the sub-holiday awareness weeks or individual days? My personal favorites include Dating and Life Coach Recognition Week, National Hug Week, Mother Goose Day, and yes, No Pants Day. Hmmmm. Though I occasionally incorporate these strange holidays into my columns and constantly wonder how they come about, I am amazed at the abundance of them in May.

On Union Street, it’s Mother’s Day we celebrate, because … well, not too many retailers incorporate National Vinegar Month into their display windows. Nor does Papyrus yet have cards commemorating Ukulele Day. So Mother’s Day it is, and it’s a great one. Balloons line the street, the outdoor cafes and brunch places are all in full gear, and the entire street is active with moms, grandmas, and my favorites, the morning dads flying solo with the kids to give mom a well-deserved break. This year, with many more outdoor eating opportunities and more stores, Union Street will be buzzing as an impressive family destination.

And speaking of buzzing, word of an ALCOHOL-FREE Union Street Festival on June 4 and 5 has many people doing just that. It’s our 34th year hosting one of the largest free and fun events in the City, and this year the idea is to turn the booziness level off. We’re talking no beer gardens whatsoever. As usual, there will be no open containers allowed on the street, and diligent efforts will be made to work hand in hand with the local house parties, markets and bars to keep the event and our neighborhood safe and fun. The change of focus for the festival began in 2008, as Joe from The Artisans of San Francisco, along with Steven Restivo Event Services, added an eco-urban element to the event. Since then, it’s grown, and much of the festival and many of the vendors are dedicated to recycled and sustainable products. This year, the blend of artists, merchandise and cooking demonstrations are better than ever. Combine that with all our new restaurants, a fresh selection of live music, and a more upbeat feel in general, and we should have ourselves one truly great celebration to usher in summer.

Leslie Drapkin is a co-owner of Jest Jewels on Union Street. E-mail: [email protected]