Fencing in the park
Where & when
Salle DeCesare fencers usually — unofficially — get together at Serra Park (730 The Dalles Ave, Sunnyvale, CA, 94087) on Thursday evenings. The concrete skating area between the baseball field and the park building is great for fencing strips.
Begin: Fencers and friends often start setting up at 7:00pm to start fencing by 7:30pm. We have portable strips and lights.
End: A general target for winding down fencing and packing up gear is 10:00pm. Conversations often continue well after we pack up. In summer, the park’s sprinklers turning on is a time signal. In winter, it’s the park’s tennis court lights turning off.
All fencers are welcome! Any skill level or background. All three sport weapons. (But kids should be with their parents.) Bring your electric equipment, if you have it. If you don't, don't worry; we'll fence standard! It's all in good fun in the park.
Tradition
For many, many years before the pandemic, Salle DeCesare fencers came out to fence in the park during the summer months, when regular classes were on hold for summer vacation. This longstanding practice made the park a natural refuge while the pandemic put a hold on most indoor activities.
Back in those summers, we would take a pot-luck approach to refreshments. Nothing was required! Everything was appreciated. Some brought their dinners. Some brought chips, vegetables, cookies, fruit, cupcakes, nuts, or other treats to share. Some brought nothing, and that was always perfectly fine, too! Beer and wine could be popular (if you didn’t forget the cups) with those over the appropriate age.
Another longstanding park tradition is the annual tribute to Maestro John on the Thursday closest to his birthday in late August. As many of us as possible — including some by video call, these days — come together to raise a glass to Maestro John and take a group photo.
Disclaimer
These casual park gatherings are informal, unofficial, and undertaken at each individual's own risk. They are not in any way endorsed, overseen, or affiliated with the Salle as a group, the FUHSD Adult School classes, Serra Park, the city of Sunnyvale, or any other entity.