Pacifica Fog Fest nets $100,000

By Brendan P. Bartholomew on December 3, 2015 1:00 am

Pacifica celebrates its own beach town culture every September with the Pacific Coast Fog Fest. And

That ain't no chimp change

at a recent ceremony, the event’s proceeds were divvied up among the dozens of participating organizations that collectively form the backbone of civic and social life in the small city.

Fog Fest President Larry Passmore said 2015 was a record year for the event, with over 65,000 people attending. That’s more than the total population of Pacifica, which has fewer than 40,000 residents.

The Fog Fest netted about $100,000 this year, surpassing last year’s take, which was about $90,000. The funds were divided among 48 organizations whose volunteers staffed this year’s event, with each group receiving a check for $2,077.

That’s a significant increase, according to Sanchez Art Center Executive Director Cindy Abbott, who noted last year’s check was about $1,900. She said her group would use its share to provide free art exhibitions.

Unlike similar Bay Area festivals, which might use some paid employees, almost all Fog Fest labor is provided by volunteers from participating organizations.

Another distinction is the lack of outside food and beverage vendors. Fog Fest volunteer groups run all food and drink booths. One example this year was the Holy Cross Lutheran Church, which had Pastor Thomas A. Nibbe serving sausages with grilled onions in the hope of raising funds for a new church roof.

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Posted by Steve Sinai