By JOE O'CONNELL, scbbqa Vice President

REDONDO BEACH, California --  The Association hosted Joe O'Connell's July 4th beach barbecue for members, family and friends.

The barbecue was held at the Redondo Beach Seaside Lagoon.  The lagoon is a fixture in the South Bay.  The lagoon is a gated facility with warm ocean water, sandy beaches, grass areas, water slides and play areas for the kids.  The admission charge is usually $3.50 per person, but, thanks to the Association's sponsorship, scbbqa members and guests were admitted without charge.  The Association also arranged for free parking for members, which saved $20.00 per car. 

The day was dedicated to "backyard" fun -- without any contest or cookoff.  And, of course, without any cost.  Most members arrived around noon and enjoyed an afternoon of sun and fun.  The lagoon is adjacent to the yacht club, and members relaxed while watching the sail boats come and go across the marina basin, a few feet away.

Lunch was at 2:00 p.m. and included barbecue ribs, sausage, world-class 9-meat chile, and with sides of potato salad, Corky's slaw, red, yellow and orange grilled bell peppers stuffed with Monterey Jack, Santa Maria pinquito beans, and other side dishes.  Most of the kids opted for grilled hot dogs with green ketchup.  The Association fed not only the members and guests but also hosted lunch for a dozen Redondo Beach lifeguards, many of whom had never before tasted authentic barbecue.  The lifeguards enjoyed the food and were truly grateful for being invited to join the members for lunch.

During the afternoon, kids played in the lagoon, overseen by the watchful lifeguards as well as parents.  Some played on the water slides, sat under water falls or climbed atop water fountains, while others made castles in the sand and played on the swings and merry go round.

At 6:00 p.m., everyone except scbbqa members and guests left the lagoon, so it became a private party with swimming, music, dancing (in the adjacent Chiller's Club), dinner and the fireworks show.  The only people who remained in the seaside lagoon were scbbqa members and guests as well as the City of Redondo Beach lifeguards.

Dinner was at 7:00 p.m.  Many late-comers arrived for dinner and the fireworks show.  Before dinner, everyone enjoyed a variety of hors d'oeuvres and fine wine, followed by a dinner of Santa Maria barbecue tri-tip, fresh Albacore and Yellow Tail, grilled chicken, spice sausages, and lots of side dishes.

After dinner, some children swam in the lagoon while others enjoyed the playground equipment.  The adults relaxed, some with adult beverages and fine cigars.

At 9:00 pm, the fireworks began.  Members and guests sat at the water's edge and watched as the fireworks burst overhead and reflected in the water.  The evening was clear, calm and warm - a perfect evening for celebrating Independence Day.

Joe O'Connell has been organizing the traditional July 4th beach party (as well as the Memorial and Labor Day beach parties) for many years.  Other members also contributed to the success of the day and brought great food, including Andy Refalo (ribs), Jay Diener (chile), Perry Smith (fresh fish), Scott Chambers (chicken and tri-tip), Melanie Jones (kids' food), Mark Drabkin (Santa Maria pinquito beans), and many others.