The streets of Avalon were lit up with over a thousand people from across the country who were “up for whatever” last weekend.
Positive vibes, spontaneous energy and great entertainment filled Front Street, the Casino and Descanso Beach for Whatever, USA, which was a success for both contestant winners and Island residents.
For those in attendance, they were treated with performances by Diplo, G-Eazy, Kip Moore, Snoop Dogg, Girl Talk, Postmodern Jukebox, Lil Jon and much more.
The streets of Avalon were lit up with over a thousand people from across the country who were “up for whatever” last weekend.
Positive vibes, spontaneous energy and great entertainment filled Front Street, the Casino and Descanso Beach for Whatever, USA, which was a success for both contestant winners and Island residents.
For those in attendance, they were treated with performances by Diplo, G-Eazy, Kip Moore, Snoop Dogg, Girl Talk, Postmodern Jukebox, Lil Jon and much more.
“It was an awesome event; it was unbelievable,” said Councilmember Joe Sampson.
Sampson along with Mayor Ann Marshall, Councilmember Cinde MacGugan-Cassidy and City Manager Ben Harvey shared the stage with Lil Jon on the final day of the event to accept the donation from Bud Light to buy artificial turf for Joe Machado Field.
“It was fun getting to share the stage with Lil Jon, but the $500,000 is and amazing donation because it benefits Avalon,” said Harvey.
The event brought to the Island a young demographic that can be usually seen in Catalina but not in such abundance, said Sampson.
“All these kids that came over had great spirits, great attitudes and had strictly good positive fun, and so did the community,” said Sampson.
One of the worries before the event was the public drunkenness factor and whether or not the contestant winners would behave themselves.
“Our goal for last weekend was to help ensure that every guest, resident and visitor enjoyed the island experience in the safest manner possible,” said Capt. Doug Fetteroll.
“From a public safety perspective, I found the event to be a resounding success as there were no significant incidents or arrests. The visitors to the island were well behaved, respectful and very appreciative of the community members’ kindness and hospitality throughout the weekend,” Fetteroll said.
The contest winners came to have a great time at a once-in-a-lifetime event and that energy could be felt by anyone who witnessed Whatever, USA.
People could be found dancing on Front Street at all hours of the day in all sorts of costumes and get-ups.
And when they weren’t having a blast soaking in the Catalina sun, many sought out refuge in the many Crecent Avenue restaurants.
El Galleon seemed to never have a quiet moment as the karaoke machine was in full accord with people singing their hearts out on the mic while the crowd played back-up singers.
From an economic standpoint, the businesses in and out of the The District, the area allotted for Whatever, USA, did quite well.
“I would say everyone felt it was successful,” said Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce CEO Jim Luttjohann.
“There was an immediate return and a long run return as we had exposure all over social media. I’ve heard comments that the tipping in restaurants was good, and to have this event come in-between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July is great,” Luttjohann said.
Luttjohann also commented that a couple from Colorado almost canceled their trip to Catalina because of Whatever, USA, but didn’t and then wrote him after saying how wonderful a time they had.
The event was part of a big commercial production that will give Catalina Island exposure nationwide, and it also served to kick-off the Island’s busy season: summer.
“It’s a great opportunity and it’s going to spur interest on the Island for a long time to come,”said Harvey.
Not everyone was pleased with the event, but the fact that such a large-scale entertainment event occurred illustrates what the Island is capable of.
“We needed this for the Island. It set a precedent for the future that we can have more events like this,” said Sampson.
“We showed that we can utilize our community as we should, and I feel it’s going to trickle down and have a reverberating effect on our economy,” he said.
This year’s busy season is on the way and with the exposure that Catalina has already had it’s safe to say that this could be a busy summer.
Tell us what you think about the Whatever U.S.A. event. Email your comments and/or photographs to editor@thecatalinaislander.com.
