By Laurie Hill
Despite the chaos of the last year, the Capitola Beach Festival provided visitors to the Village with sunshine, smiles and enjoyment, over several exciting venues, resulting in a refreshing end-of-summer celebration.
After a winter that flooded the streets of our village, nearly 3,000 runners filled the Esplanade for the Lil Wharf foot race.
Sand Castle, 2023 Grand Prize
Nature returned the sand to our rocky beach — just in time for the sand sculpture contest, horseshoes and corn hole tournaments, and barefoot romps in the surf.
Days after the groundbreaking ceremony for repairs to Capitola Wharf, the Festival’s very first Paddle Board Race was launched from Hoopers Beach and headed out and around the damaged wharf. The traditional Festival Fishing Derby is anticipated for next year after repairs to the wharf.
The welcoming magic of the Lighted Nautical Parade returned to Soquel Creek — after creek conditions in 2022 forced a static “beached parade” on the sandy beach.
Spun
“The Aqua Princess” with an original song presented by Cork and Fork received the first-place honors, followed closely by the Jewel Boxers’ technically superb “Spirit of Capitola “ and the Capitola History Museum’s “Hotel Capitola” depicting the 1920s landmark with guests in period beach garb. The parade’s five enthusiastic float teams delighted the crowds and challenged the judges.
The rowboat races returned to Soquel Creek after creek conditions canceled them in 2022.
Live music in Esplanade Park, Chalk Art on the seawall, Children’s Art, and a Scavenger Hunt balanced out the busy weekend.
The Capitola Beach Festival Committee helped push the “refresh” button this year — join the effort and help us reboot for 2024.
TOP PHOTO: Cork and Fork: The Aqua Princess, 1st place