Latest news with #BalboaIslandImprovementAssn.
Los Angeles Times
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Grains of glory: Family sandcastle showdown unites all ages on Balboa Island
While some families may have still been lingering at their breakfast table Saturday morning, others were digging up some fun at the annual Balboa Island Family Sandcastle Contest, a two-hour competition that began at 8:30 a.m. The Ruby Avenue beach on North Bayfront was swarming with worker bees vigorously building sand-sculptures within the designated time frame. Participating families this year were a mix of locals and visitors, with a range of ages and personalities. 'There are all different types of kids, from athletic to artistic, some with high energy some with low energy,' said Stephanie Crosson, who helped her dad, Chris Crosson, pull the contest together. 'They're all fired up and ready to express themselves in different ways,' she said of the competitors. The annual event is a joint effort between the senior Crosson, founder of Sand Castle Kit, and the Balboa Island Improvement Assn., which helps sponsor it. Crosson provides all of the supplies required to build a sandcastle sculpture to each of the participants and Marine Avenue merchants donate snacks and prizes. The O'Brien family, which have emerged as champions in the same contest before, captured first place this year with their sculpture titled 'Giant Fish. 'They and the three other top winners received prizes from as well as from three local merchants — the Golden Rabbit, Balboa Island Baking Co. and Balboa Candy. According to B.I.I.A. president, Dan Abbott one of the most challenge aspects of setting up for the competition is to clear enough space on the beach to make room it. '[Volunteers] come out here really early in the morning,' said Abbott. 'And it's posted that the contest is coming.' According to Chris Crosson, everyone walked away with something for their efforts — each participant received a Hippo cookie donated by Dad's Donuts. The honorable mentions received a tool pouch along with their cookie.
Los Angeles Times
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
First responders the hit of 30th annual Balboa Island Parade, USC mascot brings up the rear in surprise
With a light marine layer providing relief from the sun, the 30th annual Balboa Island parade Sunday drew an estimated 5,000 people, a crowd that parade co-chair Jack Callahan attributed in part to the theme, 'A Tribute to Our First Responders.' Firefighters, police, paramedics, harbor patrol personnel and lifeguards were the honorees, applauded with enthusiasm by parade-goers. 'This year's Balboa Island Parade was our most successful one yet,' said Callahan, who co-chaired the event with Gail Vasterling for the Balboa Island Improvement Assn.. 'For 30 fun-filled years the parade has been an important part of life on Balboa Island.' 'The parade honors not just our firefighters and all of the first responders, but everyone in the community,' said Newport Beach Fire Chief Jeff Boyles, the parade's grand marshal. He acknowledged fire station No. 4, which opened the same year as the first parade, as an important community landmark. 'We appreciate and thank the residents of Balboa Island and Newport Beach for 30 incredible years and we look forward to many more,' Boyles said. Newport Beach resident Tracy Davis with her granddaughter Eva, who loves seeing the Frenchies and pugs passing by in the parade, had a ringside seat on the bridge Sunday. There was a lot for them to see, considering there were 99 entries in the two-hour-long extravaganza, according to organizers. 'It's our absolute favorite parade,' Davis said as the parade was getting underway. 'I can't wait to honor our first responders.' The promised 'four-legged surprise guest' this year was none other than Traveler, the majestic white horse mascot for USC who was the grand finale.
