La Jolla Merchants Group Backs Art & Wine Festival and Cove Swim Event Chris Lehoux, July 15, 2025 The La Jolla Village Merchants Association has officially endorsed two significant upcoming local events: the La Jolla Art & Wine Festival and the La Jolla Cove Swim. The association voted unanimously to write letters of support during their meeting on July 9. La Jolla Art & Wine Festival Scheduled for October 11-12, the La Jolla Art & Wine Festival aims to transform Girard Avenue and nearby streets into a hub of art and community spirit from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Organizer Laurel McFarlane expressed excitement about the festival’s potential for recognition at regional and national levels. However, the festival will involve street closures, which have raised concerns among local merchants. Some streets will begin closing at noon the day before the event and others at 3 p.m., causing potential confusion over parking. McFarlane assured that sidewalks will remain accessible during setup and throughout the event. Despite previous concerns, she has committed to keeping in touch with local businesses leading up to the festival to remind them about the closures. The festival has successfully raised over $1.5 million for La Jolla’s public schools since its inception. More details can be found on their official website. La Jolla Cove Swim The Cove Swim, taking place on September 7, has also received support from the merchants association, with races starting at 8 a.m. This swim event, recognized as "the swimming equivalent of the New York Marathon" by race director Aaron Brennan, will draw approximately 3,000 participants to La Jolla. Unlike the art festival, the Cove Swim does not involve street closures. Proceeds from the swim benefit the Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego, which provides swimming lessons to vulnerable communities. Registration and further information can be found on the event’s registration page. Both events reflect the community’s commitment to fostering local culture while addressing the concerns of nearby businesses. The next meeting of the La Jolla Village Merchants Association is scheduled for August 13 at the La Jolla/Riford Library, where they will continue to strategize and plan for community events. More about their activities can be accessed via lajollabythesea.com. About the Author: Chris Lehoux Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored! Wine