By Teresa Green
What makes one place just a place to live and another a place that has a special feeling of belonging? Capitola has that kind of feeling. Some call it community.
Community is defined as a group of people with shared interests, values, or location that form social ties which generate a feeling of belonging, mutual support, and collective action. Capitola offers a lot in that regard.
Josh Nathan, Manager of Capitola Self Storage, which has been a supporter of the Sand Sculpture contest since 2012.
Part of Capitola’s sense of community stems from several local events such as the Capitola Rod & Classic Car show, the Art & Wine Festival, Capitola SIP & Strolls, the Wharf to Wharf (W2W) race, and more. Not run by the City of Capitola, these events depend upon community volunteers and local sponsors.
The Capitola Beach Festival, an independent non-profit, counts on a small team of volunteers that spend nine months organizing, with another 50 volunteers putting on, this festival.
The Capitola Beach Festival relies on community support and collective action to “Make It Happen.”
We would like to thank all our financial sponsors and highlight three who have loyally supported this festival for decades.
Capitola Self Storage: Owner Craig French was a force behind the Sand Sculpture contest with the Capitola Begonia Festival beginning in the 1970s. The event has remained a popular event, and Capitola Self Storage has been right behind it since 2012. Josh Nathan, Manager, says “Sponsoring events like this is more about connecting with our community. We are a local business, and festivals / events allow us to give a little back and meet our neighbors (most of which are our customers!) “
Craft Gallery: Carin Hanna is another long-time sponsor, currently supporting our Rowboat Races. She says, “I grew up rowing on Soquel Creek, so sponsorship of the Rowboat Races was a natural for my business,” Seeing experienced and new rowers is one of the funniest and most fun events to watch.” You can watch this sometimes-hilarious event on Sept. 27 starting at 1 p.m.
Andy Hewitt and Sydney Nguyen of Britannia Arms hang out near the sand art during a recent Capitola Beach Festival.
Britannia Arms: Andy Hewitt and Sydney Nguyen are always willing to lend a hand to us, as well as serve a much-needed coffee to volunteers during those early morning setups. They have sponsored the Saturday concerts for several years. Sydney says “As business owners and sponsors of the Capitola Beach Festival, we are proud to give back to the community that has supported us over the years. The festival brings families, children, and neighbors together through a variety of wonderful events that create lasting memories and celebrate the spirit of our community. It’s always inspiring to see the smiles, laughter, and sense of connection that the Capitola Beach Festival brings to so many people. We are grateful to be part of an event that highlights what makes our community so special and look forward to continuing to support this cherished tradition.”
Times Publishing Group, Inc.: TPG has publicized the Capitola Begonia, now Beach Festival, for decades. They provide full festival coverage in their Summer Festivals Program and articles in the Capitola-Soquel Times newspaper.
So, there you have it. What makes the Capitola Beach Festival such a special event? It is the magic of community: a group of volunteers and sponsors with shared interests and values, which make Capitola a place which generates a feeling of belonging, mutual support, and collective action. We do this together.
Join the magic of this community: volunteer, sponsor, or participate. Support local businesses who sponsor all community events.
See you September 26th and 27th.
TOP PHOTO: Carin Hanna of Craft Gallery is a long-time sponsor and is currently supporting Rowboat Races.