Thursday, February 18, 2010

100 Strangers: The Tamale Queen

Meet Maria the Tamale Queen.  She and her assistant turned out to feed the crowds at the recent Preview Sale for the White Elephant Sale.  Held in a 96,000 sq. ft. warehouse, this is an annual event that raises money for the Oakland Museum and is now in its 51st year.  With all volunteer help and all donated goods, last year we raised more than $1.3 million to support the museum, (which is currently being renovated and will reopen May 1).  The big sale is always the first weekend in March.  If you're in town, come on by.  Entrance is free.  Believe me, you'll be amazed at the sheer volume of goods for sale and the bargain prices.  You'll probably see Maria too.  She told me she's been coming every year for the last ten years.  I can vouch for her tamales; they are muy sabrosos.
Posted by Oakland Daily Photo at 9:40 PM
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9 comments:

  1. TashFebruary 18, 2010 at 10:30 PM

    I love her smile. And would love a good tamale any time of day.
    Thanks for your thoughtful & insightful comment on the moss photo.

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  2. Rune EideFebruary 19, 2010 at 12:49 AM

    It is nice to see people taking care of their local museums. it is their history, and without them something vital is lost.

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  3. UnknownFebruary 19, 2010 at 2:34 PM

    Love tamales! :-)

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  4. Photo CacheFebruary 19, 2010 at 2:39 PM

    I'll keep this in mind. How's parking?

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  5. SheyFebruary 19, 2010 at 5:23 PM

    Oh wow! I will definitely check it out. Thanks! I live in Oakland too. :)

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  6. Louis la VacheFebruary 19, 2010 at 7:37 PM

    Yes! Her tamales are fabuloso!

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  7. Oakland Daily PhotoFebruary 19, 2010 at 8:55 PM

    The March sale brings out thousands of people and parking is a bear. There is a free shuttle from the Fruitvale BART but you'll have to pay for BART parking. If you drive, plan to hoof it a ways from where you park. One alternative is to donate goods Tuesdays through Saturdays in February and receive a two day pass for early shopping prior to the March sale. Either way, y'all come. It's fun and a good cause.

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  8. Janet M KincaidFebruary 20, 2010 at 6:06 AM

    I would give my right arm and a contribution to the Oakland Museum for one of Maria's green chile and cheese tamales. Yum!

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  9. Three Rivers, MichiganFebruary 20, 2010 at 9:55 AM

    A nice photo and I am sure you will find a very fascinating "100 strangers"!
    Three Rivers Daily Photo

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