It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood...

Pistachio Pandemonium: Competitive Eaters Go Nuts in 2nd Annual Wonderful Pistachios Eating Frenzy

In a remarkable display of skill and endurance, James Webb from Sydney, Australia, emerged as the victor of the second annual Wonderful Pistachios Get Crackin' Eating Championship, held at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier on February 26, 2024, coinciding with World Pistachio Day.

Webb managed to consume an astounding 338 pistachios in just eight minutes, outperforming a field of the world's top-ranked competitive eaters and securing the $5,000 first prize. This year's competition saw an unprecedented face-off, featuring Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa against world champion competitive eater Joey Chestnut, alongside defending Pistachio Eating World Champion Nick Wehry and other top-ranked talents.

The event marked a significant moment in competitive eating history, as it was the first time an active professional football player competed against internationally-ranked Major League Eating athletes. The championship tested not just the competitors' eating speed but also their manual dexterity, requiring them to crack open each pistachio before consumption.

Diana Salsa, vice president of marketing for Wonderful Pistachios, celebrated the Joey vs. Joey battle as a win for sports fans and snacking enthusiasts alike. Meanwhile, Major League Eating's Sam Barclay highlighted the daunting challenge faced by Nick Wehry as he aimed to defend his title against a formidable international field.

The previous year's record set by Nick Wehry, with 188 Wonderful Pistachios eaten in eight minutes, stood as a benchmark for excellence and determination. The event, free and open to the public, not only offered thrilling competition but also served as a celebration of America's #1 Nut®, providing attendees with complimentary giveaways and family-friendly entertainment.

The Wonderful Pistachios Get Crackin' Eating Championship represents more than just a contest; it's an homage to competitive spirit and the joy of communal celebration against the scenic backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. With a total prize purse of $10,000, the competition underscored the allure of competitive eating and the enduring appeal of pistachios.

Posted on Monday, February 26, 2024 at 02:04PM by Registered CommenterFabian Lewkowicz | CommentsPost a Comment | EmailEmail | PrintPrint

Venice Beach Comes Alive: Annual Mardi Gras Parade Celebrates Cultural Legacy

On Sunday, February 25, 2025, Venice Beach witnessed the vibrant and spirited Annual Mardi Gras Parade along its famous boardwalk, led by Marky Lennon, crowned as King, and Jeffrey Banks, the King Consort, alongside the lively tunes of the Beaucoup Brass Band. This event continues Venice's long-standing tradition of Mardi Gras celebrations, a legacy that traces back to its inception in 1935.

The Venice Mardi Gras Festival initially took place from August 16-18, 1935, inspired by the New Orleans Mardi Gras. It featured a grand opening with King Neptune arriving by outrigger canoe, the coronation of Queen Venetia, and a royal procession along Ocean Front Walk. The proclamation by the queen marked the beginning of three days filled with parades, costume contests, and entertainment, embodying the spirit of fun and revelry. Highlights from the early years included majestic floats, participants donning enormous plaster of Paris heads crafted in Arthur Reese's studio, and a street carnival on Windward Avenue, complete with gondoliers and Keystone Cops adding to the festive atmosphere.

The event quickly grew in popularity and scale, evolving into a significant annual festival that drew crowds in the hundreds of thousands before World War II. The expanded four-day celebration by 1941 included a treasure hunt for children, aquatic events, the Miss California beauty pageant, and a grand Mardi Gras Ball, all contributing to a burgeoning sense of civic pride and community engagement.

Venice's Mardi Gras Festival has stood as a testament to the community's commitment to celebrating culture, history, and the arts. For those interested in delving deeper into Venice's rich history, Jeffrey Stanton's website offers extensive insights into the past festivals and the evolution of this beloved event.

Posted on Sunday, February 25, 2024 at 03:32PM by Registered CommenterFabian Lewkowicz | CommentsPost a Comment | EmailEmail | PrintPrint

Happy Lunar New Year! Santa Monica Place Roars into the Year of the Dragon with Vivid Lion Dance

 

Lunar New Year Celebration at Santa Monica Place

Santa Monica Place Lunar New Year Celebration

Date: Saturday, February 17, 2024

Time: 2-5 PM

Event: Year of the Dragon Celebration

Santa Monica Place was alive with the vibrancy of the Lunar New Year Celebration, marking the advent of the Year of the Dragon. This free, family-friendly event was bathed under the glow of traditional red and gold lanterns, offering attendees a rich tapestry of cultural performances and art.

Hosted by Comedian Paul Kim

The celebration was hosted by comedian Paul Kim, featuring an array of activities and performances designed to immerse guests in the spirit of the occasion. Highlights included Lion Dances by Bruce Wen and The Shaolin Entertainment Group, showcasing the dynamism and skill synonymous with this traditional dance. Performances by Chinese Dough Artist Chris Lee and a balloon artist, alongside live music performances, captivated the audience.

Retailer Participation and Cultural Activities

Retailers at Santa Monica Place participated enthusiastically, providing special offers to celebrate the occasion. The event also encouraged visitors to engage in the cultural tradition of making wishes by writing them on cherry blossom wishing trees. The Center Plaza, adorned with red and gold lanterns, served as a picturesque backdrop for photos, capturing the essence of the Lunar New Year. Additionally, families had the opportunity to take home a Lunar New Year craft kit for children, extending the celebration's joy beyond the event.

Concierge Service

For those seeking more information or access to the retailer offers, a concierge service was available through text, ensuring that every visitor's experience was as informative and enjoyable as possible.

Continued Celebrations

The celebration extended until February 21st, inviting guests to continue experiencing the festive décor and participate in the traditions of the Lunar New Year at Santa Monica Place.

Posted on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 07:42PM by Registered CommenterFabian Lewkowicz | CommentsPost a Comment | EmailEmail | PrintPrint

Percy Jackson and the Olympians' Cast Delighting Fans at Meet-and-Greet Event at Santa Monica Pier

On Monday, January 29, 2024, the Santa Monica Pier hosted the final stop of the #PercyJacksonWasHere promotional tour, drawing in a massive crowd of 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' enthusiasts. Percy Jackson, portrayed by the leading actor, along with other cast members, was present, creating an unforgettable experience for the fans. They actively engaged with the attendees, signing autographs and taking photos, leaving fans with lasting memories. Adding to the event's allure was a beautifully crafted sandcastle, representing the essence of the series, alongside the distribution of complimentary T-shirts. This significant event celebrated the launch of 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians', now an exclusive series on Disney+. The day was filled with exclusive photo opportunities, a one-day-only giveaway of Camp Half-Blood T-shirts, and more, culminating in a remarkable celebration for fans. #PercyJackson #SantaMonicaPier #disneyplus 

Posted on Monday, January 29, 2024 at 05:47PM by Registered CommenterFabian Lewkowicz | CommentsPost a Comment | EmailEmail | PrintPrint

Merry and Bright: Venice Electric Bike Parade Brings Christmas Cheer to the Shoreline!

On Christmas Eve, Santa Monica Beach came alive with a sparkling procession of joy and light – the Venice Electric Bike Parade! 🚴✨ As the sun set on December 24, 2023, Ocean Front Walk buzzed with the energy of participants adorned in holiday attire, their electric bikes and trikes twinkling against the twilight.

Accompanied by festive music, the parade set off from the Venice Beach Recreation Center, illuminating the path past the famed Venice Skate Park to Santa Monica Muscle Beach. It wasn't just a parade; it was a weekly celebration of creativity, community, and eco-conscious fun that drew spectators from near and far.

Thousands of lights festooned the bikes, casting a magical glow and enchanting all who gathered to witness this vibrant holiday tradition. It was a dazzling display of holiday spirit on wheels, lighting up the night and hearts alike. #VeniceBikeParade #ChristmasEveGlow

Posted on Sunday, December 24, 2023 at 06:19PM by Registered CommenterFabian Lewkowicz | CommentsPost a Comment | EmailEmail | PrintPrint

Kobe Bryant's Legacy Towers Over Venice: New Mural Captures Mamba Mentality

On the bustling courts of Venice Beach, a towering mural of Kobe Bryant has emerged as a stunning backdrop for basketball enthusiasts. The "That's Mamba" campaign by Nike, in honor of the incomparable Kobe Bryant, brings his legacy to the very heart of street basketball.

The mural, a majestic tribute, captures iconic scenes from Bryant's storied career, offering both inspiration and reverence to players who shoot hoops in its shadow. From his indomitable resilience to his unyielding Mamba Mentality, the campaign crystallizes the ethos that Bryant represented.

The Venice Beach installment joins a series of billboards nationwide, alongside a poignant video by Nike. The video, featuring a determined young athlete adapting to play despite an injury, echoes Bryant's own perseverance when he continued to train with his non-dominant hand after an injury in 1999.

This visual homage coincides with the upcoming release of the Nike Kobe 4 Protro “Black Mamba” and the "Mamba Mentality" apparel line, set to launch on December 27. The Venice Beach court, now graced by Bryant's mural, becomes not just a playground of the game but a sanctuary for the spirit he left behind. Here, amidst the echo of bouncing balls and the sea's breeze, "That's Mamba" finds a resonant home.

Posted on Saturday, December 23, 2023 at 12:43PM by Registered CommenterFabian Lewkowicz | CommentsPost a Comment | EmailEmail | PrintPrint

Santa Claus Delights Children at Santa Monica Pier's Festive Local's Night

Santa Monica, CA – The Santa Monica Pier was a scene of festive merriment on December 21, 2023, as the community celebrated Local's Night, a cherished annual tradition. The night was marked by a blend of classic entertainment and holiday cheer, headlined by the enchanting puppet show from the legendary Bob Baker Marionettes.

In a display of artistry that spanned decades, the Bob Baker Marionette Theater, a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument since June 2009, captivated audiences with their whimsical puppetry. Founded in 1963 by Bob Baker and Alton Wood, the theater is renowned as Los Angeles' oldest children's theater company. Their performance added a unique touch of nostalgia and charm to the evening's festivities.

The excitement extended beyond the puppet show, as the pier was abuzz with various activities. Highlights included photo opportunities with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, face painting for children, and an array of musical performances. The lineup featured Plow Posture, Samohi Choir, Lincoln Middle School Choir, and "Hello My Name is Lana", creating a vibrant musical backdrop to the evening.

A significant moment of the night was the Mayoral Transition Celebration, where the new mayor, Phil Brock, addressed the community. His speech added a sense of civic pride to the event.

The visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus was a central attraction, as they mingled with families, took photos, and brought smiles to children's faces. Riding the iconic Santa Monica Pier Carousel with them was a magical experience for many children, symbolizing the joy and excitement of the holiday season.

Local's Night at the Santa Monica Pier is more than just an event; it's a celebration of community and the festive spirit. The blend of traditional and contemporary entertainment made it a memorable night for all. As families and friends came together, the spirit of togetherness and the magic of the holidays were palpably felt, making Local's Night a highlight of the holiday season in Santa Monica.

Posted on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 08:16PM by Registered CommenterFabian Lewkowicz | CommentsPost a Comment | EmailEmail | PrintPrint

Tail of Hope: LAPD Officers Rescue Homeless Dog During Venice Encampment Cleanup

In a heartwarming incident amid the routine cleanup operations in Venice, Los Angeles Police Officers (LAPD) discovered and rescued a friendly, abandoned dog at a homeless encampment on Main Street on December 21, 2023. The dog, resembling a Chihuahua mix, was immediately taken into a police vehicle for transport to a shelter in Culver City.

As the Homeless Task Force continued their cleanup efforts through Venice and moved to another encampment at Venice Beach Boardwalk, they allowed the dog some freedom on a leash. To everyone's delight, the dog recognized its owners during the walk and a joyful reunion ensued. The homeless couple claimed they had entrusted their dog to someone's care. With the assistance of the LA Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), they received outreach support and the promise of housing assistance. The couple and their dog were happily reunited, and the task force proceeded with their cleanup tour of the Venice area.

This incident not only highlights the compassionate side of the police force but also underscores the city's commitment to supporting its homeless population through LAHSA and other initiatives aimed at providing long-term solutions to homelessness.

Posted on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 12:45PM by Registered CommenterFabian Lewkowicz | CommentsPost a Comment | EmailEmail | PrintPrint
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