BeachFest returns to the boardwalk Saturday, Oct. 14, with a day full of family fun, food and festivities.
The food court, vendor and service group booths, volleyball competition and sand sculpting will be located between Garnet and Thomas avenues.
This years BeachFest will kick off early and include several events and competitions for everyone to participate. Events include an 8K run from Crystal Pier to the jetty and back. Registration begins at 6:45 a.m.; the race starts at 7:30 a.m.
While the Pacific Beach celebration begins at 11 a.m., the competitions kick off early. Registration for the 8K run from Crystal Pier to the jetty and back opens at 6:45 a.m., with the race starting at 7:30 a.m.
The volleyball competition starts at 9 a.m., a sand castle building competition begins at 11 a.m. and a swing dance contest gets started at 4:45 p.m.
However, the fun just isn’t for athletes and adults.
The kids area will have inflatable bouncers to face painting and arts and crafts, plus lots of healthy snacks and sweet treats.
Twelve local eateries ” Lotsa Pasta, Charlie’s Best Bread, Chipotle, Filippi’s Pizza Grotto, Moondoggies, Gringo’s Cantina y Cocina, Kafe Yen, Bare Back Grill, Fruitopia, Shaka Hawaiian Grinds and Caffe Bella Italia ” will showcase various items from their menus for $2 per item.
P.J. Lamont from the Bare Back Grill said they will be serving small cheeseburgers made from all natural organic beef ground daily. This is the second year Bare Back Grill participated in BeachFest and Lamont said he looks forward to doing it every year.
“I love [BeachFest]. It’s a lot of fun working in close quarters with other businesses. It’s a chance for people to see what we’re about.” Lamont said.
According to Benjamin Nicholls, executive director of Discover Pacific Beach, BeachFest brings out all members of the community: residents, young and old alike; local merchants; politicians; and community leaders and activists.
“It’s extremely exciting to have such a fantastic event where we can showcase PB to the rest of the city, and the community gets together and has a great time in the name of community spirit,” said Pacific Beach Town Council Vice President Ruby Houck.
Houck has been volunteering every year and is never surprised at the level of support that pours in for community events. This year is important for local public schools and community organizations because recent budget cuts have forced schools and other public departments appeal directly to the community for support in order to keep some of their extracurricular activities, said Houck.
Volunteers for Pacific Beach schools and the Pacific Beach Recreation Center will be selling snacks to raise funds for their various programs.
Pacific Beach Elementary School has also invited local politicians and community figures to take a seat in a dunk tank to get soaked for a good cause.
Live music is also scheduled throughout the event.
BeachFest concludes with a fireworks extravaganza launched from Crystal Pier at 7:30 p.m.
For more information visit www.pacificbeachfest.com or call Discover Pacific Beach at (858) 273-3303.