THE LAST WORD:Preview of the fun to come

Oct. 8 is going to be quite the party day for Newport Beach.

That day, of course, is the city’s Pier to Pier party to celebrate the end of its centennial. It is being billed as the biggest beach party ever on the West Coast.

But residents don’t have to wait two months to get a taste of the festivities. And they can even have a say in what the party will sound like.

On Aug. 20, during the city’s fourth annual Sunday Fun-Day at Bonita Canyon Sports Park, there will be a battle of bands hoping to play at the centennial bash. The winner will join Dick Dale and Sugar Ray, two of Newport Beach’s most famous musical groups. Maybe one of the bands on stage at the sports park will become the city’s third great contribution to the musical world. There’s only one way to find out. The battle begins at 3 p.m.