‘It’s a big community’: Supergirl Surf Festival draws record crowd to Jacksonville Beach

The Supergirl Surf Festival is wrapping up a big weekend in Jacksonville Beach, bringing together female athletes, musicians and families to celebrate women in sports and beyond.

Organizers say this year’s event drew a record number of people. They said the festival brought out roughly 30,000 people on the first day, and Sunday’s final day was set to wrap up with more competition and music.

Girls and women of all ages took over the beach for the two-day event, which gave girls the chance to show off their skills in 14 sports, including surfing, volleyball and flag football.

“I’m super excited for today,” said surfer Auburn Hilley.

Athlete Dahlia Albrecht said the festival’s sense of community is what she loves about it.

“I just love that because I feel like it’s a big community of girls and, like, competitive, and how we come out here and play sports,” Albrecht said.

A teammate said having a crowd made a difference. “Got tons of people here cheering us on,” she said.

Parents say that support is what makes the event special, giving girls a chance to build confidence, make connections and encourage one another.

“This is an awesome experience for sure,” said Fiorella Albrecht, a mom. “Seeing all the girls come out here and just seeing the different sports, surfing, volleyball, I mean, lots of fun.”

Stacey Taylor, another mom, said the event helps shy girls come out of their shells.

“For girls who are shy and come out to this, like, they have such a good connection with each other, so they kind of amp each other up for victory,” Taylor said.

The energy extended beyond the athletes. Families and spectators who came for the competition or the concert also said the festival is creating a community.

“I’m glad that women are coming out and taking advantage of everything and checking out other women being so strong,” said spectator Lauren Lawson.

Organizers said they are already planning for next year’s festival.

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