Mission Bay’s “Bubble Queen” Enchants with Giant Bubbles

Giant, iridescent bubbles are captivating audiences at Mission Bay Park in San Diego, where Reggie Dyer Veit, known as the “Bubble Queen of Mission Bay,” has become a local sensation. With bubbles stretching between 8 to 12 feet, her artistry draws smiles and gasps from onlookers, transforming ordinary evenings into enchanting experiences.

Dyer Veit, who has lived in San Diego since 1987, began her journey into bubble artistry nearly 40 years ago after witnessing a bubble performer at the Ocean Beach Christmas Parade. “I just fell in love with it,” she recalled. Yet, life events delayed her pursuit of this passion until she spotted a bubble artist creating giant bubbles in Pacific Beach. That moment ignited a fervent dedication to learning the craft.

Over the past nine years, Dyer Veit has immersed herself in the world of bubbles, extensively researching bubble physics and history. She became a certified bubbleologist, a title that requires both theoretical knowledge and practical skill. “You have to take a test to become a bubbleologist,” she explained. One of her most complex tricks, called “the cube,” was inspired by renowned bubble artist Tom Noddy, known for his work on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.” This trick involves encapsulating bubbles to form a cube shape, showcasing the intricate art of bubble-making.

Dyer Veit has honed her bubble juice recipe, a closely guarded blend of five ingredients aside from water. This formula enables her creations to withstand winds, allowing bubbles to drift gracefully through the air. “If you can get a bubble to last over 30 seconds, that’s pretty good,” she noted, with some of her bubbles lasting nearly three minutes. October is typically her best month, as the humidity enhances the lifespan of her bubbles.

Mission Bay offers ideal conditions for her craft, but Dyer Veit also shares her art at locations such as La Jolla, Dog Beach in Ocean Beach, and the Torrey Pines Gliderport, where updrafts can elevate bubbles over cliffs. The reactions she garners from the audience range from awe to joy. One memorable moment occurred when a hawk circled one of her giant bubbles at De Anza Cove, creating an extraordinary scene.

Dyer Veit finds fulfillment in the joy her bubbles bring to others. “I know that I’m going to turn somebody’s day around,” she said, reflecting on the happiness she witnesses in both children and adults. Her apprenticeship with Steve Coy, who has joined her efforts for the past two years, has fostered a sense of community in bubble artistry. While Dyer Veit favors creating a few large bubbles, Coy enjoys releasing a cascade of 20 to 60 medium bubbles with each sweep of his wand.

Her passion extends beyond local parks. Dyer Veit embarked on a four-day train journey from Sacramento to Detroit, sharing her bubble artistry with people she met along the way. “Every time the train stopped long enough, I got off and did bubbles,” she shared. This experience not only spread joy but also transformed her own personality. Once shy, she found that creating bubbles helped her connect with others. “It just takes a little bubble in the air to change your whole attitude,” Dyer Veit said.

Now, spending most evenings at Mission Bay, Dyer Veit continues to enchant crowds with her vibrant bubbles. “Bubbles did that to me,” she reflected, expressing her gratitude for how this artistic pursuit has shaped her life. Her dedication to her craft not only creates moments of wonder but also reinforces the connections that bring people together.