News Summary

Huntington Beach recently welcomed thousands of corgis for the annual So Cal Corgi Beach Day, a growing event that has transformed from a small gathering into a vibrant community festival. This year’s festivities included food trucks, contests, and a designated play area for the corgis. Participants traveled from far and wide to partake in the fun. The event promotes camaraderie among dog lovers and showcases the lovable nature of corgis, creating lasting memories for all involved.

Huntington Beach Welcomes Thousands of Corgis for Annual So Cal Corgi Beach Day

Huntington Beach, CA – On Saturday, October 25, thousands of corgis descended on Huntington Beach for the annual So Cal Corgi Beach Day, a celebration that continues to grow in popularity and scale. The event was relocated this year to a new venue in front of Pacific City to accommodate the increasing number of attendees, providing more space for sand and parking.

Originally initiated in 2012 by Kelly and Dan McLemore from Lakewood, the beach day began as a casual meet-up for their dog, Mr. Pickles, who was looking to socialize post-surgery. The humble gathering of just 15 corgis quickly grew to a vibrant community, with the number of furry participants reaching around 100 at subsequent gatherings, thus establishing the “Corgi Nation.”

This year’s event transformed into a full-fledged festival featuring a variety of booths, food trucks, contests, and costume parades. A designated area of the beach was set aside specifically for corgis, allowing them ample opportunity to play and enjoy the surf.

So Cal Corgi Beach Day is free for all participants, with costs primarily covered by vendors and merchandise sales, allowing the event organizers to support various nonprofits. Activities ranged from photo opportunities inside a classic VW bus to several entertaining contests for both the corgis and their owners.

The community of corgi lovers expressed gratitude for the warmth and camaraderie fostered during the event, which promotes lasting friendships and unforgettable memories among attendees. Many of the participants traveled from various states, such as Arizona and even the East Coast, with some dedicated individuals making long trips, including a road trip from Canada, to join the festivities.

The increasingly popular event has become a seasonal tradition and coincides with Halloween each fall, allowing corgis to don whimsical costumes. The festivities in 2024 featured contests such as a Loudest Barking Contest and a Best Costume Contest, engaging both participants and spectators alike.

The organizers noted that the number of corgis attending has become so large that they no longer attempt to track attendance numbers. Instead, they focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere for both canines and their human companions. Plans for future events aim to expand activities and introduce new ideas to ensure all participants have an enjoyable experience.

In addition to the beach day, Corgi Nation hosts other events throughout the year, including the Corgi Nationals, Corgi Christmas parties, and a special Corgi Nation Vacation in Pismo Beach. The organization also partners with Queen’s Best Stumpy Dog Rescue, which has greatly contributed to helping rescue and adopt over 157 dogs since the inception of the event.

The charm, energetic nature, and endearing looks of corgis have captivated many, adding to the event’s appeal and success. The combination of community spirit, dog lovers, and adorable corgis has solidified So Cal Corgi Beach Day as a beloved tradition for families and pet owners alike.

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Additional Resources

• OC Register: So Cal Corgi Pup Halloween Party
• Wikipedia: Corgi
• NBC Los Angeles: Corgi Beach Day Dog Contest
• Google Search: Corgi Beach Day
• The Guardian: Corgi Beach Day in California
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Corgi
• Dog Time: Corgi Beach Day 2024
• Google News: Corgi Nation
• Forbes: Corgi Nation Vacation in Pismo Beach
• Matador Network: Corgi Con

Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER

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