Sunset Celebration shines a light on the bay

Photos by Liliana Hecker/Herald

Finn Savarese, far left, Georgia Rector and Isabela Salanitri with mermaid Shipra Saraogi and juggler Martin Kalwill at Saturday’s Sunset Celebration event along the bay at Magnolia Boulevard.

Photos by Liliana Hecker/Herald

Sutter Yanowitch and Kasper Yanowitch on stage with Andy Fahy, the Silver Cowboy.

Photos by Liliana Hecker/Herald

Shipra Saraogi — a contortionist and fire-eater — entertained spectators at the Sunset Celebration event on Saturday.

Photos by Liliana Hecker/Herald

Art vendors displayed their wares.

Photos by Liliana Hecker/Herald

• 
• 
• 
• 

Although the boardwalk and beach have long been the main draws to Long Beach’s waterfront, one event is aiming to put a spotlight on the city’s bayfront. The Sunset Celebration — organized by Brian Braddish and presented in partnership with the City of Long Beach — provides a night of entertainment, art, music and food as the sun goes down over the bay.

“This is brand new and we’re trying to promote the city’s bayfront because it’s a real gem,” Braddish said.

To date, there have been two celebrations this summer, on July 25 and Aug. 15. A final night on the bay is scheduled for Sept. 5. The event is perfect for families, Braddish said, and runs from 5 to 9 p.m. at Magnolia Boulevard and the bay.

“The weather has been great so far and the responses from the people have been nice, and that’s really what it’s all about,” Braddish said. He added that he’d like to continue the event next summer as well.

Each celebration boasts handmade crafts, food vendors, balloon animals and street performers including fire-eaters, stilt-walkers and jugglers, as well as world music. Braddish said that the “King Wellington Band,” a reggae act, will be performing at the Sept. 5 event.

Braddish added that he’s grateful for the city’s cooperation with the event and for helping to promote it on their social media.