That’s why it is so important for the OB community to always put our best foot forward and keep our visitors coming back year after year. The 4th of July is one of those days when we have the opportunity to show off all that OB has to offer to thousands of tourists. However, in previous years, we have seen first-hand the trouble caused by the unregulated tradition of the “marshmallow war” after the fireworks show.

In 2013, the Ocean Beach Town Council responded to an overwhelming call from OB residents and business owners to put an end to the “war.” Residents asked the Town Council to take action because bystanders – including a child and a senior citizen — were injured in the melee, businesses were damaged, and more than 2,000 pounds of trash were left behind on the beach and Veterans Plaza. The 2013 cleanup cost thousands of dollars and the negative publicity lasted for days. Our resolution calling for an end to the “war” passed by unanimous vote.

In 2014 and 2015, the Ocean Beach Town Council and other community groups led a campaign to “Mallow Out” and end the Marshmallow War.  We were quite successful with sources stating a 90% reduction in the amount of marshmallow goo on our streets – but we need your help to ensure that tourists and residents alike ‘make smore’s, not wars’ with their marshmallows on July 4, 2016!

Mallow Out Pledge

Click here to download and distribute the Mallow Out Pledge! 

Please help with the Mallow Out Campaign by getting local businesses and residents to pledge to Mallow Out!

OBTC Resolution

Read the official resolution passed unanimously by the Ocean Beach Town Council.

Post Fireworks Clean-up

Join us at Veterans Plaza (end of Newport Avenue) immediately after the OB Fireworks on the 4th of July at approximately 9:30pm to Mallow Out and help keep our beaches and streets and community clean – we’ll provide gloves and bags for cleanup.

Morning-after mess clean-up

Although the notorious Marshmallow War has been cancelled, please lend a hand in keeping our community — and environment —clean. Join us and Surfrider Foundation – San Diego Chapter to help cleanup our community the morning after 4th of July festivities!

Support Local Businesses That Take the Pledge

We’re updating this page for 2016. Please support businesses that promote the beautification and betterment of Ocean Beach by signing the Mallow Out Pledge and agreeing not to sell marshmallows before — or on — the Fourth of July. Visit our Facebook page for a list of local businesses that have taken the pledge.

That’s why it is so important for the OB community to always put our best foot forward and keep our visitors coming back year after year. The 4th of July is one of those days when we have the opportunity to show off all that OB has to offer to thousands of tourists. However, over the last few years, we have seen first-hand the trouble caused by the unregulated tradition of the “marshmallow war” after the fireworks show.

Last year, the Ocean Beach Town Council responded to an overwhelming call from OB residents and business owners to put an end to the “war.” Residents asked the Town Council to take action because bystanders – including a child and a senior citizen — were injured in the melee, businesses were damaged, and more than 2,000 pounds of trash were left behind on the beach and Veterans Plaza. The cleanup cost thousands of dollars and the negative publicity lasted for days. Our resolution calling for an end to the “war” passed by unanimous vote.

Come learn about our R.I.P. Marshmallow War public relations campaign, MALLOW-OUT and sign the pledge to not throw marshmallows, and sign up to volunteer for the Peace Patrol and collect marshmallows (which will be donated to local Girl Scout troops).

We’ll also be collecting a final round of signatures on the Petition to Support the OB Community Plan and preserve our small-scale character.

Click here for our AGENDA. Click here to RSVP on Facebook!

The OB Town Council hosts public meetings on the 4th Wednesday every month except November and December. Regular speakers include local leaders, political, business and law enforcement representatives, as well as members from all corners of the Ocean Beach community. Whether you’re a long-time OB-cean or just want to learn more about OB, all are welcome!

Check out a photo gallery of fireworks photos on the OBMA Facebook page.