The next event in the yearlong celebration of Mission Beach’s centennial will be the OMSURF “Meet The Legends” Spring Classic on Saturday, May 17, starting at 8:30 a.m. in the heart of Old Mission Beach at San Fernando Court.
The occasion marks the 89th anniversary of the first surfing contest in Mission Beach.
It is the third of nine events planned in the months-long celebration of Mission Beach’s centennial.
The centennial celebration kicked off in March with a plaque dedication and walk and will conclude on Saturday, Sept. 27 with a festival at Belmont Park.
The May 17 surf event will include open and classic divisions for men and women, as well as a special menehune division for ages 16 and under.
The advance entry fee of $25 or $35 on event day includes a contest T-shirt, custom trophies and prizes for winners. All proceeds go to support the San Diego Junior Lifeguard Foundation.
Check-in for contestants with beach marshals is at 7:30 a.m., with the event beginning an hour later.
The next event in the centennial celebration will be a centennial cruise to Belmont Park on Father’s Day, June 15, to be followed by a dive-in at the Plunge pool in Belmont Park from 8 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15; an OMShoes horseshoes tournament Aug. 3; a sandcastle event on Sunday, Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and a volleyball beachfest on Saturday, Sept. 6.
The inspiration for the MB centennial celebration, co-chaired by Wendy Crain and Debbie Watkins, dates back to May 2013 and the influence of local historian Phil Prather, who co-wrote “Images of America: Mission Beach.”
The history of Mission Beach goes back to June 14, 1914, when a syndicate headed by John D. Spreckles and managed by George S. Barney submitted a subdivision map surveyed by D.A. Loebenstein to the Common Council (now known as the City Council) of San Diego for approval.
On Dec. 14, 1914, the first official map of Mission Beach was signed and adopted.
For more information, visit www.missionbeachcentennial.org.