Ocean Festival Set for July 19-20 in San Clemente

The city’s 21st annual Ocean Festival, billed as “The Greatest Show on Surf,” is scheduled for the weekend of July 19-20 at the city’s municipal pier.

Festivities will include a barbecue and free concert Saturday night, a classic “woody” car show, an ocean-themed art display and exhibitions by champion long-board surfers, Jet Skiers and the U.S. Marine Recon swim team from Camp Pendleton.

Sunday will also feature a “fly-by” by a Marine Hovercraft, festival director Cassandra Campbell said.

Up to 50,000 people are expected at the annual celebration, which began in 1976 as a competition for lifeguards.

Echoing those beginnings, the weekend will feature 14 events of the California Waterman and Waterwoman championships, including an ocean kayak race, a biathlon and an Ironman competition, Campbell said.

“They are patterned after some basic lifeguard events, but they are open to all,” Campbell said. “You don’t have to be a lifeguard. You don’t have to be from California.”

Children can enjoy a fishing derby, face painting, beach races and an appearance by King Neptune, among other activities.

And because “parking at the beach is insane that weekend,” as Campbell said, regular free shuttles will be available from the San Clemente High School parking lot.

Last year, the festival raised about $12,000 for local charities, such as the San Clemente lifeguard program, the Boys & Girls Club, the San Clemente Senior Center and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department chaplaincy program, as well as college scholarships for three local high school students.

The festival is self-supporting, funded by sales of T-shirts and other items, and donations by individuals and businesses.

Information: (714) 440-6141.