FESTIVALS & EVENTS : Lifeguards Have Their Day at the Races in the ‘Greatest Show on Surf’

The “Greatest Show on Earth” may be headed for Anaheim, but San Clemente says it has the “Greatest Show on Surf.”

Now in its 14th year, the San Clemente Ocean Festival runs this weekend near the town’s municipal pier, featuring ocean and beach games plus lifeguard competitions. (Meanwhile, you’ll have to wait until Tuesday to catch that other great show--Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus--in its eight-day stand at the Anaheim Convention Center.)

At least 30,000 people are expected to attend the San Clemente festivities, including hundreds of lifeguards who will be competing in the California Surf Lifesaving Assn. Regional Championships.

“It’s the only (Orange County) festival of its type in the summer where events are shared by lifeguards and the general public,” said Dorothy Fuller, events organizer.

The festival starts Saturday with the lifesaving competitions, in which about 300 lifeguards will compete for medals in such categories as swimming and paddleboard races.

On Sunday, adults and children of all ages can join in the games during the Surf ‘n’ Sand Family Olympics, which is sponsored by Centex Homes and produced by a volunteer committee associated with the city’s parks, beaches and recreation department.

During the family olympics, King Neptune, who will be portrayed by former Citizen of the Year Ralph Klaasen, will preside over such contests and shows as the treasure hunt for children, dory races, sand sculpturing, a fishing derby, and swimming and foot races. There will also be a mock life-saving rescue presentation, Jet Ski and Jazzercise demonstrations and many more events for children.

A pancake breakfast will be held both days from 7 to 11 a.m. Tickets (price unavailable as of press time) will be available at the breakfasts.

There will be a onetime, $5 fee for ages 18 and under to participate in children’s events. Adults pay $10, which includes a T-shirt, for the first athletic event and $5 per each additional event. No preregistration is required, although registration forms are available at the San Clemente Community Center at Avenida del Mar and Calle Seville.

What: The San Clemente Ocean Festival.

When: Saturday and Sunday, July 18 and 19, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days.

Where: Near San Clemente Municipal Pier off Avenida del Mar, San Clemente.

Whereabouts: Santa Ana (5) Freeway south to Avenida Palizada exit. Make a right turn onto Avenida Palizada and then a left at El Camino Real. Go onto Avenida del Mar and follow the signs to the pier.

Wherewithal: $5 registration per child (ages 18 and under) covers all events; adults pay $10 for the first athletic event, $5 for each additional event.

Where to Call: (714) 361-8264.