Stokefest 2
Last year, Dave Ziemer threw together an informal little get together of core
Goleta locals and he dubbed it Stokefest It turned out to be really fun and lots of the crew that didn’t go were bummed
they missed it. So this year, he did it again, even bigger and better.
These were the signs that led us to the event.
On the way in, we really weren’t sure what to expect. Ziemer’s goal was to make it a
bigger event, but to still keep it local and not let it turn into just a big open party.
No doubt, a difficult task.
When we arrived, we parked at a remote location and were whisked to the door in a
private “tram”, keeping the parking problem free.
At the door, we were greeted by some friendly faces and the sounds of 20 Foot Faces
filled the air. Looked like fun to us!
Once inside, it was a flurry of familiar faces and surfing buddies.
Phil Beruman, unidentified and Steve Donnell.
Here’s a pack of local surf industry legends.
Wayne Rich
, Randy Stoker with his sister, Dave Ziemer , Bob Haakenson, Bruce Fowler ,
and David James.
How often do all these guys get together?!
Ziemer and his crew had obviously put a lot of work into the event with a primo stage
setup for the entertainment, decorated with some beautiful shapes by Bruce Fowler and
the always amazing art of Robert Heeley.
Goleta Eric had the BBQ going with some delicious pulled pork and tri tip for
munching on while we enjoyed the festivities.
A catered bar was available with some friendly folks eager to serve you.
And there was a full lineup of musicians for background music throughout
the event, capping it off with local favorites, Spencer the Gardener.
Pictured above is… We’re not sure. She just jumped up and started playing!
Another surf legend, Denny Aaberg played some guitar for us.
Here he’s performing his tune “Crumple Car”, that Ziemer tells us was on the
soundtrack for George Greenough’s “Innermost Limits of Pure Fun”.
Meanwhile, old friends reconnected and laughed about the “good old days”.
Roland Yarnell sharing a few stories.
Branden and Valerie Aroyan were enjoying the scene.
Stokefest was an all ages event and there was plenty of room for the kiddies
to get away from all the people blabbing away.
Steve Talley , Rob Evans and Mark Livingston catching up.
Blake Reynolds and his lovely wife, Karen, having a good old time.
Ralph Brassachio keeping a watchful eye over Pesky.
And Steve Donnell keeping a watchful eye on Matt Bowlan.
Things got a little heavy when Ziemer wanted to see Dale Powers invite and threatened to call the security team. Then he remembered; Dale the security team….
John Lyle entertained the crowd with some quality acoustic guitar work.
His son, laying on the stage, seemed less than impressed.
Tommy Chamberlain was making the rounds.
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Anderson, aka Big Andy, with the host.
A crucial part of the Enforcement Team, two of the Taggart brothers.
Haskells shirt and claim to be a local.
This guy got the boot early on…
Dave Oettinger and his band, 20 Foot Faces, put in a quality set of music.
Otto stuck around afetrward to enjoy the stoke and to let his sweaty Randy Cone shirt dry out.
Zeem got this signed classic print as a gift from the legendary photographer
Steve Bissell.
Stoker was stoked, even more than usual.
Overall, the mood was one of joy and thankfulness for being lucky enough to enjoy life in the Good Land.
Gary Pearce, Steve Donnell, Cappy Pettersen, Jay Allen, Paul Baragona, Paul Monson and Erin Caird.
This sums it all up.
Ziemer and his wife Priscilla take a moment to breath.
You guys done good. Viva Goleta!
