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Archive for the Category "Beyond Coronado"

Imperial Beach Sandcastle Competition Author: Aug 06

Imperial Beach Sandcastle Competition

One day each year for the past 29 years the beachfront of Imperial Beach, Coronado’s southern neighbor, have been transformed into a whimsical wonderland of sand sculptures.

The 30th U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition takes place this Sunday, August 8th from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm. During this time teams of sand sculptors work their magic creating massive works of art.

The teams are categorized into master and amateur categories and include from 3 to 10 members, all vying for a share of the $21,000 in cash prizes to be awarded.

It is amazing to see what the teams create, the details they can achieve and the themes they choose. I just love walking through the sand sculptures and find something to delight in everywhere I turn.

Although the sandcastle competition is the highlight of the Sandcastle Weekend, it is actually a three day event filled with entertainment, food and activities.

Friday ~ August 6, 2010
Mayor’s Community Breakfast, 9:00 am, Veteran’s Park Imperial Beach Blvd.

Sandcastle Days Kickoff Dance, 7:00 pm to midnight, Boys & Girls Club of Imperial Beach

Saturday ~ August 7, 2010
Food & Craft Sales, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, Seacoast Drive

Entertainment, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, Seacoast Drive

  • Rock Star Gymnastics 9:00 am – 10:00 am
  • California Music Studios 10:00 am – 11:30 am
  • The Don Lee Band 11:45 am – 12:20 pm
  • Hocus Music 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm
  • B.W Jazz Dance School 1:15 pm – 1:35 pm
  • Pan Am Tae Kwon Do Academy 1:45 pm – 3:00 pm
  • Friskies Hula Hoop Competition 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm

Kids’ n Kastles Competition, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm with awards at 4:00 pm at the Pier Plaza Stage

Sunday ~ August 8, 2010
Food & Craft Sales, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Seacoast Drive

Entertainment, 10:00 am to 3:30 pm, Seacoast Drive

  • One I Red 10:00 am – 11:00 am
  • Mezza 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
  • Natalie Wattre 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
  • CoDE Music 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

30th U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm with awards at 4:00 pm at the Pier Plaza Stage

I hope you get the chance to marvel at the elaborate ‘sandcastles’ this weekend!

The Coronado Cookie

Category: Beyond Coronado  | Tags: , , , ,  | 3 Comments
Little Italy Festa’s Gesso Italiano Author: Oct 12

Sunday, October 11, 2009 held one of my favorite events in San Diego – the 15th Annual Little Italy Festa.

The Festa is recognized as one of the largest single day Italian American festivals West of the Mississippi. It was estimated that between 100,000 and 120,000 people strolled down India Street today savoring cuisine from local restaurants, enjoying the musical performers and purchasing delightful offerings from a wide variety of vendors.

Coronado’s proximity to Little Italy makes it an easy ride to enjoy all that this wonderful neighborhood has to offer. As in previous years, we headed over to the Festa early. While I enjoy the music, food and vendor displays, one the best things about the Festa is the Gesso Italian Chalk Painting Contest.

Although I was disappointed with the smaller number of teams participating and the new location of the Gesso Italiano, I was still amazed and awed by what these talented artists can do with chalk on the paved streets traveled by thousands of cars every day.

The Little Italy Association describes Gesso Italiano as a celebration of the traditional art from the old world. They have strived to take the festival back to its original roots of the Madonnari in Italy and have asked that artists create an Italian themed rendition from the works of an Italian master, Italian scenery or an image of an Italian person that has contributed their skills in acting, singing, art or science.

Since we were there earlier in the day, the drawings were still in the early stages and there are some unavoidable shadows, but these photos show you the beauty unfolding and the magic the artists create with bits of chalk while sitting on the ground.

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