Hello, there! In summer 2015, The Emperor's Bridge Campaign launched a new holiday to commemorate the date — 17 September 1859 — when Joshua Norton declared himself and his Empire. We called it Empire Day. This year — our third Empire Day — we celebrate with a Sunday afternoon ferry trip and family-friendly outing to Oakland — a place that Emperor Norton visited every week. By ferry. Of course. The Emperor is said to have considered Oakland his "summer capital." :: :: :: This will be the Campaign's first event in Oakland. We'll take the ferry from the Ferry Building, sailing under the Emperor Norton Bridge. The Emperor — as played by our good friend Joseph Amster — will be on hand. Once we reach Oakland, we'll make our way to the Plank beer garden, on nearby Jack London Square. If you already are going to be in the East Bay on the 17th, join us at Plank! The menu features burgers and appetizers. For adults, there's a full bar and a nice selection of local beers on tap. For kids — and for all the kids at heart — there is bowling, bocce, billiards and arcade games. We'll take the return ferry at sunset, for a lovely view of the Bay Lights and the twinkly San Francisco skyline. :: :: :: FREE LUNCH? NO — BUT HOW ABOUT A FREE RIDE? For those who are Emissaries of the Empire — a.k.a. members of the Campaign — on September 17th, the ferry tickets are our treat. You can join or renew at http://www.EmperorsBridge.org/support/join/ :: :: :: For full details, click the attached link. Hope to see you on Empire Day! JOHN LUMEA The Emperor's Bridge Campaign http://www.EmperorsBridge.org/