Costume Tournament Passes By A 4-1 Vote
Smackfest will be allowed to turn 20.
The creative, whacky and harmless fun beach volleyball tournament that has been the summer highlight of the area’s weekend amateur players, has been approved by the Hermosa Beach City Council. It was a 4-1 vote and while some restrictions apply – there were fears of it becoming “another 6-man” – at least it will continue.
It was the right decision.
Smackfest is traditionally held on the final Saturday of July, and it has taken place for 19 years without incident. In it, some 800 people from the South Bay Beach Cities form coed teams and dress in team costumes. It’s silly and harmless, but of course these days anything fun gets scrutinized like a Presidential candidate.
At first glance, Smackfest may appear to be a clone of the Surfest 6-man tournament that made its mark in Manhattan Beach. Except at Smackfest, there are no rows of team tents lined up on the beach; rather, there are mostly beach umbrellas used as team headquarters and for shade. After all, it’s a long day in the sun.
Plus, while it’s open to the public, there are not thousands of non-players who overwhelm the actual tournament. The level of play is nowhere near the top-tier teams of 6-man. And players are given wristbands to access a private place to consume their adult beverages, along with having an official bar, which is usually Sharkeez.
Smackfest had early passed through the Parks & Recreation Commission, which recommended it continue.
Smackfest has proven itself to be a solid partner for Hermosa Beach and it’s good to see the City Council recognize what it brings, and also means, to the city.
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