Whale of a Time in ’99
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A few of the California festivals and events this year celebrating the migration of gray whales from Alaska to Baja California. Peak Southland viewing is usually December through March.
Festival: Monterey Peninsula Whalefest ’99
Date: Jan. 15-31
Phone: (831) 644-7588
Description: Two-week celebration at Monterey Bay, Point Lobos and Big Sur. Whale-themed art shows, natural history exhibits and children’s programs at dozens of sites, including free admission 7-9:30 p.m. Jan 24 to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Festival: Cabrillo Whale Watch Weekend
Date: Jan. 23-24, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Phone: (619) 557-5450
Description: Special speakers and exhibits. Whale-watching from station at end of Point Loma in San Diego.
Festival: Ventura Harbor Village Fourth Annual Whale Celebration
Date: Feb. 21
Phone: (805) 644-0169
Description: Educational and environmental booths, marine art, Chumash Indian culture displays, marine-life touch tanks, music and entertainment.
Festival: Oxnard’s Celebration of the Whales
Date: Feb. 12-March 14, weekends only
Phone: (800) 269-6273
Description: Entertainment and exhibits on whales at Channel Islands Harbor. Also island trips, speakers, a 10K run, tall ships display and more.
Festival: West Marin’s First Annual Whales, Wildlife and Wildflowers Festival
Date: January-April
Phone: (415) 499-5000
Description: Various events, including whale-watching from Point Reyes National Seashore; viewing elephant seals; wildflower and garden tours; art exhibits; Robert Burns Night at Muir Beach.
Festival: Dana Point’s 28th Annual Festival of the Whales
Date: Feb. 20-March 7
Phone: (800) 290-DANA
Description: Weekend events, including street fair Feb. 20-21 with parade, Orange County Marine Institute open houses, whale-watching tours, lectures, YMCA Junior Whale Run and more.
Festival: Mendocino’s 17th Annual Whale Festival
Date: March 7-8
Phone: (800) 726-2780
Description: Whale-watching walks on the headlands, wines from Mendocino vintners, chowder tasting, wooden boat show and music.
Festival: Fort Bragg’s 17th Annual Whale Festival
Date: March 20-21
Phone: (800) 726-2780
Description: 10K and 5K Whale Run; clam chowder and microbrew beer tastings; whale-watching excursion at Noyo Harbor
Festival: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium’s Whale Fiesta
Date: June 6
Phone: (310) 548-7562
Description: Sand sculpture contest, food, crafts, children’s activities, entertainment and booths on sea life issues.
Sources: California Trade and Commerce Agency and Times Staff
