Thousands embrace arts community in West End Celebration

About 25 bands graced the stage and 100 artists and vendors took over Sand City for the 16th annual West End Celebration.

Locals and tourists got to enjoy performing arts, exhibits and live music.

Event goers said other than having fun, the celebration also opened their eyes to what Sand City has to offer.

“We wouldn’t have known any of this was here had it not been for this event,” said Laura Gomez of Seaside. “Sand City is kind of industrial. Unless you go to the big box stores you don’t really know all these little local shops exist.”

The three day festival is expected to draw in about 20, 000 over the weekend.