On the Freeway of Love

By C.J. Hirschfield

You’ve probably heard this inspirational quote: Life is measured not by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

I recently had a moment that took my breath away, and I wanted to share the experience with you.

Fairyland4Grownups, produced with Oaklandish (“City Pride Tees and Community), is our park’s largest event. It sells out every year at 1,200 people. Adults love visiting our magical park at night, without any kids.

Did you know that a group of unicorns is called a "blessing"? Photo by Ariel Nava

After everyone was inside, my job was to circulate throughout Fairyland, gently reminding people not to vape, not to go down the Dragon Slide (kids only!), and not to leave behind anything that they wouldn’t want a toddler to discover the following day.

Toward the end of the evening, I found myself at our Old West Junction, where hundreds of people were dancing to the tunes being spun by our favorite local DJ, Dion Decibels. He was on the second floor of our western town’s “hotel,” presiding over the happy crowd.

Dion Decibels

All of a sudden, we heard the beautiful sounds of Aretha Franklin. Dion had decided to play a medley of her songs, no doubt to honor the passing of the undisputed Queen of Soul only one day earlier.

He turned down the music so we could all sing R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Together.

I looked around. Hundreds of us—all different ages and colors, many wearing costumes—sang and danced as one spirit. There were some tears.

Dancing at Old West Junction. Photo by Shawn Williams

The moon and stars were out, and I was reminded why Oakland is the most magical of cities.

We may live in troubled times, but little breathtaking moments give me hope. And at a place like Fairyland, which is a cynicism-free zone, those moments definitely happen.

If you are ever in need of a fabulous DJ/sound engineer/musical director, contact Dion at diondecibels@gmail.com.

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C.J. Hirschfield has served for 16 years as the executive director of Children’s Fairyland, where she is charged with the overall operation of the nation’s  oldest storybook theme park.