'Surf's Up' This Year at the Fog Fest Parade

Once again all community groups, organizations and individuals are invited to participate in one of Pacifica's most traditional events, the Discover Pacifica Fog Fest Parade. 

In its 28th year, Fog Fest's theme this year is "Surf's Up" to celebrate Pacifica's surfing community.

Leading off the parade as Grand Marshals will be surfing legends Grant Washburn, Matt Ambrose, Travis Payne, and Colin and Steve Dwyer.

Washburn is a Mavericks test pilot, big-wave documentarian and ocean enthusiast. He co-directed and produced the 1998 documentary “Mavericks” and taught Gerard Butler how to surf for the movie “Chasing Mavericks.”  

Ambrose has been competing in the Mavericks since the 1990’s and reached the finals in four consecutive Mavericks Contests. He doubled for Hero #2, Peter Mel in the movie “Chasing Mavericks.” 

Travis Payne is a local surfer who was on the Mavericks Invitational list as an alternate for the 2012 contest and doubled for Frosty (Gerard Butler) in the movie “Chasing Mavericks." 

Colin Dwyer was the youngest competitor in the last Mavericks Invitational and is invited to be a contestant in the 2013-14 Mavericks Invitational. Dwyer doubled for Hero #1, Zach Wormhoudt in “Chasing Mavericks.”  

Steve Dwyer is a long time surfer and one of the original Mavericks contestants. He is a current judge for the Mavericks Invitational event.  

"We have a good majority of our surf community getting involved this year and in addition the Little Brown Church will be opening their museum doors the same weekend with no other than local surf nostalgic history," said Carol Camacho with the Fog Fest Organizing Group. "Plus, the Oceana Art Gallery will be hosting a Surf Exhibit of present and are also considering having a Past section included."

Launching the festival, the parade begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, with Thomas Stafford singing the National Anthem from the South Stage at Montecito Avenue. Parade festivities will include marching bands, spirit squads, actors, musicians, dancers, students, costumes, and more.  Macy’s is sponsoring this year’s parade.

Everyone in Pacifica is invited to show what your group is all about. Build a float and showcase your creativity. All community groups, schools, individuals and organizations are invited to join and dress in costume, carry signs and provide your interpretation of  “Surf’s Up.”

Here's how to enter the parade:

Entry forms may be downloaded here. From the homepage, click on "Activities," then click on "Parade" for forms. Your request may also be e-mailed to DHartPacifica@aol.com or you may telephone Diane Hart at 650-359-5719. Entry deadline is Sept. 1. Entries after that date will require an additional fee. Prizes of $100 and certificates will be awarded this year in three categories: Best Float, Most Creative Walking Group, and Best Music or Dance Group (other than marching bands).

The 28th annual Pacifica Fog Fest, Sept. 28-29, 2013, will feature the "Surf’s Up" Parade, the Marching Band Competition, a Sand Castle and Sand Sculpture Contest, a Fog Jog, and the Fog Bank Contest where entrants stop by their local bank to guess the number of cotton balls in this year’s Fog Bank. Winners at each bank are awarded a $50 cash prize. The Fog Fest Photo Contest features photos taken this year that best capture Pacifica through its people, scenery, or history.

The Fog Fest also features music from 24 bands on three stages, unique arts and crafts displayed by Bay area artisans, plenty of festival food and fun for kids.