A weekend for Crystal Cove

June Casagrande

Back in the cove’s glory days, revelers would hoist the martini flag

to symbolize the spirit of their beach bashes.

Well, those glory days are back in an event designed to preserve

the spirit of days gone by for future generations to enjoy.

“Celebrating the Past ... and Rebuilding for the Future” is a

two-day series of events this weekend to raise money for restoration

of the Crystal Cove Historic District and to educate the public about

the district’s rich heritage.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” said Laura Davick, spokeswoman

for the Alliance to Rescue Crystal Cove.

On Saturday evening, there will be a tropical gala that includes

dinner at the beach, an art exhibit and sale of plein air paintings,

a silent auction and awards ceremonies to honor some of the cove’s

best friends. At 4:30 p.m., partyers will raise the “martini flag” --

a flag with a picture of a martini on it -- just as they did in the

old days.

On Sunday, admission is free to the “Plein Air art and

Environmental Fair,” which will include the work of more than 50

local artists, displays from area environmental organizations and

raffle prizes.

Entertainment both days will include antique woody cars, hula

dancers and a steel drum band.

“It’s really reminiscent of the early days of Crystal Cove in the

1930s and ‘40s,” Davick said.

The events also mark a change in name and in focus for the

alliance. The organization’s new name, the Crystal Cove Alliance,

reflects its new role as the nonprofit partner of the State Parks

Department in raising funds and working to preserve the historic

district.