The 8th Annual Kensington Spring Walkabout was a tremendous success, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who came out to support this year’s event on Saturday, May 9th! An estimated 200–300 community members joined us throughout the afternoon at Kensington Library Park and along Adams Avenue to celebrate our local business community during this FREE family-friendly event.
This year’s Spring Walkabout featured 21 participating businesses offering giveaways, treats, exclusive promotions, and opportunity drawing prizes to attendees. We were thrilled to receive 92 completed opportunity drawing entries, including an impressive 82 attendees who visited every single participating business and qualified for the Grand Prize Drawing! Thank you to all who spent the afternoon exploring the neighborhood and supporting the businesses that make Kensington such a vibrant and connected community.
We especially want to thank our participating businesses and event sponsors whose generosity made this free community event possible.
A special thank you goes to the incredibly talented young musicians of the Young Lions Jazz Conservatory for filling Kensington Library Park with lively jazz throughout the afternoon. Founded by acclaimed San Diego trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos, the organization mentors elementary, middle, and high school students in the art of jazz performance and improvisation. Just one week before performing at our Walkabout, members of the conservatory traveled to New York City to perform at the prestigious Jazz at Lincoln Center as part of the Essentially Ellington competition and festival. Watch a clip of their performance here: https://youtu.be/3bhtRiG4Yqo
You can learn more about the Young Lions Jazz Conservatory, book them for private events, or catch their Wednesday evening performances at Panama 66 in Balboa Park by visiting Young Lions Jazz Conservatory.
We’d also like to thank Yrsina Colangelo of YC Photography for beautifully capturing the joyful moments of the day. Be sure to visit our Facebook page to see all the photos from the 8th Annual Kensington Spring Walkabout!
Opportunity Drawing Prizes
Walkabout attendees had the chance to win prizes! By visiting our 10 Sponsor businesses (and collecting their signature on the entry pamphlet), attendees were entered into the opportunity drawing. For every 5 additional businesses visited, an additional drawing entry was given. Attendees who visited all participating businesses, were entered into the Grand Prize Drawing!
Grand Prize:
Congratulations Scott H. on winning the grand prize!
- 4 Personal Training Sessions donated by Copley-Price Family YMCA
- $100 Gift Card Toward Services donated by River & Pearl Beauty Bar
Individual Prizes
- STEAM Toy donated by Friends of Franklin Foundation – Won by Sofia B.
- Half Hour Personal Training Session with Pro-Stretch donated by Science Fitness – Won by Jean Z.
- Parent’s Night Out donated by Dynasty Dance Co. – Won by Kandice M.
- Autographed Copies of The Fallen & To Die For donated by Audrey Steidl, Author –Won by Dan G.
- Excellent Wine donated by Studio Stratton Inc –Won by Melissa A.
- Coffee Bag and Gift Card donated by Gem Coffee – Won by Ruth V.
- Print of Painting donated by Vira Ustianska, Artist –Won by Cheryl F.
- Fine Wine donated by Financial Advisor Sarah Karpicus, Edward Jones – Won by Kim W.
- Gift Card to Stella Jeans donated by Aging123 – Won by Rima G.
- Private Session donated by Sanalytics – Won by Tameah C.
- $50 Gift Basket donated by Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant – Won by Chris A.
- Mug Club Membership ($75 Value) donated by Mission Brewing – Won by Debbie B.
- $25 Gift Certificate to Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant donated by Kensington Talmadge Community Association – Won by Josie P.
- One Hour Free English Tutoring donated by Susan Tutors –Won by Zaida G.
- Gift Card to Stella Jeans donated by Mercer Group Real Estate – Won by Daniel H.
- $25 Gift Card donated by The Haven Pizzeria – Won by Jamie R.
- Kensington-Talmadge Book donated by Megan Beauvais & Associates, COMPASS – Won by Janet W.
Participating Businesses & Giveaways
| Aging123 | Lip Balms, Squishy Toys |
| Audrey Steidl, Author | Pens, Candies, Stickers |
| Copley-Price Family YMCA | Prize Wheel + Raffle + Guest Passes |
| Dynasty Dance Co. | Prize Wheel + Raffle + Free Dance Class |
| Financial Advisor Sarah Karpicus, Edward Jones | Smartfood Popcorn |
| Farmers Insurance – Caraveo Agency | Tote Bags, Water, Notepads, Pens |
| Friends of Franklin Foundation | Cookies |
| GEM Coffee | Coffee Bag |
| Kensington Talmadge Community Association | Snacks |
| Megan Beauvais & Associates / COMPASS Real Estate | Free Games + Prizes, Refreshments |
| Mercer Group Real Estate | California Cookies |
| Mission Brewing | $2 Off Coupons |
| Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant | Ponce’s Plinko with Multiple Prizes! |
| River & Pearl Beauty Bar | Facial Coupon, Treats |
| Sanalytics | Product Sample, Sticker + Raffle |
| Science Fitness | Fitness/Longevity Testing |
| Re-Elect Shana Hazan for School Board 2026 | Trail mix, fruit bars, candy, post it notes |
| Studio Stratton Inc | Tote Bags, Snacks |
| Susan Tutors | Jewel ball-point pens and candy |
| The Haven Pizzeria | Happy Hour Prices, Coupon for Your Next Visit |
| Vira Ustianska, Artist | Postcards |
Sponsors
