Clam chowder and nautical celebrations will abound at the 10th annual Point Loma Village Fair Saturday, Aug. 19, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. near Rosecrans and Caãon streets.
Sponsored by the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, the fair’s attractions share a common theme: “A Celebration for All of Us.”
Matt Kalla, chamber president and fair chairman, said the chamber changed the date from October to August for better weather and a stronger turnout. Kalla said that the free fair committee wanted to make the event friendlier, more neighborly and truer to the nature of the community than some of the larger San Diego area festivals.
“The best thing about the fair is that it’s a way for the local talent, businesses, artists and performers of the community to be recognized,” Kalla said. “And at this fair, you can run into your friends in the street.”
One likely place to engage in a friendly rivalry will be the new Clam Chowder Competition, featuring New England-style entries from local landmarks. The Bay Club, The Blue Wave, The Brigantine, Hudson’s Bay Seafood and Point Break Café are among the restaurants vying for votes from official judges and fairgoers. Samples are 50 cents each or $2.50 to try all and vote for the people’s choice award. Sampling takes place between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
According to Kalla, the fair’s nautical theme made the New England chowder contest a natural addition.
“We’re lucky to have some of our very best people competing to come up with something that will be a taste sensation, and a contest that will definitely put Point Loma on the international culinary map,” he said.
Children can get a flavor for seafaring life during a hands-on sailboat exhibit. Jon Riksford, skipper and instructor at Shelter Island Sailing, will share pointers on safe seamanship. To pick up the pace, speed and power boat fans can view Unlimited Hydroplane speed technology, including the U21 boat “Lucky 21”, on display thanks to the San Diego-based Freedom Racing Team.
When it comes to Point Loma shopping, businesses in the vendor area will sell customers on the benefits of buying local goods. Ann Kinner, owner of Seabreeze Limited at 1254 Scott St., said although her nautical gifts and map store has been in the area for 25 years, locals still may not know about it. She has owned the shop for two years, but has been affiliated with it for ten.
“We’re well-known in the boating community or to residents who have boats, but there are a lot of people on the hill who don’t know we’re here,” Kinner said.
While she admits it would be difficult to bring everything the store has to offer, Kinner said she plans to bring a selection of gift items, including jewelry, tote bags, banners and nautical books.
Local artists will display their works at the fair, exhibiting and selling painting, sculpture and design. Young artists from local schools will compete in the Best View of Point Loma photo contest.
After pounding the pavement to shop, fairgoers may find themselves dancing in the street to rock, blues, hip-hop and fusion from bands such as Hot Rod Lincoln, Three-Legged Dog and Jump Start. Behind the main stage, a Ballast Point Brewing Company beer garden gives adults 21 and up a place to get off their feet and taste a local brew.
On the lighter side, lemonade joins the lineup on Scott Street, with traditional fair offerings of hamburgers, sausage links, kettle corn, cotton candy and new, health-conscious additions of smoothies and wraps.
Those hungry for laughs can count on Captain H2O, Pirate Clown of Renown, Treasures, the Great First Mate and other nautical clowns for juggling, stilt walking, face painting and balloon animal making. The amusement area will provide rides, slides and jumps for a fee, and a skateboard territory with team demonstrations and practice moves from the pros will offer up tips for skateboarders of all levels.
General admission is free. For more information, visit www.peninsulachamber.com.