Summer 2000: v7n124: Brainless wonders

The one-day event at the Long Beach Marina Green has been condensed from the two days of previous years because Sunday is Father's Day. With this in mind, Promoter John Russell promises that this will be a "one-day blowout" complete with four stages of live music and the World Famous KFI Chili Cookoff ? the most popular event of the day.

"Saturday is typically a slow day for us in the past and since we can only do it on that day this year, we're going to pack the most punch into it," said Russell.

Music will be the main focus of the event this year.

Participants can expect to see 30 bands with styles ranging from punk, rhythm-and-blues, and reggae throughout the day. The reggae bands will be the most interesting this year since some of them will be flying here from other countries to perform, said Russell.

The 19th annual Beach Fest expects to have around 30,000 people attend this year, according to Russell.

New this year are the "Salsa Challenge," where the "hottest and tastiest" salsas will be judged, and the mechanical bull, which will offer a country western feel to the day.

In addition to the new events, there will also be vendor booths, the Hooter's Lounge, a rock-climbing wall, a microbrew area and contests for the most original booths or costumes.

Perhaps the most sought after contest of the day will be the Chili Cookoff, which is always a big draw to the event.

Radio hosts from KFI FM are also expected to come and host the cookoff.

Beach Fest supports many local charities such as the Surfrider Foundatation, Western High School Football Booster, Boy Scouts of America and the Police Department Widows and Orphans Funds, Russell said.

"It's going to be quite a day," said Russell. "We will see a diverse crowd out to have a good time."

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $13 at www.beachfest.com, or $15 at the entrance to the venue. Beach Fest lasts from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, one may call (949) 376-6942.