The countdown has officially begun as the Apex Summit in San Francisco is just hours away from starting. The eyes of the world will be focused on the Bay Area, and the city claims that it is fully prepared. ABC7 news reporter Jim Johns has been speaking with local leaders and has the story.
Excitement fills the streets of San Francisco’s Chinatown as dragon dancers entertain the crowd. On Friday night, a large crowd gathered for a new Night Market, unofficially marking the start of the highly anticipated Apex Summit.
The energy in Chinatown is electric, and organizers hope this enthusiasm will continue throughout the entire event, expecting up to 30,000 people from the Pacific Rim to attend. Chinatown is eager for visitors to explore the historic neighborhood, with numerous small businesses ready to welcome anyone from outside. Not only Chinatown, but the entirety of San Francisco has been preparing for weeks. Streets have been cleaned, road barriers set up, and events planned to accommodate the influx of visitors.
The reopening of the Ferris wheel at Golden Gate Park is another attraction expected to draw a crowd, offering a breathtaking aerial view of the city. San Francisco’s famous restaurant week has also been extended, showcasing the best of Bay Area cuisine. The city saw this as an opportunity to cash in and highlight their offerings to a global audience. The Apex Summit is viewed as a chance for San Francisco to counteract negative post-pandemic publicity. After months of preparation, the city is confident in its ability to shine as a world-class destination. Welcome to San Francisco Chinatown, welcome to our world-class city.
This is Tim Johns, reporting for ABC7 News..