Posted by Chamber Day Committee on April 27, 2004 at 08:59:34:
When this event started, we had a little over 200 divers participating and everyone left from 22nd Street Landing in San Pedro. This year, we'll have close to 400 divers participating leaving from 8 different landings (9, if you want to count the Flying Dutchman's mythical home port). In fact, 22nd Street is longer the #1 departure point for us (that would be Queen's Wharf by a slim margin). Because of all of that, the tradition of having all the prizes at 22nd Street (with Billy Wright in his tuxedo) doesn't seem to make any sense. So starting this year, a new "tradition" will be borne.
Next week, you'll be able to pick up your prizes from 4-8PM at the Aquarium of the Pacific. We'll have a table set up (with Billy in his tux until about 6:30PM - then a non-tuxed staffer after that) in front of the Aquarium near the traffic circle. YOU WILL NOT NEED TO PARK IN THE PARKING STRUCTURE. Simply drive up, pull over to the curb, come see us, and collect your prize.
For those not doing the evening event, AoP is no more than a 15-minute from any of the landings (except San Diego). For those attending the evening event, park your car, come get your prize, take it back to you car, and then go inside.
Overall, we think this will make it much easier for everyone involved and should afford all winners the opportunity to receive their prizes on the same day as the event.
Ken Kurtis
Chairman, Chamber Day/Eve 2004