It's all fun and games in San Francisco

San Francisco, one of my favorite cities, underwent a very un-serious makeover this week. Candyland moved onto Lombard street in honor of the game's 60 birthday. Candyland? 60? Where did the years go?

Lombard Street - San FranciscoIf I had to pick one place in the world that most resembled Candyland, Lombard St in San Francisco would be it - twisty and steep and lined with candy-colored houses. But it's a nightmare to drive.

The street is on a 27% incline, making it excruciating for pedestrians (a steep walking grade is considered 16%). It's also the crookedest street in the world - the switchbacks are the only thing that makes it driveable. I've driven down it twice and even at 5 mph (the posted speed limit) my nerves shredded themselves by the time I reached the bottom of the hill.

But Lombard street is sweeter than candy now and traffic is definitely not welcome!

The street closed on Wednesday as two teams of Candyland Cakechildren competed in the life-sized game to celebrate 60 years of fun and games - thanks to Hasbro. University of California kids went head to head with a team from the San Francisco Children's Hospital. The reward? Debbie Does Cakes supplied it - Candyland style.

I like this kind of birthday celebration. Go back to what's important (the fun) and make life exciting (the games). And you gotta admit, the street did look pretty sweet - especially with that big, beautiful cake waiting at the bottom.

I'm wondering if a Snakes and Ladders game on Vermont street is next on the list of San Francisco streets to be Hasbro-ified.

Capitalisim meets childhood? Who cares when it's this much fun!

Have you been to the beautiful San Francisco? Are you as disappointed as I am to have missed the Candyland Celebration?