10,000 Californians Moon Amtrak

by Rose A. Valenta

Every year on the second Saturday of July, thousands of people gather in Laguna Niguel, California, to moon Amtrak.

The annual tradition has been celebrated for the past 35 years and is also known as "Orange County's Mardi Gras." Tailgating is encouraged.

An entire website is dedicated to the event, which is sponsored by a local tavern called Mugs Away Saloon.

Some of the year-round residents have complained of disorderly conduct by attendees, but city council has allowed the event to continue as long as folks don’t drink in public or pee on the fire hydrant outside.

This year, on July 12, 2013, over 10,000 people went loco along the chain link fence across from Mugs Away Saloon in front of an Amtrak locomotive.

The Governor and First Lady did not attend this year's event, so they sent Nancy Pelosi, who did her "Liar Liar Pants on Fire" routine out in front of the 6:24 pm South.

The next event is planned on July 15, 2014 Night Mooning starts promptly at 8:00 pm, bring a flashlight.