Surf City Collective brings new flavor to Huntington Beach artisan fair
The reimagined Surf City Collective artisan fair at Huntington Beach Pier Plaza held a soft opening the last two weekends, but the arrival of Easter weekend brought a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday.
Maybe nothing says Easter in Huntington Beach quite like the Easter bunny riding a surfboard.
Families could take pictures atop a painted wave with the bunny for free — “Get barreled with the bunny,” a sign said. But donations were gladly accepted, the proceeds going to local nonprofit Robyne’s Nest.
Indeed, giving is one of the corners in the “four corners” concept of Surf City Collective, along with the gathering, learning and creative corners. The concept was brought to Pier Plaza by Huntington Beach resident Jodi McKay of Event Fusion.
The Huntington Beach Downtown Business Improvement District, which took over the weekly art fair at the start of April, has partnered with McKay for the operation and curation of Surf City Collective. She was one of several local leaders, including Mayor Barbara Delgleize, Chamber of Commerce chair-elect John Villa and Visit Huntington Beach President and chief executive Kelly Miller, to attend Friday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. Local surfing ambassador and former world champion Peter “PT” Townend served as emcee.
McKay said the finished product exceeded even her own expectations.
“It’s great to see what we can do when we all work together with love and passion,” she said. “The creatives have come out to brighten our world. I’m so excited about the four corners ... and I love the fact that tourists and locals can come here. This is a tourist community, and it’s important to have things for tourists to do that make it more of an experiential visit in Surf City.”
Things were bustling on Friday, with dozens of local vendors selling everything from stained glass windows to candles, balsamic oils to hats. Reggae/rock band Cali Conscious entertained with music in the “gathering” corner. In the “creative” corner, local artist Melissa Murphy, better known as Melissa Murals, painted.
Murphy, who kept things light by hitting around a beach ball at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, said she enjoyed the vibe of Surf City Collective.
“It’s good for downtown, good for all of the locals and people traveling in from different places,” Murphy said. “I think this is really important for everyone. It’s just a local vibe, which is cool.”
Huntington Beach real estate agent Jody Clegg has emerged as a presenting sponsor of Surf City Collective. She said she’s around Pier Plaza all the time, whether it’s when surfing the north side of the pier or skating or bike riding.
“Anything that’s really community-driven, from the kids on up, we want to be a part of it,” she said. “I totally live the Huntington Beach lifestyle, and we feel so great that we can do that ... It’s going to be good to see people get back out again.”
Downtown BID executive director Jaime Strong said Surf City Collective will be open nearly every Friday of the year and select weekends, including a few long holiday weekends.
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