Sunshine, Bands, Beer and Beach Volleyball Combine to Make A Festive Memorial Day Weekend
The sun was out and so were the people.
A three-day weekend at one of the top beaches in Los Angeles always means a good time, but add the elements of Memorial Day and perfectly sunny mid-70-degree weather and the people were out to enjoy the holiday and great weather.
A top destination was the beach, and the popular Fiesta Hermosa, brought out thousands for the street festival.
But this is Hermosa and beach volleyball is so big that in 2012 there were two tournaments taking place just within a few blocks of each other. There was the traditional Memorial Day beach volleyball tournament on 17th street – roll up on your bike and enjoy the action – and a California Beach Volleyball Association Tournament on the Pier.
Off the sand, the big attraction is always Fiest On Pier Ave., there are vendor and artist booths and a stage with a band. The vendor booth stretch up the hill for another block and down two blocks either way on Hermosa Ave.
The dilemma for many party people is to choose between the beer garden and the bars.
The beer garden has bands and beer, wine and even margaritas in an outdoor setting. The bars served, well anything you want to drink and often a bit more lively atmosphere. Just pop into Sharkeez and wait for the Shake Weight contest to start, or for Smack Sportwear’s Bill Sigler (also captain of Team Magnum in 6-man) to take over the microphone and things turn hilarious.
On Saturday, the Bud Light girls were visiting the bars, talking with patrons, posing for photos and handing out beads. You can always follow the trail of the Bud Light girls by seeing the beads on people in the bars.
But those bars were popular, always the case for Fiesta Hermosa. There were lines (10-15 minute wait, tops) at the bars on the Pier (which is why some people prefer to pop in and of Barnicles a few blocks down Hermosa Ave.).
In one humorous “line” moment, I was told quite sternly to get to the back of the pack at Waterman’s by the bearded door guy who, at all other times, always welcomes me into the place as if I’m a part owner. A friend of his in front of me shrugged it off and said, with a laugh, “he gets a bit edgy when it’s busy. Don’t worry about it.” Sure enough, five minutes later, he smiled and our group was inside the bar.
Mike at American Junkie scored more bonus points with PubClub by offering our group a pair of pitchers of Longboard Lager if we would give up our spot at an outside table for a bigger group. We were only happy to take him up on it!
Big crowds were everywhere and sometimes the beer garden was at such capacity dozens were in a line to get into it. Sunday was its peak day.
Beer and sunshine, well what’s not to like, right?
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