About Ocean Fest
Ocean Fest is more than a coastal festival. It is a gathering of people who believe the ocean deserves to be celebrated, respected, and protected.
What began in 2019 as a community event in Surf City has grown into a movement that brings together live music, surfing, local businesses, environmental education, family-friendly activities, and meaningful opportunities to give back—all in support of Mother Ocean.
Ocean Fest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, tax ID 87-2990341.
Making a Lasting Impact
Since our inaugural festival in 2019, Ocean Fest has awarded more than $140,000 in grants to environmental nonprofits that share our commitment to ocean conservation.
These grants have supported efforts including:
Marine debris removal
Environmental education
Protection of critical coastal habitats
Opposition to offshore drilling
Development of the next generation of ocean stewards
Every sponsorship, donation, ticket purchase, volunteer hour, and festival experience helps create a ripple that extends far beyond the event itself.
“Festival of the Year”
~ 2023, North Carolina Festivals & Events
“Best Green Event”
~2023 & 2024, Southeast Festivals & Events
TEAM OCEAN FEST
Liz Trojan – Event Director
Mark Boyle – Operations/Security
Jill Bankus – Sustainability/Eco
Amy Sydes - Sponsors
Rachel Carter – Vendors/Food Trucks
Chris Sydes - Operations
Rich Beatty – Security
Victoria Fincham – Volunteers/Comm
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Mark Anders
Chairman / Co-Founder
Happily addicted to surfing, Mark makes a point of getting into the ocean daily. When he’s not in the water, Mark is busy bringing new creative projects to life as an award-winning writer, photographer, and filmmaker. He served as the organization’s Executive Director from 2019-2023 and currently sits as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mark sees Ocean Fest as a way to give something meaningful back to Mother Ocean.
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Cory Sydes
Co-Founder
Cory is an area local, avid surfboard collector, founder of the Topsail Island Longboard Association, and Store Manager at Home Depot. He helped to launch Ocean Fest in 2019 and continues to oversee its success today through the Board and his contributions to the organization’s year-round operations.
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Cody Leutgens
Co-Founder
Cody is a Surf City native, an esteemed resident ripper, founder of Surf City Surf School, and co-owner of the local favorite eatery Shaka Taco. He helped launch Ocean Fest in 2019, and today, he brings his local business expertise and love for his hometown and all things surfing to the team.
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Steve Pasquantonio
Treasurer
As co-owner of the beloved local institution Daddy Mac’s Beach Grill and North Shore Juice, Steve brings authentic community ties and business expertise to the Board. A surfer, longtime local, and former biology school teacher, Steve views Ocean Fest as a way to give back to what he loves most.
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Luke Anders
Secretary
Luke was integral to Ocean Fest’s strategic growth from its inception, playing a key role in developing the organization’s brand strategy and executing marketing initiatives that drove regional growth and recognition. As a marketer at a Fortune 50 consumer goods company, Luke brings both deep organizational knowledge of Ocean Fest and professional marketing expertise to the Board.
Experience the Heart of Ocean Fest
Ocean Fest is more than a festival - it’s a community coming together to celebrate, protect, and give back to the ocean we all love. From live music and local vendors to family fun, environmental education, and unforgettable coastal moments, every smile, every volunteer, and every sponsor helps create lasting impact well beyond the day.
Press play and experience what makes Ocean Fest such a special day on the Carolina coast.