Spectators feeling artistic can help create two mural projects, led by noted mural artists Nicola McCarthy and Miranda Bergman. There will be welding and torch-based demonstrations by artisans from the Crucible, an East Bay nonprofit sculpture studio specializing in an array of classes including blacksmithing, welding and kinetics.

Look for an information booth sponsored by several landmarks organizations that have joined together to promote a variety of events and preservation-related activities scheduled for this fall.

"We see the festival as a way to showcase Oakland's different landmarks and all the groups that are actively working to preserve and promote them," says booth organizer Pat Dedekian. "We will be showing the drawings and floor plans for the impending renovation of the historic Fox Theater, and there will be

T-shirts for sale to help the Friends of the Oakland Fox continue their support activities.

"The Art Deco Society plans to have information on the upcoming Gatsby Summer Afternoon event at the Dunsmuir House and Gardens," says Dedekian.

"Sunday, Sept. 12 is the date for this year's Gatsby event," says Michael Crowe of the Deco Society, "and we are excited because it is the 20th annual picnic on the grounds of the magnificent Dunsmuir property in the Oakland hills. Vintage motorcars, dance performances, wine tastings and a fashion revue featuring the incomparable Deco Belles in authentic bathing attire will be among the highlights. This year we will be featuring a 'baby belles and beaux' parade, as well for children under 10 -- their own vintage fashion parade."

The landmark Dunsmuir House will be featured on the next Oakland Historic Houses Bus Tour, taking place Sept. 23, says organizer David Nicolai.

"We will be handing out announcements for this popular tour, the third annual, which includes visits to the Camron Stanford House, the Pardee Home Museum, the historic Peralta Hacienda and Park, and the Cohen Bray House, on 29th Avenue, in the Fruitvale district," he said. "Those signing up for this day-long tour will be treated to a box lunch as well. This tour is by reservation only, but there are still seats available."

Volunteers from the Oakland Heritage Alliance will be displaying examples of rehab successes and opportunities, says Esther Hill, OHA administrative director.

"We will also be signing up people to help with our Fall House Tour. Volunteers receive free admission to go on the tour (which will focus on the Crocker Highlands neighborhood this time around). The house tour is scheduled for Oct. 10.

"Our Partners in Preservation awards are being held later this fall, and we are seeking nominations, so we will have handouts at the booth on that as well," says Hill.

Those interested in learning where to get information on the history of their house can pick up fliers about the library history room, and the city planning department's Cultural Heritage Survey. New brochures for walking tours of downtown, sponsored by the Oakland Tours Program, will be available.

For more information on preservation activities this fall, contact the Oakland Heritage Alliance, 763-9218, or the Oakland Tours Program, 238-3234.