BeachFest '95

14th annual event entertains thousands at Shoreline Park

Earth Day kicked off the 14th Annual BeachFest at Shoreline Park on Saturday, entertaining thousands of people with chili, sun, beer and over-40 bands throughout the weekend.

Many events returned from last year, including the world's largest chili cook-off, the ugly dog contest, the Rancho Liquor Wine & Dine d'Elegence, the flower and garden expo, pig races and carnival rides.

New this year was Club VR, where people could experience the new technologies of virtual reality Ñ a virtual reality helmet, projection systems, interactive multimedia and electronic acid.

"I'm glad I saw Club VR because I have a better idea of the technology that's out there but I wasn't very impressed," Cal State Long Beach student Dane Madsen said.

Also new this year was Virtually There: An Adventure in Motion, which was presented by AT&T. The attraction gave visitors a state-of-the-art motion simulation theater similar to Disneyland's Star Tours.

The Sigma Chi fraternity and its version of spicy chili was the only entry from CSULB this year.

"I like chili but it's way too hot outside to enjoy it today," CSULB student Jason Minello said on Sunday.

The festivities closed Sunday afternoon with the sounds of local bands set up on five stages.

"It's cool that a lot of different kinds of people showed up to watch the bands," Miniello said. "One Hit Wonder and Sublime were really great."

Acoustical problems plagued Sublime's performance. The microphones periodically went out and the sound system was not equipped to reach the large outdoor crowd.

Out of apparent frustration, the crowd pelted the stage with various objects, including firecrackers.

"I think people would have been less rowdy had Sublime provided a better sound system," CSULB student David Hagemann said.

"We've been on tour for the last three months on the East Coast," Sublime bassist Eric Wilson said. "For the most part, it was cold. We are glad to be back here playing in the heat."