Mesmerized By Muscles at the 15th Annual California’s Strongest Man Contest

Some of California’s strongest athletes competed in a strongman competition this past Saturday morning in Huntington Beach as part of the 15th Annual California’s Strongest Man Contest. Taking place in a parking lot just east of Jack’s Concession Stand at Huntington State Beach, this competition allowed visitors of all ages to spectate these weightlifting feats for free, as the competitors exhibited their strength and finesse among five different lifting rounds. While most of the competitors represented various lifting and/or barbell clubs or organizations, the contest still allowed independent competitors to compete. Competitors exhibited their athletic ability in the following events:

1. Log clean & press: a power clean followed by a press/jerk using a log, barbell, or dumbbell
2. Keg toss: throw a weighted keg over a high bar
3. Farmer’s carry: hold onto two weights and move it over a distance
4. Tire flip: flip heavy tires a set amount of times
5. Atlas Stones: picking up a heavy Atlas Stone and lifting it over a hurdle

Both men and women competed and gave their all, proving that fitness does not discriminate. Some of the women competitors who looked like they weigh just a little over a hundred pounds could effortlessly move a tire weighing over 500 pounds. One can never start lifting weights too late, so if you feel motivated to get strong like these competitors, search locally for a weightlifting gym or a barbell/lifting club or organization. Try to avoid mass “fitness centers” such as Planet Fitness that deter heavy lifting – those do not provide proper training, and will usually trap you in convoluted contracts that you cannot easily escape without an attorney. For best results, search for actual weightlifting gyms or CrossFit gyms with a lifting program. Not all CrossFit gyms have dedicated lifting space, so do some research on these gyms to see if they allow a lifting-only membership without the CrossFit workout shenanigans.

Preview: The 15th Annual California’s Strongest Man Contest

Some of California’s strongest athletes will compete in a strongman competition this Saturday morning in Huntington Beach as part of the 15th Annual California’s Strongest Man Contest. Taking place in a parking lot just east of Jack’s Concession Stand at Huntington State Beach, this competition allows visitors of all ages to spectate these weightlifting feats for free, as the competitors exhibit their strength and finesse among five different lifting rounds. While most of the competitors represent various lifting and/or barbell clubs or organizations, the contest still allows independent athletes to compete. Competitors will exhibit their athletic ability in the following events:

1. Log clean & press: a power clean followed by a press/jerk using a log, barbell, or dumbbell
2. Keg toss: throw a weighted keg over a high bar
3. Farmer’s carry: hold onto two weights and move it over a distance
4. Tire flip: flip heavy tires a set amount of times
5. Atlas Stones: picking up a heavy Atlas Stone and lifting it over a hurdle

The event runs starting at 9:30am and goes until about 2:30pm. Its exact location resides in the parking lot across Pacific Coast Highway from the Waterfront Beach Resort. The closest free parking lies on Atlanta Avenue and the neighborhood north of it. Anyone planning to spectate should have sunscreen applied and prepare for hot weather. Spots to stand around the competition area to spectate operate on a first come first served basis. Spectators can find plenty of food & drink options at Pacific City one block up Pacific Coast Highway.

As of the time of this post, open competitor spots still remain – refer to the website linked above to inquire about registering to compete. For more information regarding this event as well as weightlifting training, check out East Coast/West Coast Strength Speed Conditioning on Facebook, or check out their YouTube for videos that include competitions from previous years.

Upcoming Events: June 20-26, 2016

8th Annual Los Angeles Beer Week
June 18-26
Greater Los Angeles Area
http://www.labeerweek.org/

This 9-day beer celebration covers Los Angeles through Orange County, starting with a beer fest at Los Angeles Center Studios. During this period, virtually every restaurant, bar, gastropub, and any other craft beer establishment will host some sort of beer event. Literally hundreds of beer events will take place over 9 days in the Greater Los Angeles Area, so for an abridged list, visit the website linked above. Even the website cannot contain every single event! Check with your local favorite brewpub to find out how they will participate. For the purposes of condensing this list, I will not include any event that directly relates to LA Beer Week, as their website will list them all.

Make Music Los Angeles 2016
June 21
Los Angeles County
http://makemusicla.org/

All day this Tuesday, local artists will perform across Los Angeles County with endless diversity. Most of these performances will cost nothing, but check with the website for a full listing of music performances and where they will take place.

2nd Annual Day Of Music Fullerton
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, June 21
Fullerton
http://thedayofmusic.com/

All day this Tuesday, local artists will perform across Fullerton with endless diversity. Most of these performances will cost nothing, but check with the website for a full listing of music performances and where they will take place.

Ceviche & Sours
2:00 pm – 10:00 pm, June 21
Phantom Carriage Brewery, Carson
http://www.phantomcarriage.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/1021098637958235/

Enjoy some fresh ceviche and sour ale pairings this Tuesday night at Phantom Carriage in Carson. Guests will pay for food and drinks as they go.

2016 Plate By Plate Los Angeles Ticket Kick-Off Mixer
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, June 21
Spear Steak & Seafood House, Downtown Los Angeles
http://platebyplate.org/la/

Get a chance to attend a fancy food & beverage event in August by attending this mixer that gives you a chance to buy presale tickets. Pay $10 to attend this mixer, then you get a chance to buy tickets to Plate By Plate LA that will take place in August. At this mixer you can buy general admission for $99 or VIP tickets for $155. After this mixer, prices jump to $115 and $180 for presale respectively. After presale sells out, prices jump to $150 and $300 respectively.

The Adicts: Live in Santa Ana
7:00 pm – 1:00 am, June 21-22
The Yost Theater, Santa Ana
http://adicts.us/

Legendary punk rock band The Adicts will headline two all-ages shows in Orange County this week. Tickets cost $25 per day or $40 for both days.

Belmont Shore Stroll & Savor
5:30 pm – 9:00 pm, June 22-23
Along 2nd Street, Belmont Shore
http://www.belmontshore.org/stroll-savor/

This “Taste of Belmont Shore” occurs during the summer months annually from May through August on the third Wednesday and the Thursday immediately after. Attendees may purchase booklets of 12 tickets for $10, and redeem these tickets for food & drink samples from various restaurants along 2nd Street. Buy tickets presale now at Olives Gourmet, La Strada, We Olive, Mail Boxes etc. & Sweet Jill’s, or purchase tickets in front of CHASE BANK during the event.

Taste of Downtown Long Beach
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, June 22-23
Pine Avenue, Downtown Long Beach
http://downtownlongbeach.org/Latest-News-Detail/Restaurant-Lineup-Menus-Announced-for-2016-Taste-of-Downtown-on-Pine-Ave

Sample food & drinks from various restaurants from Downtown Long Beach at this tasting fest held on Pine Avenue. Free to attend for all-ages, guests simply pay to eat, purchasing booklets of 12 tickets for $10 each. Each restaurant accepts varying amounts of tickets depending on their offerings. Live music and artists will keep guests entertained as well.

VidCon 2016
8:00 am – 12:00 am, June 23-25
Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim
http://vidcon.com/

See all things in the realm of online video and the next generation of technology at the annual VidCon this week at the Anaheim Convention Center. Registration has sold out long ago, so bookmark this landmark event for next year.

8th Annual Fountain Valley Summerfest
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, June 23
5:00 pm – 11:00 pm, June 24
7:00 am – 11:00 pm, June 25
12:00 pm – 9:00 pm, June 26
Fountain Valley Recreation & Sports Park, Fountain Valley
http://www.fvsummerfest.com/

This free and all-ages 4-day celebration will include rides, food, drinks, games, entertainment, vendors, live music, beer/wine garden, sports, a car show on Saturday, and a dog show on Sunday.

Tour De Fork
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm, June 23
Victoria Gardens, Rancho Cucamonga
http://www.victoriagardensie.com/event/tour-de-fork/2145468683/

Take a stroll through Victoria Gardens and enjoy bites and sips from local businesses this Thursday evening. The $50 admission gets you access to unlimited food samples while supplies last, plus five drink tickets. No one under 21 may attend.

18th Annual Take Your Dog To Work Day
June 24
Worldwide
http://www.takeyourdog.com/

As the name suggests, this holiday celebrates man’s best friend by granting a day where pet lovers can bring their darling dog(s) to work. Please consult with your boss/manager/supervisor if you can bring a dog to work!

38th Annual Taste of Greece
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, June 24
12:00 pm – 10:00 pm, June 25
12:00 pm – 9:00 pm, June 26
St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, Irvine
http://irvinegreekfest.com/

This weekend-long all-ages festival celebrates Greek culture with food, drinks, desserts, live music, dancing, games, rides, and more. Admission to the fair costs $3, but print the flyer below to enter for free!

The Adolescents @ Alex’s Bar
8:00 pm – 1:00 am, June 24
Alex’s Bar, Long Beach
http://www.alexsbar.com/event/1216453-adolescents-long-beach/

Legendary punk rock band The Adolescents will headline a show in Long Beach this Friday night. Tickets to this show cost $10 presale or $13 at the door. No one under 21 may enter.

Ridiculous Obstacle Challenge Race 5K – Los Angeles
8:00 am – 8:00 pm, June 25
StubHub Center, Carson
http://rocrace.com/

If you have watched Wipeout and have always wanted to test your mettle on that course, you now have a chance with ROC Race this Saturday. This 5K course comes complete with obstacles from various similar TV shows to create a wacky race full of challenges and amusement. Anyone 13 and up can register to participate in this untimed obstacle race, and all registrants will receive a commemorative t-shirt. Following the race, stick around for food trucks, a beer garden, and live music from DJ’s and local bands. Registration costs $72 through Friday, or $84 on the day of the event. Bring extra cash with you for parking, food & drinks, and other merchandise.

San Diego Scottish Highland Games
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, June 25-26
Brengle Terrace Park, Vista
http://www.sdhighlandgames.org/

A Scottish festival arrives in San Diego County this weekend, complete with bagpipes, Highland games, kilts, haggis, acting, music, and more. Admission costs $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and military, or $5 for children.

CatConLA
10:00 am – 12:00 am, June 25
10:00 am – 4:00 pm, June 26
The Reef, Los Angeles
http://catconla.com/

As the event’s name suggests, this two-day event features all things cats. See the latest in cat trends involving fashion, grooming, accessories, nutrition, and more. Also meet famous cats and famous people who work with cats, including artists and designers. Adult admission costs $25 for a day or $40 for the weekend, while child admission costs $15 for a day or $25 for the weekend. Guests may not actually bring their cats.

Riviera Village Summer Fest
10:00 am – 7:00 pm, June 25-26
Riviera Village, Redondo Beach
http://www.rvsummerfestival.com/

This FREE and all-ages annual street fair occurs in the Riviera Village neighborhood of Redondo Beach. Numerous vendors, arts & crafts, food & drinks, carnival rides, entertainment, and more will take over the streets, as visitors stroll through all the roads gazing at all the wonderful booths. Do not attempt to park nearby – instead, park at South High, right off of Calle Mayor and Pacific Coast Highway, and take the free shuttle. The festival takes place entirely outdoors, so keep sunscreen handy.

Orange County Elite Bodybuilding & Powerlifting Competition
10:00 am – 8:00 pm, June 25
Valencia High School, Placentia
http://orangecountyelite.com/

A weightlifting competition and expo comes to Orange County this Saturday. $15 admission gets you access to see the various lifting competitions, plus access to the various vendors in the expo.

37th Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-off
10:00 am – 8:00 pm, June 25
Newport Avenue, Ocean Beach, San Diego
http://www.oceanbeachsandiego.com/special-event/street-fair-chili-cookoff-festival

Have some fun in the sun in Ocean Beach this Saturday at their annual street fair and chili cookoff. At this free and all-ages street fair, tens of thousands of people will stroll through Ocean Beach to check out all the art, live entertainment, vendors, and of course, the chili. Attendees may purchase chili tastings on the day of the event. This area gets extremely crowded with traffic, so plan alternate routes on arriving, and prepare to walk long distances to reach the street fair.

Pirate Invasion of Belmont Pier
10:00 am – 9:00 pm, June 25
10:00 am – 6:00 pm, June 26
Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier, Long Beach
http://alfredosbeachclub.com/seafest-pierdaze.html

Come see and act like pirates at the beach! Visitors may choose to dress as a pirate or arrive in normal clothes. Many others will fully dress up to play their parts. Expect to see pirate shows, vendors, music, a (mock) ship fight, and cannon blank shots fired at the pier. This FREE and all-ages event runs on Saturday & Sunday starting at 10am both days. If you plan to stay for a while, note that this takes place entirely outdoors, so have sunscreen available. Guests can find free street parking in the neighborhood across Ocean Blvd.

Skyspace LA’s Grand Opening Block Party Celebration
10:00 am – 11:00 pm, June 25
OUE Skyspace Los Angeles, Downtown Los Angeles
http://www.skyspace-la.com/

A brand new event space in Downtown LA will open its doors to the public this Saturday, and to celebrate its grand opening, they will have a free all-day all-ages street festival that day. Visitors can expect to find live entertainment, food, vendors, exhibits, and more.

3rd Annual Gold Line Pub Crawl
11:00 am – 2:00 am, June 25
Various locations, Los Angeles County
http://www.facebook.com/events/537867843080257/

An all-day pub crawl will take place in LA County this Saturday. They have no website, and the event page does not specify a cost or designated starting point, so go poke around the event page to ask for details.

Beer Camp Across America: Los Angeles
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, June 25
Queen Mary Waterfront Events Park, Long Beach
http://www.beercamp.sierranevada.com/festivals/los-angeles/

Sierra Nevada brings their coveted national beer festival to Southern California this Saturday afternoon. General admission costs $50 and starts at 1pm, while VIP admission costs $70 and starts at 12pm. All attendees receive unlimited beer samples while supplies last. Bring cash for the gourmet food trucks on site. This festival takes place entirely outdoors, so dress for the warm weather and bring sunscreen. No one under 21 may attend.

4th Annual Orange County Food, Wine & Music Festival
12:00 pm – 7:00 pm, June 25
Sea Terrace Park, Dana Point
http://www.foodwineandmusicfestival.com/

Taste the local flavor of Dana Point and neighboring cities this Saturday afternoon in Dana Point. $10 to attend, visitors can roam and browse the attending businesses, and pay for the food as they go. All vendors will have food and/or drinks available at their own price, so all visitors should bring cash in order to receive food or drinks. Guests can park for free at Dana Point High School, and take the shuttle from there to arrive at the location.

Half Christmas Party
12:00 pm – 9:00 pm, June 25
Network Brewery, Santa Ana
http://www.networkbrewery.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/743610295779331/

New brewery Network Brewery will have a Half Christmas party this Saturday, free to attend. They will have a special Half Christmas IPA on tap, plus Christmas decorations and other festivities.

Brew Rebellion’s 3rd Anniversary
12:00 pm – 11:00 pm, June 25
Brew Rebellion, San Bernardino
http://www.brewrebellion.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/215982675434801/

Brew Rebellion turns three years old this week, and to celebrate, they will have music and special beers available at their new location in San Bernardino. This event has no cover charge – simply show up, and pay for beers as you go.

38 Degrees Ale House 7th Anniversary Celebration
12:00 pm – 12:00 am, June 25
38 Degrees Ale House, Alhambra
http://38degreesalehouse.com/events-alhambra.html

To celebrate turning seven, 38 Degrees will tap some limited releases, archived beers, barrel aged beers, sours, local brews, and more. This event requires no admission or reservations – simply show up and order what you like. You can park for free in the parking lot behind the restaurant, or in the structure across from 1st Street.

11th Annual Los Angeles Wine Fest
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, June 25
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, June 26
LA Wine Fest, Hollywood
http://www.lawinefest.com/

Want to sample up to over 500 wines, brews, and spirits from around the world? Head to LA Wine Fest this weekend, where you will find plenty of good drinks, cooking demos, live entertainment, seminars, food trucks, boutiques, merchandise, and more. Ticket prices vary depending on how you choose to attend, with a general admission ticket starting at $70. This fest takes place outdoors with limited shade, so prepare for a day in the sun. Bring cash for the parking lot across the street, unless you get lucky and find street parking.

7th Annual Claremont Village Blues & Brews Craft Beer Walk
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, June 25
Streets of Claremont Village, Claremont
http://www.claremontbluesandbrews.com/

Exhibit the local businesses of Claremont while sipping on craft beers and local food at this annual music and beer fest on the streets of Claremont Village. Over 30 of the local businesses will serve as sites where attendees to this fest can pick up some food or beer as they continue to stroll through Claremont Village to enjoy the live music and the goods & services offered by the local businesses. Admission costs $45 presale or $50 at the gate, and includes free parking and 12 beer tasting tickets. The site does not mention if admission includes food, so if you plan to eat, have some cash available. No one under 21 may attend.

4th Annual San Diego Night Market
4:00 pm – 12:00 am, June 25
3:00 pm – 9:00 pm, June 26
Kearny Office Park, Kearny Mesa, San Diego
http://www.sdnightmarket.com/

The San Diego Night Market returns to Kearny Mesa this weekend. Deriving from Asian cultures, this night market brings a taste of Asian nightlife to the streets of San Diego with Asian food, culture, live entertainment, arts & crafts, vendors, and more. Admission only costs $2 for adults, while children can enter for free! Please refer to the website for details regarding free parking and shuttles.

720° Pine
5:00 pm – 10:00 pm, June 25
Pine Avenue, Downtown Long Beach
http://www.summerandmusic.com/720pine

Enjoy some nightlife music for free at this all-ages outdoor concert this Saturday night in Downtown Long Beach.

Laughs By Volume 4: A Craft Beer & Comedy Show
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm, June 25
Buena Park Community Center, Buena Park
http://laughsbyvolume.com/

A beer fest and comedy show merge into one this Saturday night in Buena Park, featuring over 40 different beers and six comedians. Admission costs $25 presale or $30 at the door, and includes a souvenir glass and unlimited beer tasters while supplies last. No one under 21 may attend.

Cheers: LA’s Wine, Spirits, Beer & Food Festival
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm, June 25
Fairplex, Pomona
http://www.tlcfairplex.org/tlc/events/home/2016/06/26/default-calendar/cheers

A food & alcohol tasting event comes to the Fairplex in Pomona this Saturday night. Admission costs $75 presale or $85 at the gate, and includes unlimited food and drink samples while supplies last. Bring cash for parking. No one under 21 may attend.

626 Golden Streets
8:00 am – 2:00 pm, June 26
South Pasadena to Azusa
http://www.626goldenstreets.com/

A ciclovia comes to the San Gabriel Valley this Sunday morning, which will close off many streets to through-traffic to allow bikers and pedestrians to freely roam the streets. Plan your commute accordingly.

San Diego Vintage Flea Market
9:00 am – 3:00 pm, June 26
The Observatory Parking Lot, North Park, San Diego
http://sdvintagefleamarket.com/

At this free all-ages outdoor market, visitors will find modern to vintage inspired clothing, housewares, furniture, smalls, and more for sale from the various local vendors.

16th Annual Taste of Adams Avenue
11:00 am – 3:00 pm, June 26
Adams Avenue, Normal Heights, San Diego
http://www.adamsavenuebusiness.com/Taste-of-Adams.html

30 restaurants, 30 tastes. Taste the local flavor of Adams Avenue this Sunday afternoon, as you stroll up and down Adams Avenue checking out all the local restaurants in the area. A ticket bundle costs $35 presale and $40 on the day of the event, and provides guests with 30 taster tickets. Park in the neighborhood, and pick up your tickets from Smitty’s Auto on the day of the event if you purchased presale.

16th Annual SOULstice
11:00 am – 7:00 pm, June 26
Main Street, Santa Monica
http://www.mainstreetsm.com/summer-soulstice/

A music festival will take over the streets of Santa Monica this Sunday afternoon, free to attend for all ages. This will close some of the streets in the heart of Santa Monica, so plan your commute accordingly.

7th Annual Summer Solstice Festival
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, June 26
Muckenthaler Cultural Center, Fullerton
http://themuck.org/programing/2016/6/26/summer-solstice-festival

Sample worldly cuisine at this cultural festival this Sunday afternoon at The Muck in Fullerton. The Summer Solstice Festival, which contains live music, arts & crafts, merchandise, and more, occurs the entire time, and costs nothing to attend for all ages. Guests may park for free at the venue.

Bottle Share @ Monrovia Homebrew Shop
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, June 26
Monrovia Homebrew Shop, Monrovia
http://www.monroviahomebrewshop.com/
http://www.facebook.com/events/221526904906502/

Share a beer or two at this free bottle share in Monrovia this Sunday afternoon. Guests should bring a 22oz bomber or two 12oz bottles to share with others.

2016 Taste Of The World
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm, June 26
Lombardi House, Hollywood
http://latravelmagazine.com/2016-taste-of-the-world/

Sample food and wines at this tasting event in Hollywood this Sunday afternoon. General admission costs $75, while VIP admission costs $125 and includes various goodies and perks. No one under 21 may attend.

Getting Fitness Motivated At The 14th Annual California’s Strongest Man Contest

Some of California’s strongest athletes competed in a strongman competition this past Saturday morning in Huntington Beach as part of the 14th Annual California’s Strongest Man Contest. Taking place in a parking lot just east of Jack’s Concession Stand at Huntington State Beach, this competition allowed visitors of all ages to spectate these weightlifting feats for free, as the competitors exhibited their strength and finesse among five different lifting rounds. While most of the competitors represented various lifting and/or barbell clubs or organizations, the contest still allowed independent competitors to compete. Competitors exhibited their athletic ability in the following events:

1. Axle/log clean & press: a power clean followed by a press/jerk using a log, barbell, and dumbbell
2. Complex: seated arm over arm, keg carry, and sled push
3. Conan’s Wheel: underarm lifting a weighted pole and moving it around a circle (shown below)
4. Complex: farmer’s carry, tire flip, and sled-anchor chain drag
5. Atlas Stones: picking up a heavy Atlas Stone and lifting it over a hurdle

Both men and women competed and gave their all, proving that fitness does not discriminate. The announcer even said that one of the women competitors weighs “one hundred and nothing” and she still could move Conan’s Wheel one cycle at well over 200 pounds. One can never start lifting weights too late, so if you feel motivated to get strong like these competitors, search locally for a weightlifting gym or a barbell/lifting club or organization. Try to avoid mass “fitness centers” such as Planet Fitness that deter heavy lifting – those do not provide proper training, and will usually trap you in convoluted contracts that you cannot easily escape without an attorney. For best results, search for actual weightlifting gyms or CrossFit gyms with a lifting program. Not all CrossFit gyms have dedicated lifting space, so do some research on these gyms to see if they allow a lifting-only membership without the CrossFit workout shenanigans.