Photo by Andrea Swayne
By Andrea Papagianis
Spanning two weekends, March 2-3 and March 8-9, the 42nd Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales kicks off this Saturday with educational and entertainment happenings for the entire family.
The annual Festival Parade opens at 10 a.m. Saturday and features marching bands, floats, classic cars, horses and Macy’s Day Parade-style giant balloons. Pull up a lawn chair or stake out your piece of curb along the Pacific Coast Highway route from Selva Road to Golden Lantern. But remember, the road will be closed for vehicle traffic from 8 a.m. to noon.
After the parade, stop by the Street Fare Festival presented by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce at La Plaza Park. The family-friendly culinary-centric fair includes live music, over 80 craft, food and beverage booths and carnival-style games and attractions.
Swing by the Ocean Institute for a hands-on maritime history lesson aboard the tallship Pilgrim, as the volunteer crew explains the often turbulent relationship between humans and whales. Wander down the Harbor and check out local artists and Dana Hills student works the Art in the Park exhibit.
Wind down the day of excursions with an evening movie at Baby Beach. Bring your chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner as the City of Dana Point and Orange County present Flipper (1963). Free shuttles will run each day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. between most parking lots and festival locations. Check out www.festivalofwhales.com for more information on the festival and a full calendar of events.
Planning on attending?
Tweet and Instagram us @danapointtimes your festival pictures with #DPTimesFOW and we may feature them online or in an upcoming paper.
