The spectacular fireworks show to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge, on Sunday May 27, 2012, in San Francisco, Ca.
The San Francisco Bay Area celebrated the Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary Sunday May 27, 2012 with a spectacular fire works show in San Francisco California.
A statue of Joseph B.Strauss the Chief Engineer of the Golden Gate Bridge project, stands at the southern end of the bridge.
Bridge painter, Herbert Gabriel uses a basket called a "Spider" to move up and down the suspension cables for maitenance work and painting.
A view looking down on Crissy Field from Lincoln Blvd. at the stages for the celebration. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrated its 75th anniversary with tours, displays, and music, ending with a fireworks display in San Francisco, Calif. Sunday May 27, 2012.
A view looking down on Crissy Field from Lincoln Blvd. at the stages for the celebration. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrated its 75th anniversary with tours, displays, and music, ending with a fireworks display
Terry Fochet of Penngrove takes a photo as a bridge painter, one of the displays at the Golden Gate Bridge celebration. Despite its golden name, the bridge sports a coat of International Orange.
Matt Feabey of Rohnert Park set up his fireworks viewing area early on Crissy Field. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrated its 75th anniversary with tours, displays, and music, ending with a fireworks display in San Francisco, Calif. Sunday May 27, 2012.
Matt Feabey of Rohnert Park set up his fireworks viewing area early on Crissy Field. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrated its 75th anniversary with tours, displays, and music, ending with a fireworks display in
Kevin Hines, who jumped from the span and lived in 2000, was among the people at the Whose Shoes display which calls attention to the more than 1500 people who have jumped from the bridge. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrated its 75th anniversary with tours, displays, and music, ending with a fireworks display in San Francisco, Calif. Sunday May 27, 2012.
Kevin Hines, who jumped from the span and lived in 2000, was among the people at the Whose Shoes display which calls attention to the more than 1500 people who have jumped from the bridge. The Golden Gate
A display called "Whose Shoes" calls attention to the over 1500 people who have jumped from the Golden Gate Bridge. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrated its 75th anniversary with tours, displays, and music, ending with a fireworks display in San Francisco, Calif. Sunday May 27, 2012.
A display called "Whose Shoes" calls attention to the over 1500 people who have jumped from the Golden Gate Bridge. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrated its 75th anniversary with tours, displays, and music, ending
A family braved the rocks and surf to get a closer look at some tidal creatures near Fort Point. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrated its 75th anniversary with tours, displays, and music, ending with a fireworks display in San Francisco, Calif. Sunday May 27, 2012.
A family braved the rocks and surf to get a closer look at some tidal creatures near Fort Point. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrated its 75th anniversary with tours, displays, and music, ending with a fireworks
A couple stops to photograph the Golden Gate Bridge while visiting Fort Point. The huge arch and the light house are overhead. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrated its 75th anniversary with tours, displays, and music, ending with a fireworks display in San Francisco, Calif. Sunday May 27, 2012.
A couple stops to photograph the Golden Gate Bridge while visiting Fort Point. The huge arch and the light house are overhead. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrated its 75th anniversary with tours, displays, and
Noriaki (left) and Hiroko Fukui of San Jose, Calif. took pictures from Fort Point. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrated its 75th anniversary with tours, displays, and music, ending with a fireworks display in San Francisco, Calif. Sunday May 27, 2012.
Noriaki (left) and Hiroko Fukui of San Jose, Calif. took pictures from Fort Point. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrated its 75th anniversary with tours, displays, and music, ending with a fireworks display in San
The Golden Gate Bridge first glimpse as one climbs the stairs to the top of Fort Point. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrated its 75th anniversary with tours, displays, and music, ending with a fireworks display in San Francisco, Calif. Sunday May 27, 2012.
The Golden Gate Bridge first glimpse as one climbs the stairs to the top of Fort Point. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrated its 75th anniversary with tours, displays, and music, ending with a fireworks display in
At Fort Point, visitors stood in a giant rotunda with the famous Golden Gate arch overhead and the lighthouse. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrated its 75th anniversary with tours, displays, and music, ending with a fireworks display in San Francisco, Calif. Sunday May 27, 2012.
At Fort Point, visitors stood in a giant rotunda with the famous Golden Gate arch overhead and the lighthouse. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrated its 75th anniversary with tours, displays, and music, ending with
The fireboat Guardian welcomes the Nimitz, one of world's largest warships, after the Navy aircraft supercarrier sails under the Golden Gate Bridge to celebrate the bridge's 75th anniversary.
Chris Chesbrough, captain of the Far Niente steers the historic boat towards the Golden Gate Bridge in the St. Francis Yacht Club's historic watercraft parade in San Francisco, Calif. on Sunday, May 27, 2012.
The Jeremiah O'Brien and California Hornblower sail near the Golden Gate Bridge for the 75th anniversary celebration for the iconic span in San Francisco, Calif. on Sunday, May 27, 2012.
Josh Morenstein and Melissa Little watch the arrival of the aircraft carrier Nimitz at the Marina Green with their 3-year-old twins Tessa and Chloe during the 75th anniversary celebration for the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Calif. on Sunday, May 27, 2012.
Josh Morenstein and Melissa Little watch the arrival of the aircraft carrier Nimitz at the Marina Green with their 3-year-old twins Tessa and Chloe during the 75th anniversary celebration for the Golden Gate
Sarah Ho snaps photos of a message in the sky above the 75th anniversary celebration for the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Calif. on Sunday, May 27, 2012.
Walking and cycling were the only way to get around, with little or no parking. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrated its 75th anniversary with tours, displays, and music, ending with a fireworks display in San Francisco, Calif. Sunday May 27, 2012.
Walking and cycling were the only way to get around, with little or no parking. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrated its 75th anniversary with tours, displays, and music, ending with a fireworks display in San
Kira Casartelli, 6 of San Francisco looks at the "Whose Shoes?" display made by the Bridge Rail Foundation during the Golden Gate Festival celebrating the Golden Gate Bridge's 75th anniversary at Crissy Field on Sunday, May 27, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif. 1,558 people who jumped from the Golden Gate Bridge are represented by shoes or chalk outlines of feet for the John and Jane Does.
Kira Casartelli, 6 of San Francisco looks at the "Whose Shoes?" display made by the Bridge Rail Foundation during the Golden Gate Festival celebrating the Golden Gate Bridge's 75th anniversary at Crissy Field
The Turner family from San Mateo, Calif. brought their pup Persimmon for a walk on the bridge to celebrate the anniversary. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrated its 75th anniversary with tours, displays, and music, ending with a fireworks display in San Francisco, Calif. Sunday May 27, 2012.
The Turner family from San Mateo, Calif. brought their pup Persimmon for a walk on the bridge to celebrate the anniversary. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrated its 75th anniversary with tours, displays, and
A group of mounted police officers went through a vacant parking lot at Fort Point. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrated its 75th anniversary with tours, displays, and music, ending with a fireworks display in San Francisco, Calif. Sunday May 27, 2012.
A group of mounted police officers went through a vacant parking lot at Fort Point. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrated its 75th anniversary with tours, displays, and music, ending with a fireworks display in San
The aircraft carrier Nimitz entered the bay under the Golden Gate with all hands on deck. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrated its 75th anniversary with tours, displays, and music, ending with a fireworks display in San Francisco, Calif. Sunday May 27, 2012.
The aircraft carrier Nimitz entered the bay under the Golden Gate with all hands on deck. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrated its 75th anniversary with tours, displays, and music, ending with a fireworks display
The aircraft carrier Nimitz sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge, all hands on deck. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrated its 75th anniversary with tours, displays, and music, ending with a fireworks display in San Francisco, Calif. Sunday May 27, 2012.
The aircraft carrier Nimitz sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge, all hands on deck. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrated its 75th anniversary with tours, displays, and music, ending with a fireworks display in San
By late in the afternoon, crowds were starting to build in areas where fireworks viewing would be best. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrated its 75th anniversary with tours, displays, and music, ending with a fireworks display in San Francisco, Calif. Sunday May 27, 2012.
By late in the afternoon, crowds were starting to build in areas where fireworks viewing would be best. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrated its 75th anniversary with tours, displays, and music, ending with a
Attendees to the Golden Gate Festival celebrating the Golden Gate Bridge's 75th anniversary visit the Bridge History tent at Crissy Field on Sunday, May 27, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif.
Katherine and Alex Katz have a large patch of grass to themselves and their daughter Paige and dog Pancho on the Marina Green at the 75th anniversary celebration for the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Calif. on Sunday, May 27, 2012.
Katherine and Alex Katz have a large patch of grass to themselves and their daughter Paige and dog Pancho on the Marina Green at the 75th anniversary celebration for the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco,
Kim Sykes of San Francisco waves her hat as the USS Nimitz passes on the bay during the Golden Gate Festival celebrating the Golden Gate Bridge's 75th anniversary at Crissy Field on Sunday, May 27, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif.
Kim Sykes of San Francisco waves her hat as the USS Nimitz passes on the bay during the Golden Gate Festival celebrating the Golden Gate Bridge's 75th anniversary at Crissy Field on Sunday, May 27, 2012 in San
Attnedees of the Golden Gate Festival celebrating the Golden Gate Bridge's 75th anniversary check out the Historic Vehicle Timeline at Crissy Field on Sunday, May 27, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif.
Pascal Molat, a principal dancer with the San Francisco Ballet, tosses and catches his son Matisse, 2, on the Marina Green during the anniversary celebration, which drew thousands of well-wishers.
Joseph Kearns, 4, of San Francisco, tries to reach a kite flying in Crissy Field for the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Calif. Sunday, May 27, 2012.
Marisa Miyaki, 5, of San Francisco, checks out one of the informational displays inside the Bridge History Tent during the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge at Crissy Field in San Francisco, Calif. Sunday, May 27, 2012.
Marisa Miyaki, 5, of San Francisco, checks out one of the informational displays inside the Bridge History Tent during the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge at Crissy Field in San
Kathy Holly of San Francisco performs at the Laborfest during the Golden Gate Festival celebrating the Golden Gate Bridge's 75th anniversary at Crissy Field on Sunday, May 27, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif.
A tanker is seen passing through under the Golden Gate Bridge on May 27, 2012 in California. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrates its 75th Anniversary on May 27. San Francisco on Sunday marked the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge, the distinctive orange vermilion structure that attracts some 10 million visitors each year. AFP Photo / Kimihiro HoshinoKIMIHIRO HOSHINO/AFP/GettyImages
A tanker is seen passing through under the Golden Gate Bridge on May 27, 2012 in California. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrates its 75th Anniversary on May 27. San Francisco on Sunday marked the 75th
Ironworker Brian Colombo (l to r) and Lolli Amaral, 8th period apprentice ironworker, take apart an ironworkers demonstration booth during the Golden Gate Festival celebrating the Golden Gate Bridge's 75th anniversary at Crissy Field on Sunday, May 27, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif.
Ironworker Brian Colombo (l to r) and Lolli Amaral, 8th period apprentice ironworker, take apart an ironworkers demonstration booth during the Golden Gate Festival celebrating the Golden Gate Bridge's 75th
People sit on a hill at Crissy Field during the Golden Gate Festival celebrating the Golden Gate Bridge's 75th anniversary on Sunday, May 27, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif.
Planes write a message in the sky to the Golden Gate Bridge on its 75th anniversary at Crissy Field in San Francisco, Calif. Sunday, May 27, 2012.
Hundreds make their way along Crissy Field during the 75th anniversary celebration of the Golden Gate Bridge, on Sunday May 27, 2012, in San Francisco, Ca.
Visitors are reflected in the body of a restored 1937 Packard automobile, one of the cars to first cross the new span back in 1937, as crowds gather during the 75th anniversary celebration of the Golden Gate Bridge along Crissy Field, on Sunday May 27, 2012, in San Francisco, Ca.
Visitors are reflected in the body of a restored 1937 Packard automobile, one of the cars to first cross the new span back in 1937, as crowds gather during the 75th anniversary celebration of the Golden Gate
Kite flyers along the meadow at Crissy field, during the 75th anniversary celebration of the Golden Gate Bridge, on Sunday May 27, 2012, in San Francisco, Ca.
Birthday wishes take to the sky for the Golden Gate Bridge. Festivities for the bridge's 75th stretched from Fort Point to the Marina Green.
Fort Point with skywriting high above, during the 75th anniversary celebration of the Golden Gate Bridge along Crissy Field, on Sunday May 27, 2012, in San Francisco, Ca.
Dustin Finkle, (left) and Tim Koning, of San Francisco, took about fifthteen hours to construct a wearable replica of the Golden Gate bridge, as they walk around during the 75th anniversary celebration of the Golden Gate Bridge along Crissy Field, on Sunday May 27, 2012, in San Francisco, Ca.
Dustin Finkle, (left) and Tim Koning, of San Francisco, took about fifthteen hours to construct a wearable replica of the Golden Gate bridge, as they walk around during the 75th anniversary celebration of the
Visitors make their way through The Presidio for the 75th anniversary celebration of the Golden Gate Bridge along Crissy Field, on Sunday May 27, 2012, in San Francisco, Ca.
Members of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus perform on the Crissy Field stage during the celebration, which included music, art, parades and food - plus plenty of wind and fog.
Mavis (left) and Carie admired the Golden Gate Bridge, they walked the bridge to celebrate the anniversary. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrated its 75th anniversary with tours, displays, and music, ending with a fireworks display in San Francisco, Calif. Sunday May 27, 2012.
Mavis (left) and Carie admired the Golden Gate Bridge, they walked the bridge to celebrate the anniversary. The Golden Gate Bridge celebrated its 75th anniversary with tours, displays, and music, ending with a
Hundreds of vehicles pass over the Golden Gate Bridge Sunday May 27, 2012 in San Francisco California, on the bridges 75th Anniversary.
Katie Nicholson from San Francisco poses for a head shot in one of the bridgeworker posters on the Marina Green in San Francisco, California, on Sunday, May 27, 2012, during the Golden Gate Bridge 75th anniversary.
Katie Nicholson from San Francisco poses for a head shot in one of the bridgeworker posters on the Marina Green in San Francisco, California, on Sunday, May 27, 2012, during the Golden Gate Bridge 75th
Kylie Choi (left) and her mother Camille Tsao (right) enjoy listening to singing group Chilled On at east Crissy Field in San Francisco, California, on Sunday, May 27, 2012, during the Golden Gate Bridge 75th anniversary.
Kylie Choi (left) and her mother Camille Tsao (right) enjoy listening to singing group Chilled On at east Crissy Field in San Francisco, California, on Sunday, May 27, 2012, during the Golden Gate Bridge 75th
Taking a snooze during the early afternoon on the Marina Green in San Francisco, California, on Sunday, May 27, 2012.
Emily Hogan, 14 years old, from San Francisco hanging upside down from a bar at east Crissy Field in San Francisco, California, on Sunday, May 27, 2012, during the Golden Gate Bridge 75th anniversary.
Hundreds of vehicles pass over the Golden Gate Bridge Sunday May 27, 2012 in San Francisco California, on the bridges 75th Anniversary.
Thousands of people celebrate the Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary on San Francisco's Crissy Field Sunday May 27, 2012.
Local artist and driver Diarmuid Harrington riding his bike while carrying his styrofoam and fiberglass piece of the bridge on the Marina Green in San Francisco, California, on Sunday, May 27, 2012. He made the piece last night to bring to the Golden Gate bridge 75th anniversary festivities.
Local artist and driver Diarmuid Harrington riding his bike while carrying his styrofoam and fiberglass piece of the bridge on the Marina Green in San Francisco, California, on Sunday, May 27, 2012. He made
The Golden Gate Bridge opened in 1937 as a direct connection over the bay between San Francisco and Marin County.
Lights shine off the Golden Gate Bridge to mark its 75th anniversary in San Francisco, Calif. Sunday, May 27, 2012.
Fireworks explode to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Calif. Sunday, May 27, 2012.
Thousands gathered to watch as fireworks, augmented by beams of light from a barge and the Golden Gate Bridge, lit up the night sky and San Francisco Bay.
The San Francisco Bay Area celebrated the Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary Sunday May 27, 2012 with a spectacular fire works show in San Francisco California.
The 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge, on Sunday May 27, 2012, in San Francisco, Ca.
The San Francisco Bay Area celebrated the Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary Sunday May 27, 2012 with a spectacular fire works show in San Francisco California.
The San Francisco Bay Area celebrated the Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary Sunday May 27, 2012 with a spectacular fire works show in San Francisco California.
The San Francisco Bay Area celebrated the Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary Sunday May 27, 2012 with a spectacular fire works show in San Francisco California.
The San Francisco Bay Area celebrated the Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary Sunday May 27, 2012 with a spectacular fire works show in San Francisco California.
Alicia Olsen (left) and Autumn Cleave, along with dog Louie, lounge along Crissy Field as boats dot the bay under the bridge.
Craig Dodson (left), a Golden Gate Bridge supervisor, explains the painters box to Will Robertson in the Bridge History Tent.
The Family Crest perform on the Crissy Field stage during the 75th anniversary celebration of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Calif. Sunday, May 27, 2012.
Fireworks explode to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Calif. Sunday, May 27, 2012.
Fireworks explode to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Calif. Sunday, May 27, 2012.
The Family Crest perform on the Crissy Field stage during the 75th anniversary celebration of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Calif. Sunday, May 27, 2012.
Fireworks explode to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Calif. Sunday, May 27, 2012.
People dance to the music from the Crissy Field stage on the porch of the Ocean Climate Center during the 75th anniversary celebration of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Calif. Sunday, May 27, 2012.
Crowds line up on the beach to watch the fireworks during the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Calif. Sunday, May 27, 2012.
The crowd listens to the music of The Family Crest at the Crissy Field stage during the 75th anniversary celebration of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Calif. Sunday, May 27, 2012.
The crowd listens to the music of The Family Crest at the Crissy Field stage during the 75th anniversary celebration of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Calif. Sunday, May 27, 2012.
The San Francisco Bay Area celebrated the Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary Sunday May 27, 2012 with a spectacular fire works show in San Francisco California.
A waterfall of light cascaded from the Golden Gate Bridge and lit up the night Sunday as fireworks turned the San Francisco Bay and shoreline into a kaleidoscope of color.
Thousands of people from all over the Bay Area lined Crissy Field to see the show and celebrate the 75th birthday of the majestic span.
"It was beautiful how the city put together such spectacular fireworks," said Fernando Tercero, who came from San Jose with his wife, Jisselle, and son Fernando Jr. to participate in the waterfront celebration. "I've never seen anything like that. I've been to many events, but this is No. 1 on my list."
It was the culmination of a daylong party including live music, art shows, boat parades, tearful renditions of "San Francisco (Open Your Golden Gate)" and happy, enthusiastic crowds bedecked in fleece and sweatshirts.
"It's one of the most beautiful pieces of artwork in the world. What more is there to say?" said John Moore, an air-traffic controller from Rohnert Park, who walked across the bridge with his family Sunday. "We wouldn't miss this."
Crowds were relatively light through much of the day, possibly because of the damp wind and fog that blanketed the waterfront, but more revelers poured in as the sun poked through in the afternoon and the time for fireworks approached.
Attendees included tourists and San Francisco natives, awestruck kids and proud octogenarians who remembered the bridge's opening in 1937.
Fred Ruhland, a retired financier from Kentfield, was at the bridge's 50th birthday in 1987, when so many people jammed the span that its normal arc flattened out.
"I was never so scared in my life. The bridge was shaking," he said. "But I decided to give it another try this time. I'm still amazed at the engineering of this bridge, how strong it is. It really is an icon."
No such unnerving situations occurred Sunday as thousands walked or biked across the bridge without incident. Cars crossed peacefully, too - traffic flowed easily most of the day, and the span was closed to vehicle traffic only from about 9 to 10 p.m. for the fireworks show.
The festivities stretched from Fort Point to the Marina Green, with several stages of live music, food booths and numerous exhibits. Among the more popular attractions was a vintage car show on Crissy Field, an homage to the bridge's ostensible purpose: getting cars from San Francisco to Marin and vice versa.
Denise Brady, a consultant and native San Franciscan, was happy to show off her gleaming red 1942 Plymouth Special Deluxe convertible.
"I love the bridge, because it's the same era as my car, and I love my car," she said as she relaxed next to her vehicle, listening to Frank Sinatra tapes. "I'm just a nostalgic person. I'm a die-hard San Franciscan, and this is a great San Francisco event."
Dark side of bridge
A darker side of bridge history was also evident Sunday. A group called Bridge Rail Foundation, which works to prevent bridge suicides, displayed 1,558 pairs of shoes - some of which were donated by victims' families - to represent the estimated number of people who have died from bridge jumps since the span opened in 1937.
The total apparently increased Sunday, when a beach walker discovered the body of a man, about 40 years old, along East Beach near the St. Francis Yacht Club just after 6 a.m. Police are investigating the incident, but the death appears to be a suicide, said Alexandra Picavet, spokeswoman for the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
But for most, Sunday was a day to celebrate the elegance, understated beauty and strength of a structure that has become synonymous with San Francisco.
The Haluptzok family came from Minneapolis for the event, 25 years after attending the bridge's 50th anniversary party.
"We just felt we had to come back," Nancy Haluptzok, a homemaker, said. "It's so unique, with the hills and the boats and the Palace of Fine Arts. ... It's a special place for us. I guess I'm kind of a romantic."
'Imagination ... elegance'
There were few dry eyes when the San Francisco Boys Chorus sang "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" on Crissy Field, with the bridge as a backdrop.
Conductor Ian Robertson said he fell in love with the bridge as a child in Dundee, Scotland, looking at an inset photo of the Golden Gate on a map of the world.
"I was in this little house in Scotland, looking at this bridge every night and thinking, 'That's amazing. I wonder if I'll ever go there,' " he said. "It's a beautiful sculpture. It's imagination. It's elegance. And it works in all weather."
The Moores, from Rohnert Park, were also celebrating their mother's birthday.
"I'm 60, the bridge is 75. Two big milestones," said Ronna Moore, a banker, who sported a T-shirt that read, "It's my birthday, too."
"When the fog comes in, the bridge is so beautiful," she said. "I was bound and determined to be here today."
It was a cold, but crystal clear night by the time the fireworks began with a waterfall of fire over midspan followed by the booming, glittering rockets. Vibrant lights beamed from a barge and from the bridge, and then the spectacular finale, when the entire bridge, including the towers, exploded in color.
"It was awesome," said 10-year-old Fernando Tercero Jr. "It was beautiful and awesome."
Carolyn Jones and Peter Fimrite are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. E-mail: carolynjones@sfchronicle.com, pfimrite@sfchronicle.com