Hermosa Beach Ironman, Pennywise highlight Fourth at the Beach
Hermosa’s western stretches continued to serve as party central on the Fourth of July, but the crowds were smaller and seemed somewhat less intense on Sunday, when the holiday came at the end of a tiring party weekend.
Hermosa police were kept busy again this year, Hermosa Beach Police Chief Greg Savelli said.
“The weekend was busy, but no major events occurred,” he said.
Police responded to numerous calls about loud parties. The most serious crime reported was that of a juvenile allegedly attacking someone with a skateboard.
“We were satisfied that no major incidents occurred, and the community was responsive in toning down their parties when we suggested,” Savelli said.
The 36th running of the perennially controversial “Iron Man” – a run-paddle-chug-beer contest – began about 9:45 a.m., much earlier than tradition once held. The earlier start time kept the spectator count lower than usual.
Highlights of the Fourth included a short afternoon performance by local punk rock stars Pennywise at Hermosa Avenue and 16th Street, and an appearance on the Strand near the pier by STDs, who played atop a float that was pulled by people on foot.
In the Iron Man, perennial favorite Chris Brown once again won the male division by running, paddling, chugging a six-pack and keeping it down quicker than the other 360-plus participants.
Throwing up the beer disqualifies a competitor, and the finish line on the beach in northern Hermosa was once again awash with competitors disqualifying themselves with foaming gouts of airborne beer.
“Not only is he a pretty boy but he drinks heavily,” emcee and former mayor Bob “Burgie” Benz barked into a microphone as he announced Brown’s triumph. Brown waved an American flag in the air as fellow competitors hoisted him aloft.
Another perennial favorite, Annie Seawright Newton, again conquered the women’s division.
“She’s got the best rock hard body in the South Bay,” Benz brayed as Seawright Newton was hoisted aloft.
The band Beach Blood, including members of STDs, Local Hate, Special C, Allover and M1SK played before a smaller pit that usual, and the event ended with the traditional clean-up of all the Iron trash.
Benz, who also competes, is the figure most identified with the event, although it is organized informally by a somewhat secretive committee. Years ago participants received a letter from a lawyer for the producers who hold the trademark for the Iron Man triathlon, but the letter was not followed by legal action.
Although the earlier start time has made the event a less chaotic one, Benz lamented this year’s quieter Iron Man. He attributed the relative mellow to the long party weekend, the alleged inability of the younger generation to “party like its 1999,” and the absence of the effusive Aaron “Road Dog” Billor, who traditionally helps to whip up the energy levels.
“We need Road Kill,” Benz said.
At least 25 would-be participants were unaware of the early start time, and showed up with their boards too late to compete.
“It’s all about the working man,” Benz shrugged. “The early bird catches the worm, know what I mean?” ER