We know you love your dog! We love ours too! But the Fog Festival does not permit dogs. I know, I know, we’ve all seen them at the Festival. A few of us have even stepped in their poo – including some people wearing open toed shoes!
However, there’s a new law that came into effect since the last Fog Fest that has us using glass for beverage service. Because we are using glass instead of PLA cups this year, we expect more broken glass than in the past. Please keep your pets safe by keeping them at home!
We’ll have some doggie bandanas for sale at the merchandise booth so you can show your love and bring a bit of the Fog Fest home to Fido! But, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don’t bring your pet or lock them in your car when you come to the Fog Festival!
On September 23rd and 24th Fog Fest goers will notice some changes from last year’s Fog Fest.Worry not! We’ll still have our kick off parade highlighting the richness and vibrancy of our local community. We’ve still have three stages of entertainment going full-time throughout the two days of the festival. There’s still a ton of art and craft vendors. And there’s still lots of food vendors offering the tasty treats (and BIG bites) you’ve comåe to expect and some new tastes to experience. Family Fun Fest? Got it!
So what’s different?
New fire regulations require shorter runs of exhibit tents with more frequent gaps between them. This is minor, but it should lend itself to a more open and airy feel. Some of the gaps will have tables and chairs to increase seating availability.
Shortly after Fog Festival 2022 concluded, a new “Disposable Food Service Ware Ordinance” came into effect. Adults will see the impact in the beer, wine, and cocktail booths. Beer will be sold in aluminum pint cups. Cocktails will be served in cans instead of disposable cups. Those “PLA” cups with green-colored “Certifiable Compostable” labels are banned by the ordinance. Wine and the Fog Cutter will be served in real glass glasses!
Souvenir wine glass from Fog Fest 2019
We felt that very few people would enjoy their beverage from a paper cup, so we moved to the next-best thing – aluminum cups and glass glasses!
After consulting with our liquor distributor of many years, we concluded that canned-wine offerings are not good enough (yet) for our festival! We’ll continue to pour wine from the bottle, but we’ll be pouring wine into real glasses! Plain glass and souvenir glasses will be available to choose from.
Our signature cocktail – the Fog Cutter – will be made in glasses! Festival attendees will have a choice of plain glass or they can purchase their beverage in a souvenir glass for a small up-charge.
We’ll also have souvenir glasses available for purchase as in years past. Participants can transfer their canned beverages into their souvenir glasses if they would like to enjoy their beverage out of a glass instead of a can. As always, festival attendees can bring their own vessels if they want.
2023 Beer Sponsor: Firestone Walker 805 lager
We’ll have a new beer sponsor this year – Firestone Walker. Past sponsors have changed due to restructuring and economic challenges. Firestone Walker is happy to join us and we’re proud to have Firestone Walker, a California-based brewer brewer on board! We’ll be serving several of their beers.
We have some new supporters of the Fog Festival and we’ll be recognizing some long-time supporters who’ve hidden in the background. Look for our sponsor logos and names on banners and be sure to give them your support – the Fog Festival could not exist without their contributions!
Speaking of support, food vendors will not be using community groups to the extent they have in the past. We’ve got plenty of work and there are many opportunities for local groups to earn their hours and garner their share of the proceeds. Change can be unsettling, but we know our community is up to the challenge!
Pacifica’s Fog Fest Parade registration is now open!
Join the spectacle on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 10AM. Make a splash, and unleash your inner mermaid or sea creature, with this year’s theme celebrating Sea Life and Mermaids.
Also, make note of our new parade contest category of best costumed walking group for a chance to win $100 cash and a certificate.
This year’s Grand Marshal is the incredible Department of Public Works and Wastewater Division employees of the City of Pacifica. Fog Fest is thanking them for keeping Pacifica’s sewer mains and storm drains flowing, especially during the heaviest winter storms in four decades!
Stay after the parade to enjoy the Fog Fest featuring three stages of music, arts and crafts, fun activities, and delectable food. Don’t miss this unique event celebrating all things Pacifica. Mark your calendars, gather your friends, and join us for the Fog Fest Parade on September 23, 2023. We can’t wait to see you there, shimmering and shining as part of the mesmerizing sea life and mermaid-themed celebration!
Free COVID-19 vaccinations and testing are available at this year’s Fog Fest 2022. Made available by San Mateo County Health. Look for them on Palmetto Ave and Carmel Ave during the festival September 24th and 25th.
September 24th and 25th
10:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M
Palmetto Ave. Admission is Free
Pacifica, California –It has been two long years since Pacifica has celebrated the Pacific Coast Fog Fest.
The 2022 Fog Fest will bring tons of fun for the two-day event, reuniting family and friends for this
annual tradition.
The Pacific Coast Fog Fest has a new President, James Crowe. Nominated by the Board of Directors in
November 2021, James brings 30 years of media and marketing experience to the event. When asked
about his new role he replied, “I am excited and extremely humbled to be working with such a talented
group of individuals dedicated to giving so much back to the community.” Past President Larry Passmore
stated, “After an extensive search during the pandemic, I know we had found the right person to take over
as President. The whole organization is excited to have him lead Fog Fest into the future.”
The Pacific Coast Fog Fest attracts thousands of visitors and celebrates the uniqueness of the region and
the spirit of all Pacificans. The Pacific Coast Fog Fest raises funds for local non-profit and other
community organizations. The organization also contributes to the “Gift for Pacifica Fund.” Through the
years, 50+ local organizations have benefited by volunteering in the festival, resulting in over $1,000,000
given back to the community since Fog Fest’s inception 35 years ago.
The Pacific Coast Fog Fest began in 1986 to promote The City of Pacifica and to celebrate the marvelous
coast. The last full weekend of September was chosen because historically the weather is unbeatable. The
Fog Fest kicks off Saturday morning at 10:00 A.M. with the Discover Pacifica Parade and marching band
competition. Festival attendees stay and enjoy the arts and crafts booths, food and beverage, music
entertainment, Family Fun Fest, and a variety of other activities.
The Pacific Coast Fog Fest Organizing Board includes Executive Committee members James Crowe
(President), Scott Cirimeli (Sponsorships), Kathlene Crowe (Secretary). Other committee members
include John Beckmeyer (Logistics), Josh Armstrong (Entertainment Chair), Robine Runneals (Parade
Chair), Archie Judan (Parade Co-Chair) all supported by Fog Fest Coordinator, Kathy Johnson.
Pacifica is the “Passage to The Coast” and “Everything Starts Here!” Come celebrate 35 years of
traditional family fun at the Pacific Coast Fog Fest.
Contact Information
P.O. Box 846
Pacifica, CA 94044
Phone: 650-355-8200
Kathy Johnson, Fog Fest Coordinator coordinator@fogfest.org
James Crowe, Fog Fest President/Advertising PR president@fogfest.org
Scott Cirimeli, Fog Fest Sponsorships sponsorships@fogfest.org
Josh Armstrong, Fog Fest Entertainment Chair entertainment@fogfest.org
Robine Runneals, Fog Fest Parade Chair parade@fogfest.org
Julie Mell, Fog Fest Social Media media@fogfest.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FogFest
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fogfestival
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fogfestival/
We hope all of you, your families and friends are safe and staying healthy at this time. Even though we see new Covid case numbers coming down, and the implementing of Covid Vaccinations, there is still an uncertainty in the ability to host a large event like ours. Since forward planning starts so early in our calendar year, we have made the decision to postpone our 35th Annual Pacific Coast Fog Fest until September 2022.
Our goal is to continue our annual tradition of bringing great music, entertainment, art food and libations to our coast side. We also want to continue to support our amazing Community Groups and the vendors who share their terrific goods with us during our two-day Festival albeit in 2022.
During this pandemic we have gained a deeper appreciation for the life-giving services of “essential workers” in our communities. Artists provide a different kind of “essential” service. Each year, the Pacific Fog Festival brings you artists and vendors who want to inspire us with their goods and show that there are ways to find quality hand made goods made locally. We hope you all continue to stay safe and healthy and please, watch for updates on events and opportunities on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
With Much Appreciation for your understanding and commitment,
The Fog Fest Organizing Group
Executive Committee
Debbie Russitano – VP and Block Captain Chair
Scott Cirimeli – VP and Sponsorships
Ana Williams – Secretary Board Members
John Beckmeyer — Logistics Co-Chair, Josh Armstrong – Entertainment Chair, Mickey Kappes -Entertainment Co-Chair, Robine Runneals – Parade Chair, Archie Judan – Parade Co-Chair.
Larry Passmore – Consultant
Katherine Johnson – Coordinator
Julie Mell – Social Media Consultant
We hope all of you, your families and friends are safe and staying healthy at this time. Considering all Bay Area residents are being asked to do their part to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus and it is not likely that restrictions for large public events will be lifted soon, we have made the decision to postpone our 35th Annual Pacific Coast Fog Fest until September 2021.
Our goal is to continue our annual tradition of bringing great music, entertainment, art food and libations to our coast side. We also want to continue to support our amazing Community Groups and the vendors who share their terrific goods with us during our two-day Festival.
During this pandemic we have gained a deeper appreciation for the life-giving services of “essential workers” in our communities. Artists provide a different kind of “essential” service. Each year, the Pacific Fog Festival brings you artists and vendors who want to inspire us with their goods and show that there are ways to find quality hand made goods made locally. We hope you all continue to stay safe and healthy and please, watch for updates on events and opportunities on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
With Much Appreciation for your understanding and commitment,
The Fog Fest Organizing Group Executive Committee
Debbie Russitano – VP
Scott Cirimeli – VP Sponsorships
Ana Williams – Secretary Board Members
John Beckmeyer, Logistics Co-Chair, Josh Armstrong – Entertainment Chair, Mickey Kappes -Entertainment Co-Chair, Al Burman – Media Chair, Robine Runneals – Parade Chair, Archie Judan – Parade Co-Chair.
Larry Passmore – Consultant
Katherine Johnson – Coordinator
I have always been attracted to water throughout my life, and have returned to it over and over.
In the past 16 years living in the bay area, I often wake “restless” in bed, and begin browsing properties next to the ocean…
My dream was to not only live in the best city of our country (and possibly the world)…but also to be next to the ocean and only minutes away from the city.
My quest has taken me up and down the Pacific coast from the marina…to Sea Cliff…to Point Lobos…Ocean beach…
One day laying in bed I happened across a property overlooking the Pacific ocean in the quaint little town of Pacifica just minutes out of San Francisco.
I decided to go to the open house that day. Stepping into the doorway of the house, was a breathtaking view of the Pacific ocean. It was too good to be true.
I decided to venture around the neighborhood and see what the town was like. My trek started at Beach Boulevard, then down to a set-in golf course called Sharp Park, and eventually over to the other side of Mori Point where a group of restaurants sat next to the ocean.
I was looking for a nice place to sit and enjoy the ocean over a glass of wine, and I was drawn to the right side building bearing a placard of The Moonraker. I climbed the stairs and entered to hear the pleasant melody coming from the piano man playing to the locals enjoying their happy hour. Sitting at the common table, I quickly struck up a conversation with a friendly couple across from me. They were long time Pacifica residents and told me that locals don’t brag about Pacifica as they don’t want the crowds and fancy people to move in and ruin the peaceful idyllic town.
When I asked if it was true that there was a lot of fog …they said “that was the secret”…they wouldn’t dispel the rumors to inquisitive city folk. The fog in the summer settles on the water a couple hundred feet out from shore, but if you were down in the lower part of town, the ocean was still visible. The fog burns off by late morning to reveal a picture perfect town with long walking beaches, fisherman perched on piers, and gentle swells of the ocean often breached by whales as they travel down the coast on their journey.
I fell in love with the town of Pacific that day, and had nagging thoughts of whether I should pursue the house, but of course life got busy and time went forward. Off and on, I have returned to meet new friends and share a glass of wine sitting at the Moonraker’s booths. I reminisce about almost buying a property overlooking the coast. Recently I woke and did my usual “middle of the night” routine browsing properties…and Oh wow!…a property similar to the one I had seen years before was for sale.
Curiosity caused me to check it out. Walking in the door, I had the same familiar feeling tingling over me….it felt like fate pulling me in….should I consider moving here again?
Last weekend, in my new home, I slept-in to the rhythm of the breaching waves, and watched birds diving in and out of the water. I took a leisurely walk down the shore, absorbing the fresh ocean air, and captured a few perfect photos of the ocean accented by blue sky with white clouds traveling upwards like a giant pinwheel. I passed a few other locals who were out for their morning walk and I knew that destiny had brought me to the right place. I have finally returned back to the water…..again.
Noah won first place in the adult category for the 2019 Fog Fest essay contest with the theme of ‘Discover Pacifica’. Photos provided by Noah.Learn more about Fog Fest Annual Essay contest here.
Nate had just finished unpacking all his things and was enjoying the view of Pacifica through the window. Nate left San Francisco, to get away from city life. He needed to move somewhere a little more… peaceful. That was not the only reason Nate had moved to Pacifica. She was the reason. He had met her months before, on his way to work. He had to take a detour, and as he was driving, he saw her. He knew her home was in Pacifica, but he was still worried that work would get in the way, so he switched to an office in Pacifica. Slowly, a thick layer of fog clouded his window. He wondered if it was a sign that he was letting love cloud his vision of the real world.
Nate woke up the next day with a horrible ache in his back from picking up boxes. He made a cup of coffee, sat down at his dining table. He thought about turning on the television but decided to look outside. The plants in his backyard showed vibrant colors, and the dew on them glistened. It was still foggy out, but it was beautiful. Finally, a while later, he was ready for work. He got in his car, and began driving to his office. On the way, he saw her again. Entranced by her beauty, he began to wonder if he would get to meet her again. He passed by Rockaway Beach, admiring the cliffs next to it, and the beauty of the water crashing against them. He drove over the large hill overlooking Linda Mar, and noticed all the surfers at the beach on their surfboards. He looked up, and saw a thick sheet of fog, like a white blanket wrapped around the mountains. It was alluring . It was like a rainy day, without the rain. Finally, he arrived at his work near the Linda Mar Beach. At work, it was all he could think about. Every time he talked with a client, all he could focus on was the clock, waiting for the time when they could be together.
At the end of a long day, Nate wearily left for home. The Pacifica skyline of restaurants and small buildings made the air glow around Manor Plaza. As he arrived home, he realized he would have no time to visit her tonight. He never had enough time to see her. All he ever got were short glimpses, imagining what could be, hoping that maybe he could have a chance. But work always got in the way. Life always got in the way. Finally, at 11 p.m., he went to bed, thoughts racing through his mind. I already missed my first chance to see her since I moved here. That could have been my only chance to see her, and I blew it. I let my work get in the way. Again…
The same thing happened every day, for a whole week. That Friday, Nate sat on a bar stool in a taproom near Linda Mar Beach. He was talking to somebody he did not even know, somebody he had never met in his entire life, yet he felt comfortable sharing his feelings about work, and how badly he missed his love. He talked with the man as if they had known each other their whole lives. That’s how it was in Pacifica; everybody treated each other like friends. You always felt safe.“You gotta ignore the work if you wanna be with her,” the man said. That’s all anybody said when Nate asked around. Ignore the work, focus on seeing her again. But it was not that simple, at least not to Nate. He had to choose between pursuing the love of his life or pursuing his work. The work that he was so used to. This work that allowed him to feel safe, and chasing her seemed like too much of a risk to him. He lay in his bed that night, restless. He could not stop thinking about it. He wanted so badly to see her again, to be close to her again, even if for a short while. It weighed heavy on him for weeks to come, until finally, he made his decision.
The next Friday, Nate had a lot of work in the office, but he missed her. He longed to see her. He got up and put on his suit. It felt wrong, but right at the same time. As he drove away from his house, his confidence grew. He looked at the fog, the rocks, and the mountains. They were all so strong, withstanding the attack of the ocean waves day after day. He felt stronger, too. He knew he was making the right decision. Finally, Nate stopped his car at Linda Mar Beach. He checked the time: 7:00 a.m., then checked his charts. He opened the trunk of his car and got his bag out. He admired the people having fun on the beach, playing catch, swimming, and surfing. Surfing. He opened his bag, and there it was. His surfboard. He gently lifted it out of the bag, running his hand along the side. He could feel the scratchy, used paint job. The board was dusty, reminding him just how long it had been since he had used the board, since he had felt truly free. He double-checked his wetsuit, his heart pounding with excitement. He began to walk toward the shoreline, feeling the silky sand sift through his toes, then the soft scratch of pieces of bark in the sand. Finally, he reached her. He began to run towards the water, then he threw his board into the water, jumped onto it, and began to paddle. He was with her at last, he felt one with her. He got up and breathed in the fresh air. He felt truly free, being with the one he loved most; the Pacific Ocean. The love of his life.
Fin
Ethan Ish won 1st place in the under 18 category for the 2019 Fog Fest Essay Contest with the theme of ‘Discover Pacifica’.Learn more about Fog Fest Annual Essay contest here.
10am - 6pm on Palmetto Ave. in Pacifica.
Admission is Free!
About the Fog Fest
The Pacific Coast Fog Fest each year promotes the City of Pacifica, attracts visitors, celebrates our community and raises funds for local community groups as well as the “Gift for Pacifica Fund.” Now over 50 groups benefit and to date, an amount of $1,250,000 has been donated back.
The Fog Fest was created in 1986 to promote Pacifica and to celebrate our marvelous coast. The last full weekend of September was chosen because historically the weather is unbeatable. The Fog Fest kicks off Saturday morning at 10 am with the Parade, honoring the local community and a competition for best float. Then stay and enjoy our Arts and Crafts booths, Food and Beverage booths, Music & Entertainment, Family Fun Fest and a variety of other activities.
September 24th and 25th
Dear Fog Festival Attendees and Vendors,
