The Happening at Festivus Organicus

Pardon the buzz kill, but here’s an SAT question for you:

If ASR is like being “all jacked up on Mountain-Dew,” then “the cool stimulant of organic yerba-mate” is similar to __________?

The answer: Festivus Organicus

Festivus what, you ask? In a nutshell, Festivus Organicus is the surf-convention answer to Andy Warhol’s 1960’s Factory (Minus Truman Capote, gunshots and red couch debauchery, of course). In this regard, the Festivus is a hyper-dynamic environment where uber-creative people exhibit fine clothing, techie wetsuits, rare art, and even rarer surfboards. In short, it’s a three-day celebration of surf ingenuity where merchant folks and casual onlookers alike are encouraged to come as they are and admire some artistry. Folks seen at last year’s Festivus include Skip Frye, Hans Hagen, Daniel Thomson, Eric “Bird” Huffman, Andrew Kidman and Neil Purchase, Jr.

The Festivus takes place inside a mid-century modern downtown loft, headquarters to the good people at Swift Movement. With wood flooring, high ceilings and furniture that would make Austin Powers jealous, Festivus is also a testament to tasteful interior décor. Better yet, the microbrews and live music are guaranteed to be very good and very free (twist your arm, right?).

Participants at January’s Festivus included Ando, Swift Movement and Matuse. 2007 marks the third installment of this event. Once again, Swift, Matuse and Friends are part of the lineup.

Let’s face it: The twice-a-year convention-center ASR show is a well-known industry necessity. Energy drinks and fish net stockings notwithstanding, buyers meet distributors, orders are (hopefully) placed and good business ensues. Despite the fresh-coat of sticker bombing—and city-wide Red Bull/Vodka hangover—it’s always a sad sight when the convention center shuts down on the show’s last day.

And though you might spend most of your ASR efforts at the trade show, after you’ve digested the sights of bikini models and Volcom’s latest theme, Festivus Organicus will be waiting for you…As a wholesome and healing environment to view (and order) some of the surf industry’s finest.

The Festivus Organicus Address:

The Swift Movement Barnyard & Stock Corral
340 16th St. – Between “J” & “K” Ave.
Downtown San Diego (619) 696-0677