Crowds at this year's Banana Festival at the Port of Hueneme
Photo/Port of Hueneme
On September 27, more than 12,000 guests enjoyed themselves at the Port of Hueneme's Banana Festival, a yearly event that helps develop a better understanding and strengthen the bonds between the community and the port. The Port of Long Beach partnered with the Arts Council for Long Beach for Port of Long Beach Photo, a three-part photography learning experience for amateur and pro photographers alike.
3rd Annual Banana Festival at Port Of Hueneme Draws 12,000
On September 27, more than 12,000 guests enjoyed themselves at the Port of Hueneme's Banana Festival, a yearly event that helps develop a better understanding and strengthen the bonds between the community and the port.
The record crowd soaked up plenty of sunshine, exploring the port and Naval Base Ventura County with an emphasis on fun and excitement. Among the activities delighting visitors were the Port Pavilion, as well as water and landside tours that revealed the inner workings of the port in a thrilling new way.
Guests kept their energy up by indulging in the event's diversity of foods, including authentic tacos, BBQ taste sensations, smoothies, funnel cakes and, of course, tasty banana desserts. Residents received free bananas and pineapples from Chiquita and Del Monte, which added even more "nutritious and delicious" to their experience. Kids enjoyed another kind of treat – they got themselves royally splashed and played tic-tac-toe with the Seabees swimming in the event's hit attraction – the dive tank.
Port President and Commissioner Mary Anne Rooney noted, "While food, music, and games obviously are a big draw, the festival really is about the port and the community coming together and getting to know each other better. The event gives us a great opportunity to meet the residents of Port Hueneme and surrounding communities such as Oxnard. They, in turn, become better acquainted with us through the many tours, exhibits, shows, educational displays and a fascinating Port Pavilion. Ultimately, these learning experiences enable visitors to see how the port and local residents are mutually beneficial to the community's economic well-being."
"With this being the third season of our annual community event we added a new and fun twist – the dunk tank," said Kristin Decas, Port CEO. "This attraction raised $568, which will be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation."
General Manager of Del Monte, Chuck Caulkins, Commissioner Jason Hodge and Ms. Decas were just a few of the many participants who took the plunge, which was presented by Stevedore Company, Ports America. The festival also addressed community members who may be in special need by making the American Red Cross blood drive an integral part of the event.
"All in all, the festival was a resounding success,"
said Ms. Decas. "I want to thank all of our sponsors and other supporters.
Every one of you brought an authentic experience to the event and generously
shared what you do to touch the community in an impactful way."
Port of Long Beach Launches Community Photography Series
The Port of Long Beach partnered with the Arts Council for Long Beach for Port of Long Beach Photo, a three-part photography learning experience for amateur and pro photographers alike. The free program culminated with a gallery showing that is being held October 5-26 in conjunction with Long Beach Arts Month, which is an annual celebration of local arts and culture.
The series consists of a workshop taught by Port
photographers, followed by a twilight shoot aboard a boat. Both those events
took place in August and the participants submit their best pieces for the
juried gallery exhibit. At an opening reception at Liberty Gallery on October 4, winners of the
juried competition were announced.
