Seal Beach is facing its 95th anniversary as an Orange County city.
As one of the oldest cities in the county, it also has one of the richest histories, from its days as a tent city created by a former Civil War officer to its days as one of the places where the sport of surfing had its birth, to the Prohibition era rum runners, gambling and brothels … and finally to its becoming one of the most sought after towns in which to raise a family.
Although not all of Seal Beach’s history is pretty, residents in the seaside city, now known affectionately as “Mayberry By The Sea,” love to call it home for its nostalgia as well as its current value as a place to live life on one’s own terms.
As the weeks build up to the initial Founders Day events, the Sun Newspapers, with the help of local residents, will provide a glimpse into Seal Beach’s past to help our readers understand the signifance of the celebrations that are being planned for October.
The Sun Newspapers would also like to invite others to get on board and give their perspective on the history of Seal Beach in articles and/or opinion or feature stories.
The Sun is also seeking historical photographs of many types to help give more of a view to our readers of the history of the town.
Those who are interested may contact editor Dennis Kaiser by e-mail at dennis@sunnews.org.
The Founders Day 2010 adventure begins:
During August and September A Taste of Seal Beach punch cards will be sold for $20, value $200, to use during the month of October during our countdown to Oct. 27.
Saturday, Oct. 2, A Dinner/Dance will be the first activity while leading up to the big day of Oct. 27, when the incorporation of Seal Beach became official 95 years ago. It will be held at Old Ranch Country Club 3001 Lampson Ave., at 6 p.m. Featuring music by The Emperors: Southern California’s Premier Classic Rock. $75 advance ticket sales may be purchased by calling Gwen: 562 598-9044. Costumes from your favorite era are optional. Proceeds benefit “Save Our Pool” fund.
Wednesday, Oct. 6, Tennis mixer at Seal Beach Tennis Center on Lampson.
Thursday, Oct. 7, Golf tournament at Bixby Village Golf Course, tee time, 1 p.m. with dinner, awards and prizes at 5 p.m., Seal Beach Senior Center. For more information, call 562 598-9294 .
Saturday, Oct. 9, concert by the pier provided by the Chamber of Commerce during the Main St. sidewalk sale.
Sunday, Oct. 10, a parade that will take us back in time on the green belt in the center of old town that will be The Joy Zone for one day. Visitors rode a roller coaster called The Derby in 1915 in The Joy Zone and watched scintillator lights at the end of the pier.
There will be bands on two stages with rotating groups playing a variety of selections. Come join us for a parade, rides, food booths, and music. If you would like to participate in The Joy Zone with a booth, a band, or a stage presentation, call (431) 3466, or 430-6490 430-0595.
The Red Car Museum will be open on Festival Day allowing Founders Day celebrants a Time to Remember. Imagine, stepping out of the Red Car into The Joy Zone once more.
Shirt sales will continue Saturday and Sunday at the pier, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Wear your shirt and meet me on the Joy Zone.
Wednesday, Oct. 27, the actual incorporation date, a sideshow of selected historic photos most of which have never seen. The show will be presented at the Marina Community Center from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Details and updates will follow.
Please log on to the Web site: www.sealbeachfoundersday.com
Founders Day committee members said it is with gratitude to our sponsors so far:
Silver – Consolidated Disposal Service; Bronze – Sea Air Federal Credit Union, Seal Beach Family Medical Group; Patron – Woman’s Club of Seal Beach. Sponsors will receive the following benefits leading up to and during Founders Day: recognition in event programs, press releases, web site, Cable TV- 3, and the City’s Community Services Recreation Guide, as well as special recognition at events, festival, and parade.
To become a sponsor, for information, tickets, or to volunteer please contact: Carla Watson (562) 598-9294 or carlawatson@verizon.net.
