(Sept. 27, 2004) -- LBReport.com has learned that LB city management is holding discussions with Chris Pook, the man who brought the Grand Prix to LB and masterminded its rise into a major event, about building LB's Sea Festival into a larger, more ambitious event.

David Ashman. Manager of Special Events and Filming for the City of LB confirms to LBReport.com that he and Mr. Pook have held discussions for the past few weeks on the subject.

Mr. Ashman indicated that plans are being discussed that focus generally on developing LB's Sea Festival into an event that offers a number of activities that families could attend for several days at a time during the summer months.

"The hope is that when people choose vacation stops, they'll come to the Sea Festival, stay in one of our hotels for several days and take in all we have to offer locally. This could help reinforce LB as a destination market, especially for summertime vacationers, since LB can offer hotels, Aquarium visits, restaurants and access to other nearby attractions that LB and the southland hve to offer," Mr. Ashman said.

Mr. Ashman noted that LB's Sea Festival already includes a number of events ranging from fishing competitions to Dragon Boat races...and efforts will focus on creating a larger, more inclusive event with more continuity for families. "I believe that years ago, the Sea Festival was larger and included a number of other events," Mr. Ashman said.

Mr. Ashman credited Mr. Pook with the new, expanded concept and said City Manager Jerry Miller had asked Mr. Ashman to pursue the idea with Mr. Pook.

Mr. Ashman indicated that an organization, possibly a non-profit entity, may be established to oversee the enlarged LB Sea Festival as well as the event's community outreach, public participation and input.

Attempts by LBReport.com to reach Mr. Pook via his LB office were unsuccessful.

Developing.