2024 Super Bowl party at American Legion Post 291 (Photo: Lauren Sherwin)

Orange County-based, family business Crisp Imaging, in collaboration with the Stanley W. Ekstrom Foundation, organized a grand Super Bowl LVIII celebration at The American Legion Newport Harbor Post 291 in Newport Beach. The event, now in its 13th year, honored 300 active-duty Marines from Camp Pendleton and over 200 Veterans.

Marines were welcomed by USC cheerleaders and The Marines’ Hymn as they arrived. Gary Crisp, the CEO of Crisp Imaging and the event’s organizer, expressed the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by Service Members. 

The day was filled with food and entertainment, including surf, jazz, and blues music, performances by Little Kahuna, the USC Marching Band, and rappers Obie Trice and Kurupt. Raffles and cash giveaways added to the excitement, with lucky winners walking away with big-screen TVs. Guests were also treated to a Lucha Libre Mexican-style wrestling and magic show.

Attendees enjoyed limo rides and boat cruises around Newport Bay, along with personal services such as haircuts, cigars, and therapeutic massages. The festivities continued with Polynesian Fire Dancers and Vegas showgirls entertaining during game breaks. Multiple big-screen TVs were set up throughout the Legion Post for an immersive viewing experience of the San Francisco 49ers vs. Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl.

A prime rib dinner was served during halftime. Post-game festivities featured a performance by American Idol star Perry O’Neal with the Don Ross Band. The event also featured a variety of activities, from arm-wrestling to video games, and guests had the opportunity to mingle with professional athletes. The event fostered personal connections and appreciation between younger recruits and seasoned Veterans.

The event’s success was made possible through the support of numerous sponsors and donors, including Monster Energy, Coca-Cola, and the University of Southern California. Proceeds from the event will support the Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group, providing assistance to Marines and their families stationed at Camp Pendleton. 

Gary Crisp and his son Carter, Vice President of Marketing at Crisp Imaging, succeeded in creating a day of fun and appreciation for the Military personnel and Veterans in attendance. Overall, the Super Bowl LVIII event at Legion Post 291 was a heartfelt tribute to the dedication and sacrifice of the local military community.

Author: Rikki Almanza

Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.