City of Dana Point 2009 Festival of Whales…

Saturday, March 7th/ Sunday March 8th
Saturday, March 14th/Sunday March 15th

It’s nice when our community comes together, and this year there is an exceptional range of activities to choose from for all ages. Here’s a brief overview of the Calendar for the 2009 Festival of Whales…

Each weekend the Street Faire will be located in the Dana Point Plaza. If you are not familiar with the location, it ’s on Pacific Coast Highway (the northbound side) between Golden Lantern and Violet Lantern, in the same location as Hennessey’s Tavern and the Chevron gas station, and across the street from the Harbor House Cafe (the red restaurant on PCH).

The Street Faire will be hosting  live concerts and have an array of vendors ranging from arts and crafts to specialty foods on both weekends. Fun!

For a complete Calendar of Events click here…

Festival of Whales Parade/ Saturday March 7th, 10:AM

The theme of this year’s parade is “Magical Migration.” Participants are encouraged to use the theme creatively when designing floats, costumes, and decorations. Trophies will be awarded to the best float, best musical unit, best use of the theme, and best local entry.

 If you would like to participate in this year’s parade, please complete an entry form and return to Jennifer Anderson at the City of Dana Point by Friday, February 20, 2009. All parade applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. For more information on how to participate in the Festival of Whales parade, click here… , or contact Jennifer Anderson at (949) 248-3593 or janderson@danapoint.org.

Grunion Run (5k Run) March 15th

We are pleased to announce that The Dana Point Festival of Whales has added an exciting new event to our two week celebration this year! On Sunday, March 15th, the Festival of Whales Grunion Run 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ 1K Run will take place in Doheny State Park. This will be a flat, fast, scenic 3.1 mile course through Doheny State Beach that runners, walkers, and kids are sure to enjoy. To register online or for more information click here…

Proceeds benefit the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association, and will be used to support interpretive events in the park, along with the refurbishment of the Visitor’s Center, Orange County’s largest public aquarium.

 Kids at the Ocean Institute March 15th

 The Ocean Institute will be holding a special educational program for children of Grunion Run participants. They will be offering this program on Sunday, March 15 from 7:00 am until 9:30 am. It is for children ages 5 and up. The cost is $10.00 if you register prior to March 7th and $15.00 if you register after that date. To register online, click here…

 Parking for March 15th

We encourage participants to park in the west end lots of the Dana Point Harbor and take a FREE shuttle that will run from the Ocean Institute to and from Doheny State Beach. Parking is also available at Doheny State Beach on a first-come, first-served basis at $10.00.