Wet met Wild at Surf Ohio Festiki 2010

104 cherry pre-’70 street rods,
96 Indo-like degrees,
58 dedicated volunteers,
33 acres of island shade,
22 tiki and tropical artisans and vendors,
15 tons of awesome sand sculpture,
11 savvy sponsors,
7 smokin’ hot surf bands,
4 well appointed cold beverage stations,
3 lagoon-washing downpours,
800+ totally stoked party peoples
= 1 wet and wild Surf Ohio Festiki 2010

Festiki 2010 – what an awesome vibe, as anticipated. Kudos to everyone who came out – some from as far as Georgia, Illinois, Wisconsin, Maryland and points even further – to enjoy the second annual Surf Ohio Festiki. Sorry we could not control the unruly skies – I was glad it was worth weathering the pop-up storms that hit Old River Park not just once but three times. But hey, that’s what comes with life on an island paradise, right? Those that hung in there were glad they did.

Festiki rocked out despite the temporary “tropical depression,” and a big Mahalo goes to Pat, Chris and Tim, our ace sound and lighting crew, for making the Surf Ohio stage magic happen despite the unexpected extra humidity. The only casualty was the Nick Kizirnis Band, however that was due to the lingering effects of a pesky spider bite that Nick suffered earlier in the week. Evidently, multiple Mai Tai’s are NOT the antidote, but we’re glad Nick is OK now. (Warning: Plot Spoiler! – Surf Ohio is thrilled to bring The Nick Kizirnis Band back in 2011).

Everyone else cranked, as planned, led off by the Hawaiian Island sounds and sights of Leilani with Curtis Silva. The fire dancers were aglow, and I am not sure if DJ Jet Sterling has ever come down after witnessing the Cossacks’ reunion show cap off what was a wild, tour de force showcase of outstanding live surf and reverb guitar performances. Legendary, or “epic,” as one put it after we finally had to shut down the stage and blow out the tiki torches at 11 o’clock.

Another Mahalo goes to our incredible lineup of Festiki artisans and vendors, and to Brock Masterson’s for keeping the superb grilled salmon and crabcakes coming. Life’s a beach when you’re powered by cold Land Shark and Monster Shots, eh bros? I know they kept me going, and – from the after-party reports coming from Daddy Katz’s, the Marriott, and the folks down at Bar Tiki in Dayton’s Oregon District – more than few others going strong into the wee hours, as well!

I’m still receiving video clips and images from the Fraternal Order of Moai photog team and other thoughtful Festikians, and will post a “Best of Festiki 2010” gallery once I can edit through them all. Meantime, here are a couple of images and, yes, Surf Ohio fans, the vibe is alive – we are already cooking up even bigger plans for Festiki 2011 and we’ll keep you posted here first. Aloha!

The Madeira take the Festiki stage by storm...

The Festiki Boardwalk - part art gallery, part tiki mall, part hot rod show

This is what fire dancing looks like after one too many Monster Shots!