Main Street USA.

Disneyland in Southern California is an iconic place, and in this iconic place, is Main Street USA. A street burned into millions of peoples memories through visits to the park, films, postcards, television shows and family photos. Walking down this street, envisioned by Walt Disney as a snapshot of Main Streets of his childhood, transports you literally and figuratively into another world. A world of fantasy, and imagination, upon which you are free to imprint your memories and experiences.

I had a day off of work last week due to inclement weather and took the opportunity to spend the day at the park.
As I walked into the park, and saw Main Street before me, I decided to shoot every building on it in succession!

Take a few minutes and enjoy a walk with me down this wonderful street...

All photos ©Mike Vega 2015.
Photos made using a 1985 Canon AE-1 28mm f2.8 lens, with 125asa Ilford 35mm B/W film.

Main Street Train Depot.

It is no secret that Walt Disney loved trains, so the Main Street Depot is as good a place to start as any.

North park entrance and gift shop.

Disneyland City Hall.

Disneyland's City Hall is staffed by extremely knowledgeable and helpful people, don't be afraid to stop in and ask them anything.

Disneyland Fire Station.

The Disneyland Fire Station is not only wonderful to look at, but houses upstairs Walt Disney's personal apartment, preserved just as it was when he used it.

Emporium left.

More Emporium.

Main Street Emporium center.

Emporium right.

Crystal Arcade.

Carnation Cafe.

The Carnation Cafe is home one of my favorite Disneyland treats, deep fried pickles!

Bob Gurr designed Horsecar.

Penny Arcade.

The Penny Arcade was the predecessor to modern video game arcades and featured pachinko machines and slot machines. The Disneyland Penny Arcade used to house many pressed penny machines (now scattered around the park), there are still a couple of these inside, and several nickelodeon machines as well.

The Coca-Cola Refreshment Corner.

The Coca-Cola Refreshment corner not only houses could drinks, but also features an upright piano, which sees use at various times throughout the day. Also in this photo is the Candy Palace, where you can watch candy being made from scratch!

Coca-Cola Refreshment Corner seating.

The Jolly Holiday Cafe.

The Jolly Holiday Bakery and Cafe is a perfect place to have a bite to eat and enjoy some people watching. They offer several delicious sandwiches and baked treats. Mmmmm treats!

The Plaza Inn.

Unfortunately the Plaza Inn is a favorite place to park strollers... But, it's a lovely building just the same.

Disneyland First Aid Station.

Disneyland Lost Child Center.

The Photo Supply Company.

The Disneyland Photo Supply Company sponsored by Nikon. This was once the Kodak Photo Supply Company and offered actual film services, such as film sales, processing, enlargements, battery sales and technical advice.

Silhouette Studio.

All of the shops.

The Market House.

The Market House has been transformed into a Starbucks Coffee, for better or for worse...

Main Street Cinema.

A favorite spot of mine during the warmer months is the Main Street Cinema, where you can enjoy some air-conditioning and watch some vintage Mickey and friends cartoons.

Disneyland Magic Shop.

The Disneyland Magic Shop is a favorite of kids of all ages and once counted comedian Steve Martin as an employee.

The Main Street Hotel.

Disney Showcase.

Livery.

The "Livery" is actually a new gate which will offer a passthrough route parallel to Main Street through which park goers will be able to bypass the Main Street Parade.

Mad Hatter.

Opera House.

The Disneyland Opera House ironically houses the Great Moment with Mr. Lincoln "show".

The Disneyana Gallery.

The Disneyana Gallery now occupies the space that was formerly a fully functioning Bank of America branch, unlike typical bank branches, the Disneyland Bank of America was open all day Saturday and Sunday and offered full service, such as cashing travelers checks, taking deposits, dispensing withdrawals etc.

South park entrance and gift shop.

Cigar store Indian.

This wooden Indian stands in front of what was once Disneyland's smoke shop, selling cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco and smoking accessories.

Well, that's it. A walking trip on a cloudy day up and down Disneyland's iconic Main Street USA.

Until next time...

-Mike

90th Annual Anaheim Halloween Parade

Yes, you read that right, the city of Anaheim, Ca. has been hosting an annual Halloween Parade since 1924!
What could be more amazing than that? Well, the parade itself! My wife and I look forward to this event all year and it doesn't disappoint. So, with cameras in hand we headed out to see the sights.
I chose my trusty 1980 Canon AE-1 with a 50mm f1.8 lens and a hot-shoe mounted flash and 100asa Kodak T-max black and white film.

Color Guard from Anaheim High School. ©Mike Vega 2014

The parade has a strong "vintage" theme to it owed partially to the Anaheim Historical Society. They do a great job of promoting the parade and inspiring unique entries.

Anaheim Historical Society. ©Mike Vega 2014

There are cars, floats, bands beauty queens, monsters, ghouls, Shriners...

The Headless Horseman... ©Mike Vega 2014

"Andy Anaheim". ©Mike Vega 2014

The parade held in the heart of downtown Anaheim, and hosts food trucks, art installations and games preceding the parade. Community interest and participation is strong, so get there early for a good seat!

Wonderful handmade entry. ©Mike Vega

Many kids, and some adults, like us, come out in costume to add to the spirit of the night.

It's not easy to catch a speeding, honking Shriner on film! ©Mike Vega 2014

Halloween Beauty Queen. ©Mike Vega 2014

The variety of sights is wonderful, and the atmosphere is festive. The city seems to transform back into a small town for a couple of hours on this wonderful night.

Head on a platter, on a motorized bed, surrounded by nightmares... Awesome! ©Mike Vega 2014

Anaheim locals. ©Mike Vega 2014

The parade pays homage to the past through it's entries, guests and Grand Marshals, this year featuring the amazing Bob Gurr, designer of Disneyland's Monorail, Doom Buggies and EVERY vehicle that travels Disneyland's Main Street!

Amazing craftsmanship and creativity abound. ©Mike Vega

Bride. ©Mike Vega 2014

Charles Phoenix takes a ride in the Flyin' Sasser! ©Mike Vega 2014

Folklorica Day of the Dead dancers take to the streets of Anaheim. ©MIke Vega 2014

Have hoop skirt will travel. ©Mike Vega 2014

The amazing "Rocket Witch" entry! ©Mike Vega 2014

Wonderful Anaheim Brewery entry. ©Mike Vega 2014

We had a wonderful time again this year and will definitely be back next year! Hopefully we'll see YOU there!!!

Official parade web-site: http://anaheimhalloweenparade.org/

'Till next time...
-Mike

Chicago Punks 2003.

On July 25th of 2003 I traveled to Chicago for work. I had flown in, in the morning, taken the train in to the city and checked into my hotel (the House of Blues Hotel Chicago).

As I always did when I was traveling I decided to walk to to grab lunch and head over to where I'd be working for the next 7 days, the Merchandise Mart, on foot.
When the Chicago Merchandise Mart opened in 1930, it was the largest building in the world with 4,000,000 feet of floor space. The Mart is a magnificent building and a gem of the city.

My stock and materials had already arrived at the Mart so I dug in to the work at hand. By the time I finally left the Mart the sun had set and it was going on nearly 9pm.
No stranger to walking city streets after dark, I headed back to the hotel on foot.

Fortunately, I had thought to bring along my trusty 1985 Canon AE-1, a flash, a prime lens and some Kodak BW400CN film.

The streets of downtown Chicago are as wonderfully diverse as any in the United States. ©Mike Vega 2003

After stopping in for a quick drink at a hotel bar I meandered back to my hotel.

When I arrived, I was surprised to find a large crowd of punk kids lined up outside. I'd completely forgotten that of course there was a club, the House of Blues, right next door to the hotel! 

While I was having a look around I heard someone addressing me. A guy in a Dead Kennedys shirt was asking me if I needed a ticket. I happened to be wearing an "X" t-shirt at the time. I told him that I had just gotten into town and didn't even know who was playing.

Chicago punks waiting to get into the club. ©Mike Vega 2003

As luck would have it, G.B.H. were on tour with the Circle Jerks and the Bronx! The guy had an extra ticket and offered it to me on the condition that I buy him a beer in return, done deal!

Local kid making me feel right at home. ©Mike Vega 2003

The show was sold out and I scored a ticket basically for free just by being in the right place at the right time. Thanks Chicago.

Punky punks at the punk show. ©Mike Vega 2003

The Bronx rocked, The Jerks nearly blew the roof off the place and G.B.H. delivered mass hysteria. Sadly the bouncer gorillas weren't too hip on my camera... So I had to keep popping the flash on and off to conceal it and couldn't get any shots of the bands. But in hindsight, I guess I really don't mind, I was just happy to be there.

Punks at House of Blues Chicago. ©Mike Vega 2003

I've been lucky enough to see bands all over the U.S. and punk shows are always great because if you are a punk, you are welcomed, into the crowd, the pit, the bar...

Chicago punk. ©Mike Vega 2003

   So after staying up way too late and drinking too many beers and screaming too many songs. With tired head, ringing ears and a 7am wake up call, I called it a night. How would the rest of the week be able to match the first day's pace I wondered...

Until next time...

-Mike