The Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-off Festival celebrates its 27th year on Saturday, June 24 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sponsored by the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association (OBMA), this year’s fair promises something for everyone, from returning old favorites, to plenty of new and exciting offerings.
OBMA Executive Director Denny Knox said it will be a multi-faceted event expected to attract some 90,000 attendees.
“A lot of local people plan big gatherings, inviting family and friends for the weekend,” she said.
The 4800 through 5000 blocks of Newport Avenue, parking lots, side streets and along the waterfront will host all the action.
There will be no shortage of music here, as the fair boasts not one, not two, but four stages offering non-stop music throughout the day.
Blues Alley, once again hosted by KPRI, is located on Bacon Street in front of Nati’s Mexican Restaurant and will “rock without rules” from 10:15 a.m. until 5 p.m. Scheduled appearances include the Bayou Brothers, Len Rainey & the Midnight Players, The Boogiemen, and Lady Star and the Busting Loose Band.
“We’ve been doing this for several years; it’s always fun,” said Madison, KPRI’s Morning Show host.
He added that people often think of “the blues” as down and depressing. And while there is some of that, blues is actually a lot of fun.
“This is juke-joint-have-a-good-time blues,” he said.
Artists Alley Stage is located on Cable Street in front of Union Bank and begins the day at 10 a.m. with Acoustic Showcase, featuring Christopher Dale, Lisa Sanders, Will Edwards, and Anna Troy, the Artist Alley Stage also presents Deadline Friday, London Street, Scott Wilson, Joey Show, the Chi Club, Shoestring Strap, Bad Science Fiction, and The Ravens.
The newly named 92107 Stage will be located in front of Sunset Garage on Bacon Street. Non-stop music from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. features ZIP code locals including Peter Hall, Chelsea Flor, Phil Harmonic, Jefferson Jay, and Laura Kuebel playing together in an acoustic showcase, followed by Jive Chop & Good Thanks Ensemble, Podunk Nowhere, Kumba Dawa, Paradise, Cape May, 420 Blackbirdz, High Rolling Loners and Wise Monkey.
The Main Stage, as always, is located at the OB Pier parking lot and offers great music from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., incomparably back-dropped by the Pacific Ocean. The Main Stage features Gadfly, The Grams, Cash’d Out, Shady Deal, Brain Buckit, Psydecar and Vegitation.
Rides and Thrills
For the younger set, the Wonderland Children’s area, named after OB’s first amusement park, offers “tons of fun” – including a huge inflatable slide, kiddy cars, games, and, for the first time, pony rides for daring 6-month-olds up to 100-pound tykes. The fun happens at the top of Newport Avenue by US Bank.
Older kids may find it difficult to leave the OB Fun Zone Carnival area located in the 4900 block between Starbucks and Rock, Paper, Scissors. Plenty of rides, games and thrills are promised for ages 8 and above.
One of the new events for 2006 is Cartoon Amateur Wrestling Exhibition.
“It’s kind of spoofy,” Knox said. “They’ve done this at other area events and it has received rave reviews, so we thought we’d give it a try.”
Yet another new event this year ” Laser Tag ” is offered to kids and adults of all ages in Mallory’s parking lot at Cable Street and Newport Avenue.
Knox said the Skateboard Exhibition put on by Ocean Beach Skate & Surf Shop is always a good show that shouldn’t be missed.
And as if that weren’t enough, the fair will also play host to a new, multi-sided climbing wall.
Artist’s Alley
The expanded Artist’s Alley hosts unique handmade creations by talented painters, ceramic artists, fabric artists, jewelers and more. Several artisans demonstrate their craft throughout the event.
Knox suggested that fair-goers should stop by and make a free Fat Hat to take home.
What’s a Fat Hat? Artist Kristen Glass puts a team together to help hat-makers decorate paper bags and form them into hats.
“It’s a nice highlight. People have a lot of fun,” Knox said.
Community Mural Project
The Community Mural Project has become extremely popular, as the artwork is on display throughout the year on a designated business in Ocean Beach. The 2005 mural adorns the side of OB Suds.
Fair attendees are invited to purchase a square to paint their contribution to the 2006 mural. Yvonne Cruz, owner of Surf & Sea on Bacon Street at Newport, donates the use of her building for the creation of the mural, which is organized by artist Rich James of the renowned James Gang brothers.
The Raffle
Knox expressed excitement over the ” phenomenal” raffle prizes this year. Lucky winners may receive overnight stays at Temecula wineries, dinners at area restaurants, gift certificates of all kinds, concert tickets from KPRI and even cash prizes.
“There are so many prizes that the odds of winning are great,” she said.
Tickets are $1 each or six tickets for $5. Proceeds from the raffle help pay for the 4th of July Fireworks at the OB Pier.
Hunger, Thirst and Fun
With over 250 merchandise and food booths no one is in danger of going hungry. In addition to the many vendors, OB’s popular eateries offer a tasty respite from all the walking.
Knox added that the fair boasts merchandise galore for three blocks.
The Beachside Beer Garden & Liquorland, sponsored by Winston’s, will be located in the OB Pier parking lot at the Main Stage for thirsty adults with an ID.
Chili Cook-Off Festival
Certainly one of the most popular events at the street fair, the Chili Cook-off Festival allows self-proclaimed chili aficionados to show off their culinary creativity. And for a minimal fee, everybody else gets to enjoy the results.
Mike Akey, street fair co-chair and head chili judge, explained that people can purchase individual samplings from the 18-plus amateur cooks, or participate in the People’s Choice awards by tasting every entry and voting for a favorite. Fortunately, the cook-off takes place at the foot of Newport Ave., where the ocean breeze might cool off burning palates.
Akey, also the originator of the chili cook-off, said participants are encouraged to have a theme, for which there is an award.
Tasting begins at 10 a.m. until the chili runs out. What can chili connoisseurs expect?
“In past years we’ve had entries that include rattlesnake, alligator, venison and moose,” Akey said.
Official judging takes place sometime between noon and 1:30 p.m., with winners being announced at about 3 p.m. on the Main Stage.
Akey said that judges include local celebrities OB Town Council President Mark Shields, Assistant Police Chief Lou Scanlon, San Diego First District County Supervisor Greg Cox, a representative from Pyro Spectaculars (producers of the OB 4th of July fireworks show), and FOX6 In the Morning’s Chrissy Russo, to name a few.
Smart and Final once again provides the Committee Chili, available for purchase, but not included in the contest.
Fireworks
The 27th Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off Festival concludes on July 4th off the OB Pier, with a 25-minute fireworks display complete with simulcast music. The week’s explosive finale begins at 9 p.m. “” on OB time, of course.
Information
For more information visit www.obstreetfair.com, the MainStreet Association’s Web site, www.oceanbeachsandiego.com, or call 619-224-4906.