The beloved Ocean Festival in San Clemente is once again on hiatus this summer, with organizers hoping to generate more volunteer interest to bring the beach event back in 2024.
Like most events, the Ocean Festival was canceled because of pandemic concerns in 2020 and again the following year. While it was held last year, organizers said volunteer staffing struggles lingered.
“We need to save the San Clemente Ocean Festival,” headlines a press release written by board member Maureen Henry detailing the importance of the hallmark event, which began in 1977 as a local lifeguard competition.
“Like many nonprofits, ‘The Greatest Show on Surf’ was weakened by its cancellation during COVID, and its volunteer board is now struggling to continue its mission of promoting ocean safety, the environment and the community by providing an athletic venue and enjoyable family event,” she said.
The weekend, typically held in July, puts a spotlight on the sea with a mix of serious competition and lighthearted fun for all ages.
The two-day coastal community tradition started when Sheridan Byerly, a captain with the Marine Safety department, wanted to increase participation in the Orange County Beach Games lifeguard competition.
The lifeguarding contest drew competitors from around the region, but organizers also wanted to include the general public, with hopes of engaging lifeguards and families in activities on the beach.
The Orange County Beach Games evolved into the San Clemente Ocean Festival with the help of publicist Dorothy Fuller, considered the “Mother of the Ocean Festival.” She dubbed the event “The Greatest Show on Surf” in 1981, a slogan that stuck.
The annual event had been attracting nearly 50,000 people in recent years, including competitors from as far away as Australia.
Several lifeguard races are typically featured, including the popular Dory races that wow the crowds, and there are paddleboard races, swim competitions, a Grom’s Rule surf…
Read the full article here
