2nd Annual Encinitas Moonlight Beach Fest on Saturday, October 25th

Following the success of last year's inaugural event, the City of Encinitas Parks and Recreation Department has planned its second annual Moonlight Beach Fest for Saturday, October 25^th from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. at Moonlight State Beach.

This year's Moonlight Beach Fest will be held in partnership with the Surfing Madonna “Save the Ocean” 5K/10K Beach Run and Walk, also in its second year. The races will begin sharply at 2:00 p.m., with participants competing for over $22,000 in prize money. Entry fees range from $34 to $54, with the proceeds being put right back into the community. Last year's event resulted in $50,000 being able to be donated, and the race's organizers hope to break the $100,000 mark this year.

Another major draw of this year's Moonlight Beach Fest is the planned Science of Surf and Skate exhibit. Attendees will be able to see how much of an important role science plays in making both of these popular pastimes possible.

Surfing topics will include:

• Why waves break differently at various parts of the beach and during different times of the day
• What gives waves their shapes
• What causes rip currents, how you can spot them, and what to do if you become caught in one
• How ocean conservation plays an important role in water quality and the preservation of local surf spots

Skateboarders can learn:

• How frictions, momentum, and gravity all affect riding
• Physics tricks that can make it look like you're defying gravity
• The importance that the wheels you use play in the quality of your ride

The Moonlight Beach Fest will also have:

• Live art from local artists, as well as a sandcastle sculpture arena
• Just-For-Kids zone with hands-on activities and educational opportunities
• Local musicians performing all throughout the day
• Food from area restaurants

In addition to all of the rest of the festivities, the event will feature some intense volleyball action as part of the Surfing Madonna Men's Pro Beach Volleyball Tournament. This three-day single elimination tournament will take place on October 24^th-26^th at Moonlight Beach with forty teams competing for their share of $2,000 in prize money.

Through the Moonlight Beach Fest, the City hopes to educate residents and visitors about the advantages of incorporating fitness and recreation into a healthy lifestyle, as well as the importance of shoreline and ocean conservation.

Moonlight State Beach is located at 400 B Street in Encinitas. For more information about the Surfing Madonna “Save the Ocean” Beach Run and Walk, visit surfingmadonnarun.org.