Huntington Beach Labour of Love

Record Crowd Attends Music Fest at Bolsa Chica State Beach

By Chris MacDonald

More than 20,000 people of all ages and many cultures enjoyed the Labour of Love Music Fest, Sept. 1st at Bolsa Chica State Beach (near Huntington Beach).

"It was the largest crowd we ever had," said Pastor Joe Pedick of Calvary Chapel of the Harbour, who founded the Music Fest. "This was California's first ever Official State Beach Concert, when we debuted it six years ago."

The popular attraction featured an Air Force flyover, Marine Color Guard, the National Anthem (sung by well-known singer and Huntington Beach City Councilwoman Jill Hardy), carnival games, rock-climbing, bungee-jumping, face-painting and nationally known entertainers.

"This was the first time I've ever played at a beach," said singer and multiple Grammy Award-nominee Matthew West, who has written songs performed by Country Music stars Billy Ray Cyrus and Rascal Flatts as well as many Christian artists. "It was a fantastic experience in a perfect setting. Not only was there the ocean, wetlands and distant mountains but thousands of happy concertgoers as far as I could see!"

The free concert, which also featured hit artists, such as singer Hollyn, Jordan Feliz, Manafest and Anchored247, was made possible by 400 volunteers, many from a variety of Southern California churches.

Volunteer Dr. Terry Robertson, Ph.D, who helped oversee the 3-day festival setup and teardown, said it truly was a "labor of love." "Everyone worked so well and so hard to make this happen. What a blessing!" He said more than 35 men from the Beacon House in San Pedro, which helps people overcome addictions, did a "super" job assisting in the massive effort. Even Robertson's wife, Shelly volunteered. The former Nevada gold mine truck driver was in charge of trash pick-up.

Craig Peterson, a graphic designer from Westminster, said volunteering was so much fun "because everyone was so 'up' and positive. We all worked together. It was like putting together a giant jigsaw puzzle of joy!"

Tom Budds, owner of 3 T's Fanware and Wares, flew in from Tennessee to be one of many vendors. "I love this event and come every year for the music, fellowship and sales," he said.

Orange County Supervisor Michelle Steel's Official Proclamation was presented to the Music Fest for helping bring together such a huge, diverse crowd from different cultures in a safe, family-friendly, positive environment.

Labour of Love Music Festival September 1, 2018, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | 2019 TBA

Bolsa Chica State Beach
17851 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA
Free, labouroflovemusicfest.com

Line up: Matthew West | Jordan Feliz | Hollyn | Manafest | Anchored 247

This annual Christian music festival held on Labor Day Weekend features top acts in the genre. Vendors sell arts & crafts, there are food vendor options and rides for the kiddies. With an all-free admission (except for state beach parking,) you can't beat this wholesome festival of fun to rock you into Fall.

Shuttle buses run between The Boeing Company: 2201 Seal Beach Blvd., Seal Beach, CA 90740 (near the intersection of Westminster Ave. and Apollo Dr.; just off of Westminster Ave., about 1/4 mile west of Seal Beach Blvd.) and Bolsa Chica State Beach. Free shuttles will run every 15 minutes starting at 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.