As appeared in The San Clemente Times Business Buzz column here

Read Our Latest San Clemente Times Column: "SC Fiesta Returns After 2-Year Siesta."

By Jim Wynne & Arrow Santos

The San Clemente Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome back the 67th annual Fiesta Music Festival on Aug. 14!

Started in 1953 as a scaled-down, end-of-summer celebration, it grew into what it is known for today: the ultimate family-fun block party. This year should have been the 69th event, but the pandemic prevented the Fiesta from occurring in 2020 and 2021. We sure are glad it’s back!

Hosted and organized by the Chamber, this event takes a village to put on successfully. The Chamber partners with the City of San Clemente to receive behind-the-scenes support from the recreation department, public safety services, and even extra electricity for the bands and vendor needs from the city’s electrician.

The Chamber also brings in private contractors to provide additional safety monitoring, cleanup and maintenance, and event coordination.

At face value, fun is the primary focus of the Fiesta’s activities. But on the backside, this event is a huge revenue driver for the city’s organizations and promotes many local companies and vendors.

Taking place on Avenida Del Mar, our much-beloved downtown shops and eateries can expect to see between 15,000 to 20,000 people throughout this one day! We are so thankful to have such a fantastic downtown district to host these yearly events.

Don’t forget to grab something to eat or stop at some local retail stores before heading home for the day. These businesses are the backbone of our flourishing and cozy beachside commerce area, and the support from local citizens is so appreciated.

The Fiesta is also the biggest annual money-making event in support of the Chamber itself and approximately 30 nonprofit groups. These various nonprofits will be featured in exhibits, game booths, and food vendors throughout the event.

Additionally, every beverage booth is staffed by Chamber volunteers, who donate all tips received throughout the day to a nonprofit—traditionally raising about $1,000 from your generosity in tips alone!

The fundraising received by the Chamber allows for the many areas of service they offer to Chamber members year-round. If you own a San Clemente business, you need to be part of the Chamber of Commerce!

Signing up is easy and allows you to join a wonderful group of like-minded neighbors supporting each other right here in your local community.

Three stages will host live music throughout the day, with the event running from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. A variety of music will be played by headliners such as Common Sense, Swami John Reis, Tunnel Vision, and Pounded by The Surf.

With guaranteed grooves for everyone, I expect to see some serious dance moves happening in the streets! And for a select few of you every year, I wish I would see slightly fewer dance moves—this is a public, family-friendly event. Also, my back hurts just looking at what you’re throwing down. Mostly kidding …

Another fun addition this year is the B.Y.O.L. (lock) bike corral, located near the library and community center at the bottom of the street. It’s convenient and safe, so ride down on your bicycles and e-bikes without worrying about parking or places to lock up.

If you’re interested in having a business tent, volunteering, hosting arts and crafts, featuring your nonprofit, or setting up a game booth, there is still time to register. Visit the Fiesta’s event page on the Chamber’s website at scchamber.com to secure your spot.

I hope to tell you hello in person as we celebrate the last hurrah of summer together after a two-year, too-long break. See you out there, neighbor!

Jim Wynne, a San Clemente local, San Onofre Surfing Club president, and father of five, serves as chairman for the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce. As president of WynneCRE, he has shown his dedication to helping small businesses with their real estate needs and protecting San Clemente’s small-town interests through active community participation and reporting on business news topics.

Arrow Santos is a San Clemente native, professional writer/photographer, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup enthusiast, and follower of Jesus. As marketing director of WynneCRE, he has shown his dedication to helping small businesses with their commercial real estate needs and protecting San Clemente’s small-town interests through active community participation and reporting on business news topics. Email Arrow at arrow@wynnecre.com or call/text at 949.257.2093.