By Laurie Hill
The eighth annual Capitola Beach Festival brought 14 events and thousands of visitors to Capitola Beach, the wharf and Soquel Creek on Sept. 26 and 27. The festival’s theme, “Toy Takeover,” inspired the visions of all the festival creators.
A pod of dolphins and a regatta of sailing vessels greeted the nearly 3,000 runners who completed the Little Wharf 3-Miler organized by the Wharf to Wharf Race organization.
This sand sculpture of “The Little Engine That Could” won the Grand Prize.
The Sand Sculpture Contest, an event with roots dating back to the 1970s, welcomed nearly 40 team entries. The grand prize went to “The Little Engine That Could,” a huge entry created by a family from Mill Valley that sported a handful of children in the sand train “seats” when the judges passed.
First place in the large group division went to “The Great Escape,” created by the Bond/Galino family, which has deep roots in Capitola and has competed in this event for the last 30 years.
“Teddy Bear’s Boardwalk Belly Flop,” an Oakland entry, secured first place in the small group division, while “Monuments” won second place.
The Lighted Nautical Parade lit up Soquel Creek. Five floats competed for donations to their favorite charities, with the top prize going to the neighborhood group the “Jewel Boxers,” returning for their eighth year. Having started their winning path in 2018 with complex technical light sequences, they added a “craftiness” to this year’s entry. With subtle UV lights and fluorescent paints over gallons of glue and papier-mache, they created a new octopus with sweet, glowing eyes that they called “Sweet Begonia.”
The drone show on Saturday featured more than 200 drones.
Second place went to “Tonka Takeover,” a giant yellow excavator designed and constructed by local firm Fuse Architects + Builders. Appealing to the child in all of us, its boom bucket raised high, containing glowing pool balls and its message: “Every building in this town started as somebody’s idea – and a lot of those ideas started with a kid playing in the dirt.”
Spectators enjoyed entries from Cork and Fork’s “Thomas the Train,” with live music from Glennie B., and Capitola Tap House’s entry of SpongeBob SquarePants, which included the Bikini Bottom Crew and their pineapple abode under the sea. Of course, the hugely creative Joyism Team featured Baby Rupert, his red car and a lively band.
Strong evening breezes became a factor toward the end of the parade, creating electric motor issues, navigation complexities and drifting barges.
The festival’s Fireflies, who serve as both a group of lighted kayak performers and helpers in the creek, sacrificed their second musical performance to assist the Jewel Boxers’ octopus in crossing under the Stockton Avenue Bridge.
“Teddy Bear’s Boardwalk Belly Flop,” an Oakland entry, secured first place in the small group division.
A drone show closed the evening with more than 200 drones lighting the sky with playful antics and nostalgic tunes.
Sunday brought more smiles and prizes at the Fishing Derby, Paddleboard Races, Horseshoe Tournament, Rowboat Races and more.
Mary Beth Cahalen, festival president, remarked, “At its heart, the Capitola Beach Festival is about community – celebrating both the beautiful place we call home and the amazing people who make it so special.
The nautical parade is brought to life by the creativity, dedication and teamwork of community groups, families, and friends, with a spectacular drone show closing. Together, our float builders, volunteers, and generous sponsors make this celebration of the people and the place of Capitola possible.”
TOP IMAGE: Tonka Takeover,” designed and constructed by local firm Fuse Architects + Builders, won second place in the Lighted Boat Parade.