Three top winners selected for their submissions to the 2024 Father’s Day at Monterey’s Old Fisherman's Wharf ‘s “Ultimate Dad Tribute Short Story Contest”

June, 2024, Monterey, CA –  Three winners have been selected for their heartfelt submissions to the "Old Fisherman’s Wharf Ultimate Dad Tribute Short Story Contest .

Savanna Harris won First Place and $100 in Wharf Dollar Certificates for this short essay plus a “must see” video that demonstrated her story (see attached).

“For over 20 years, my dad has volunteered as a marshal at the renowned AT&T Pro Am in Pebble Beach. Every February, he submits his vacation request and awaits another exciting week at the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links. For most of his time there, he and his team have manned the challenging 8th hole. If you've ever visited the 8th hole, you’ll know about the gap between the tee and the green. Occasionally, a stray shot from a pro or amateur golfer, or a sudden gust of wind, sends the ball down the cliff, seemingly lost forever.

But not when my dad, Randy, is there.

Early in his volunteering days, he noticed how often balls ended up down the cliff and realized someone needed to retrieve them. That's when he created the now-famous "Randy Hook Cliff Slide." One moment, you see him signaling the crowd to stay quiet, and the next, he's sprinting and sliding down the cliff to find the ball.

There was one particularly memorable incident when a celebrity golfer saw my dad "falling" down the cliff and rushed over, concerned that a marshal had taken a tumble. One of my dad’s fellow marshals assured the celebrity, “He meant to do that.” Ever since, this daring maneuver has made him a legend among volunteers, golfers, and spectators alike.
 

This story is a perfect example of my dad’s character. He’s fearless, always willing to take risks, and loves making people laugh, even if it means embarrassing himself. I admire this about him because, unlike many who keep their guard up, he’s never afraid to be goofy and genuine.

My dad’s adventurous spirit and sense of humor have not only made him a beloved figure at the Pro Am but also an inspiring presence in my life.

 P.S. I grew up with my dad taking me to watch the sea lions and fish off Old Fisherman’s Warf II while always stopping for a “hub cap” size pancake from LouLou’s Griddle in the middle. So this wharf has a huge place in my heart and my dads.”

2.  Barbara Siebeneick – 2^nd Place Winner - $50 in Whard Dollars

My Father, George Ferguson, isn’t a hero, at least that’s what he would have said. He interrupted his college years to serve in the Pacific in WWII and, luckily, returned home without injury. He said the ones who died there were the real heroes.

He worked six days a week to support his wife and four kids. He said, “I just did what any man would do.” From that hard-earned cash he managed to save enough for all of us to attend college without taking out loans.  He said, “It was the least he could do for us.”

However, when I was young, our family decided to go into San Francisco from our Bay Area home. We each put on our best clothes and my father wore a suit and hat. I don’t know why, but that day we decided to go by train into the city. While we were waiting for the train to arrive, we saw a couple of children squatted down on the tracks. Maybe they were putting coins on the rails for the train to flatten or maybe this was something they did every day. We were all watching them when suddenly a train appeared. They seemed oblivious to the danger. While all the waiting passengers watched in frozen horror, my father started running down the tracks.  His hat flew off, his wallet and keys dropped from his pockets. The train had seen the children and was blasting its horn. Dad arrived where the children were and grabbed them by the hands as he ran. They reached safety just as the train barreled by. When the train had passed, he quietly walked back to us, picking up his things as he went, straightened his tie, smoothed his hair and put on his hat. Pulling the tickets from his wallet, we got on the train and left for the big city.

I don’t remember what we did in San Francisco or why we went, what I remember from that day was my father. He ran toward danger when every one else was watching the tragedy unfold. He was my hero that day. When he was in the hospital at the end of his life, I asked him about it. He just shrugged his shoulders and said, “Somebody had to do it.”

3. Karli Berry – 3^rd Place - $25 in Wharf Dollars

“My dad has accomplished quite a lot in his life of living on the Monterey coast being a contractor. Countless challenges coming his way but always finding a way to persevere. Recently he had a terrible work injury that left him temporarily paralyzed in his arms and neck with painful nerve damage. But that never stopped him from wanting to help neighbors and family. Whether it was changing a lightbulb or helping renovating houses he was always happy to help. Even if he was in pain or tired, he never wanted to disappoint. I’ve taken his motivation to keep going and tried to apply that in all aspects of my life. To never give up and have hope that things will always work out even if it doesn’t always seem like it will. Almost 3 years later and still having many lingering problems, my dad continues to be the strong person he is and I hope to persevere in life just as he has.”

About Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf

Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey, California, is a historic waterfront district with a rich legacy spanning over 178 years. Established in 1845 for passenger and freight services, the Wharf is conveniently situated near Downtown Monterey, just off the Monterey Recreation Trail.

The Wharf boasts ten exceptional restaurants, four fish markets, and seven gift shops, all highlighting the region’s cultural heritage and fresh seafood cuisine. Visitors can enjoy award-winning dining, family-friendly events, and breathtaking views of the Monterey Bay. With both outdoor and indoor dining options, guests can savor stunning harbor views or engage in vibrant people-watching.

Gastronomy enthusiasts can delight in a variety of culinary offerings, from Italian cuisine and sustainable seafood to steaks and pizza, including the area’s famous clam chowder and calamari. The Wharf's three candy shops and an ice cream shop offer a wide array of treats, such as saltwater taffy, homemade chocolates, caramel apples, and cotton candy. Wildlife enthusiasts can observe sea otters, sea lions, dolphins, whales, and seabirds up close. Fishing aficionados can watch locals and chartered boats bring in their daily catches.

In addition to its dining and shopping attractions, Old Fisherman’s Wharf features four whale-watching tour companies staffed with knowledgeable marine biologists and naturalists, two fishing charters, sailing excursions, and glass-bottom boat rides that explore the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Recognized as the "Whale Watching Capital of the World," Old Fisherman's Wharf draws around 4 million visitors annually. It also served as a prominent filming location for HBO's acclaimed series, Big Little Lies, Season 1.

Whether it’s enjoying award-winning cuisine, observing marine life, or taking a scenic stroll, Old Fisherman’s Wharf is an essential destination for anyone visiting Monterey, California.

Ample parking is available in the adjacent parking lot.

For more information, visit www.montereywharf.com or call (831) 238-0777.