Experience LoveFest firsthand

By Katie Powers

Somewhere between liquid melting and freezing and expanding into gas lies a new state of matter: LoveFest happiness.

Last year on September 23, 2006, wearing a neon pink wig, red-lipped sunglasses and a grotesquely 80s-inspired stretchy black dress with neon accents and sleeves that poufed bigger than my head, I floated through San Francisco in the sheer state of glory that is LoveFest happiness.

LoveFest was one of the top three best days of my collegiate life.

And it's this Saturday!

Even if you don't like techno music, crowds or crazy costumes, which may rule out a lot of people, I think you should try out LoveFest.

At first, you may not know what to expect. Everyone gathers at 2nd Street and Market, waiting. The intersection is quiet, but full of anticipation for a parade you know only San Francisco can pull off.

At LoveFest, modeled after Berlin's Loveparade, you can participate in the parade festivities. Cheer on the floats and then join the parade and float on, dancing behind the trancing flow of techno music.

The floats themselves will be a spectacle, many with peace and love signs and bright colors, filled with people in creative ensembles -- from pirates to fruits to rainbow leopard prints -- spinning techno and rave beats. Once you find one that exudes a special vibe, you throw your hands in the air and follow the music.

The creators of LoveFest say that music has a special vibe that brings people together in a powerful way. Sounds deep, but it's true. There is something about the techno music that brings a soothing burst of energy, allowing all the parade-goers to settle in the state of LoveFest happiness. Sunlight, colors and rave music somehow transcend age, gender and race making everyone enjoy the party.

Compared to the more famous Bay to Breakers marathon every May, LoveFest's smaller attendance makes for a more intimate and stressless environment.

Don't worry about losing half of your friends for three hours amongst 75,000 people. Even if you are separated for awhile at LoveFest, you will find your way back together much more quickly, as the parade is much shorter and ends on the lawn of the Civic Center where you can hang out, relax or check out some of the headlining performers.

With 600 Santa Clara students who got up to fill the special 6 a.m. CalTrain to go to Bay to Breakers last year, I am hoping that we can round up just as much loving spirit for the parade on Saturday. (At a much more pleasant starting time -- noon!)

So get out, buy a wig. Bring your friends. Don't forget some saucy beverages. And let yourself morph into a state of happiness only LoveFest can define.