"Monrovia Students Attend World's Fair of Surfing," by Mary Root and Barbara Sperske, ran in the Monrovia Daily News-Post on January 5, 1963. The Los Angeles Surf Fair, as it was officially called, took place on December 27-28. This text below has been slightly edited and shortened.

Many Monrovia High students and those from surrounding areas recently attended the World's Fair of Surfing at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. The world s largest assemblage of surfing equipment was exhibited. It provided surfing enthusiasts with an opportunity to view the latest styles in surfboards. swimwear, surfing accessories, and many related items. Larry Stevenson was the director of the fair and estimated that the largest audience ever to attend such an event was present during the two-day run of the fair.

There were nearly 20 custom-restored wooden station wagons (commonly known as Woodies) on display. Other features, such as the Surfing Art Display featuring oil paintings of exciting surf action, were shown. Spectators were treated to a rare sight when the history of surfing was unveiled. Old-time surfboards, some of which were 30 or more years old and made of heavy redwood and mahogany and weighing nearly 100 pounds, were also on display.

Many surf clubs from Southern California took part in the fair and had displays. Manufacturers and distributors of surfing and related water sports equipment welcomed the opportunity to reach a selective market for their products. Because the emphasis of this show was on surfing, surfers in the market for replacement or improved gear were able to make considered judgments from the all-inclusive exhibits.

Surf Club Row was the first set of exhibits. Each club exhibited its emblem, banners, trophies, club constitution and bylaws, club sweaters, surf trunks, and so forth. The Surf Fair donated this premium space to the clubs so that more of the public could sec the true surfer. This was done in hopes that surfing would be able to gain a better reputation.

Appearing at the Surf Fair were the Surf Side Four, the Shenendoahs, and Capital recording stars the Beach Boys. Appearing Friday night, the Beach Boys sang their hit records. Their original record, “Surfin’,’' is a song about the sport they like so well. It was an instant hit on the West Coast and later became a hit in other parts of the country.

The Beach Boys consist of five very talented young men; Mike Love (lead vocalist), Dennis Wilson (drummer), Brian Wilson, Carl Wilson, and Dave Marks (all guitarists). An interesting fact to note is that four of the five are related. Dennis, Brian, and Carl are brothers, and Mike is their cousin. Dave is their talented next-door neighbor from Hawthorne. Mike and Brian collaborated in writing their first hit, “Surfin’."

Surf Fair is sponsoring activities for 1963. Among those are year-round surfing events, with at least four big surf contests; the publication of a newsletter announcing future events such as films, surfing competitions, rallies and dances. There will be a Surfer's Masquerade Ball to be held during Spring vacation and to coincide with a surfing contest in the South Bay area. All surfers and their dates who come to the Ball will be required to wear costumes, and top entertainers will be featured. Details about these activities will be announced in early 1963.

LOS ANGELES SURF FAIR '62: "THE WORLD'S LARGEST ASSEMBLAGE OF SURFING EQUIPMENT," PLUS THE BEACH BOYS AND A WOODY SHOW!

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