To say that Coronado is a place like no other is an understatement. While Coronado is a phenomenal area to live with historic houses, sandy beaches, bike friendly atmosphere, concerts in the park, flower, vintage car, book and art shows, and so much more ~ what makes it truly exceptional are the people who live here. The folks who have lived here all their lives, the Navy families who fight for our freedom, and all other families who call this place home – they are the heart of Coronado. Yes, there are some who are just here part time for vacation, but those who live here full time are a close-knit community who help each other out. I am a full-time newcomer to the island and I have witnessed many acts of kindness, like people who offer up free pianos and furniture to those in need. They help return keys and credit cards to folks who have misplaced them. They take pride in reuniting lost pets with their owners. They even save people from jumping off of the bridge. People here care about each other and help out in any way possible.
Is life here perfect? Many days, pretty close, but we have our share of crime, like stolen bikes and vehicle break-ins. The mad crush of the tourist season has just begun and will not end until after Labor Day. What better way to celebrate the best thing about Coronado – the people – than with a once in a lifetime 92118 Day celebration on the date of our zip code 9-21-18.
How did this notion for a once in a lifetime party come to fruition? Steve Johnson, Publisher of the Coronado Times, actually had the idea five years ago to do some type of community celebration centered around the Coronado beach. He envisioned local music, food and drinks, and games that could be enjoyed by all ages. He said, “I think people need to spend less time online and get offline more to build community ~ what better way to do that than by enjoying a day at the beach with your neighbors? On 9-21-18 no less!” When he lived in San Clemente, there was an annual summer ocean festival that the entire city attended, and it was a rousing success in bringing people together. “The 92118 Day Committee members have put in hundreds of volunteer hours to help plan this ‘once in a lifetime’ celebration. I’m especially thankful to Alisa Kerr and Rob Crenshaw, who have been part of the team from the beginning. We are thrilled that the City of Coronado, local businesses, non-profits and service groups have all supported it 100 percent,” says Johnson.
Rob Crenshaw, who started the Island Beer Club in 2004 with five high school classmates (that has now grown to 351 members) was a natural fit to help with this event. “I’m thrilled to be involved and wanted to do something for the city utilizing my expertise,” emphasized Crenshaw. Alisa Kerr, a local attorney, is one of the founders of the Islander Ladies Club that focuses on membership, fundraisers and the mission of community and tolerance. Being civic minded, Alisa fits right in to the planning of this community event. “When Steve approached me about 92118 Day, I thought it was a really great idea. We’ve been working hard to include as many local organizations and businesses as possible, and to plan activities appealing to a wide range of residents, so it will truly be a celebration of our community. I know this will be a fun, memorable event and I’m excited to be part of it!” says Kerr, who is also working on getting local vendors for the event. Rob and Alisa founded the Beer by the Bay festival, so they are both knowledgeable in what it takes to organize a successful beer and spirits garden.
The epic Beer and Spirits Garden is being organized by Alisa Kerr and the Islander Ladies Club, and will feature craft beers from several breweries, including Absolution Brewing Co. started by locals Steve and Cissy Ferguson; Bay Bridge Brewing, and Coronado Brewing Company, who created a special 92118 zIPA, which will be sold throughout Coronado starting June 21. Liberty Call Distilling, owned by local resident Bill Rogers, will also be mixing up their gin-based “Coronado cooler” for the event. 117° West Spirits, owned by locals Loie and Jeff Dom Wilkens will be pouring their rum-based hurricane. Rob Crenshaw and the Island Beer Club has volunteered to provide pourers for the 92118 Beer and Spirits Garden.
Every great event has food and the Junior Woman’s Club is organizing the food vendors and will be announcing those partners soon.
The following are partners and venues who wholeheartedly support 92118 Day: Boy Scout Troop 801, Coronado Cornhole Classic Committee, Coronado High School ASB and Interact Club, Coronado Junior Woman’s Club, Coronado Optimist Club, Coronado Promenade Concerts, Coronado Lawn Bowling Association, Coronado Lions Club, Coronado Middle School Junior Optimists, Coronado Rotary, Coronado SAFE, Coronado Schools Foundation, Coronado Swim Association, City of Coronado Recreation – Golf and Tennis, Island Beer Club, Islander Ladies Club, Islander Volleyball Club, United States Navy, Coronado Historical Association, Coronado City Council, URT, and more join this list every day. Over 2,600 locals have already joined the 92118 Day Facebook page.
You will not want to miss the sporting events planned throughout the day. After all, the winners of each event get bragging rights for the next 100 years, before they can be dethroned! Sign up now to be one of 32 doubles tennis teams that will play in a Tennis Tournament at Glorietta Tennis Center beginning at 8:30 a.m. Details at https://coronadotimes.com/event/92118-day-tennis-tournament/. There will be a 2 vs 2 Lawn Bowling Tournament from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the John D. Spreckels Center. Details at https://coronadotimes.com/event/92118-day-lawn-bowling-tournament/ Tee times for a nine-hole Golf Tournament will begin at 11 a.m. Details at https://coronadotimes.com/event/92118-day-golf-tournament/.
There are a myriad of options in the afternoon, kicking off at 3:30 p.m., with a variety of tournaments. Spikeball Tournaments and free play to be coordinated by the Coronado Rotary Club. The Coronado Cornhole Classic will be hosting a tournament and free play. Bocce Ball games will be coordinated by the Coronado Lions Club. A highlight is sure to be the Volleyball Tournament and free play organized by the Islander Volleyball Club; they are looking for 18 teams made up of four to six players per team. Details on a Bingo event by the Senior Association will be coming soon.
Bring your creative skills to the Sandcastle and hole digging contest sponsored by URT. Kids will enjoy activities like Frisbee, hula hoop, tug-of-war, relay races, and red rover all afternoon sponsored by the Coronado High School ASB, Octagon Club, and Coronado Middle School Junior Optimists. At 4 p.m., choose from a 5K Run from Base to Base, organized by Easy Day Sports, or a five-person Buoy Swim Relay planned by the Coronado Swim Association.
Residents can walk, bike, or cart to this unique event which will feature local bands throughout the day, including In Midlife Crisis, Matt Heinecke and Crown Town, It’s Never 2L8, and Ron’s Garage.
Finishing up the evening, by breaking down and cleaning up, volunteers can help leave everything in good order. A Community Cleanup, starting at the Central Lifeguard Station, is also being organized for the morning after, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., on the beach and surrounding streets. Coronado Carpet & Stone, owned by locals Tina and Tom Kane, have offered to provide water, coffee, and donuts at the beach and street clean up on September 22.
For details and updates on this one of a kind celebration, check out the 9.21.18 Day Celebration Facebook event page or the official website at 92118day.com. Interested Coronado vendors can find applications at this page: http://92118day.com/forms/
