Tropical moisture from Hurricane Delores that drenched Laguna Beach over the weekend rained out the Sunday production of the Pageant of the Masters, only the third cancellation since 1933.
City rain gauges at Main Beach and Top of the World estimate the storm dropped between a half-inch and three-quarters of an inch of rain locally, an unusually high total for July.
Patrons turned away from the Sunday night production were offered complimentary tickets in the back section throughout the remaining run of the show and forms allowing them to claim their ticket purchase as a donation, said spokeswoman Sharbie Higuchi. Like the Hollywood Bowl and the Greek Theater, the Festival does not offer refunds for any reason, including cancellation due to inclement weather.
While one exhibitor says she saw tickets holders prepared to watch the show in the rain,
the pageant director made the decision to cancel the show just a few minutes before the 8:30 show time. She cited safety concerns not only for patrons, but for volunteers who serve as the production’s cast, Higuchi said.
Storm-generated surf also built up anticipation that the 52nd annual Brooks Street Surf Classic would be held over the weekend, but contest director Brandy Faber postponed the locals-only contest midday Saturday, July 18.
The storm’s late arrival and predicted lightning – which did lead to beach closures throughout town for safety concerns – “would have made completion of the entire event this weekend improbable from a time standpoint,” Faber said.
The drenching apparently was not enough to overwhelm the city’s storm drains. City Public Works Director Steve May says staff was on hand to check drains and respond if needed, but no incidents came up.
