Halfmoon Bay Community Association interim president Linda McMahon told Coast Reporter she was “blown away” by the public response to its Aug. 1 Seaside Shuffle event in Coopers Green Park. The afternoon and evening of music, food, games, contests and socializing drew an estimated 650 to 800 people.
“It was a sea of smiling faces. I have never seen so many happy people all in one place at one time,” said McMahon. She said the crowd contained lots of family groups in the afternoon hours. After 6 p.m., she said, those in attendance shifted to more teens and adults dancing and celebrating to the sound of “good old rock and roll” from local group Playback and tunes from DJ BuzyB.
McMahon said there were no incidents of behaviour problems for organizers to deal with and that the park was left in great shape, with very little litter cleanup required on the following day.
A community association 50/50 ticket draw at the event netted the winner $575. That individual donated $50 from his proceeds back to the association. While accounting of event revenues and expenses is being finalized, McMahon said, “I believe we at least broke even. Our goal was to put on a stellar event and figure the rest out afterwards.”
In her view, one of the “better ideas” the event organizing group implemented was a shuttle bus. Attendees could park vehicles at Connor Park and the Halfmoon Bay Fire Hall site and catch a ride to the park. The bus also stopped en route to pick up and drop off passengers. This meant less space was needed onsite for vehicle parking and it reduced the potential for traffic congestion along Redrooffs Road. Local ridesharing company Coastal Rides sponsored the service.
McMahon noted that the association wanted to start the summer with a family music and fun festival, and she thanked all event attendees, sponsors, vendors and volunteers for their part in the Shuffle.
The Halfmoon Bay Country Fair is being delayed until mid-September pending development and approval of an event plan respecting COVID-19 protocols.
