San Francisco's shopping-free zone

The American west coast city of San Francisco, famous for its laid-back liberal communities, is once again striking out against convention and encouraging visitors and locals alike to give and take a bit of community spirit at monthly free markets.

On the last Saturday of every month, in the city's Dolores Park, people are encouraged to gather to exchange skills and ideas and share a passion or talent with others or just give away stuff they don't want any more at the Really Really Free Market.

From 12:00 to 16:00 local time on April 29th visitors can enjoy a 100 per cent free and non-commercial event in one of America's largest cities and perhaps reconnect with some of life's pleasures which cannot be bought.

The market aims to promote the idea that, if instead of working solely for financial gain to buy more stuff we spent time working on our individual skills and shared them with each other, we would all spend more time doing things we enjoy.

April will also mark the 100th anniversary of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake which devastated the city and more than 50,000 spectators and survivors are expected to attend a commemoration event which will begin at 4:30 local time on the 18th at the historic Lotta's fountain.

Posted by Just the Flight, 27 March 2006 16:56

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• San Francisco