Calendar of Events - Weekend 2

41st Annual Festival of Whales

(888) 440-4309 or (949) 496-1045
 All Events are Weather Permitting

Saturday, March 10, 2012 Events

The 3rd Annual Mongoose Cup

Come paddle with famous surfing icon and legend Mickey Munoz and friends!  Enjoy a great day of paddling fun, a Waterman Expo & SUP Clinics, camaraderie, cool event tee and delicious BBQ at Dana Point’s Festival of Whales.  The Mickey Muñoz Mongoose Cup will begin with the Fun Paddle around Dana Point Harbor Island. The Mongoose Cup will have an exciting and informative Waterman Expo & SUP Clinics that include exhibitors from the SUP & surf industries, clinics on paddling & training techniques, board repair, adventure travel, racing skills and SUP yoga & fitness.  After the BBQ lunch participants will be organized into “Luck of the Draw” relay teams that will race for the Mongoose Cup.  All event participants’ names are dropped in a bucket.  Each elite Mongoose Cup Safety Paddler will be required to pick from the bucket names of three paddlers to complete their (4) person teams.  The start and finish for the flat-water relay race will be at Baby Beach.  To be eligible for the Mongoose Cup teams must race 12’6” & under SUP boards.  All registered participants will receive a commemorative long sleeve Mongoose Cup long sleeve tee shirt and a delicious BBQ lunch. For Mongoose Cup online registration:  http://mongoosecup2012.eventbrite.com/ For event information contact Event Director Barrett Tester (949) 276-4431x216 barrett.tester@gmail.com or Event Co-director Nyle Schafhauser (714) 262-8370  surfcar1@aol.com

After the event there will be a Mickey’s book signing at the Dana Point Yacht Club.  This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get an autographed copy of Mickey’s celebrated book: No Bad Waves,Talking Story with Mickey Munoz.

Proceeds from the Mickey Munoz Mongoose Cup will benefit the Dana Point Festival of Whales, Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association (DSBIA) & Doheny Longboard Surfing Association (DLSA).

About Mickey Muñoz

Mickey Muñoz, born in New York City in 1937, is an early pioneer of surfing and well-known surfboard shaper.  Once described as the “surfer’s surfer”, Mickey has been riding waves since the 1950s and has been featured in many popular surfing films and documentaries.   Winning the first professional surf contest and pioneering big wave surfing at Waimea Bay are a few of Mickey’s surfing accomplishments.  Muñoz was the stunt double for Sandra Dee in the 1959 teen film Gidget and he developed an iconic surf stance that became known as the "quasimoto". Mickey currently lives in Capistrano Beach, CA with his wife Peggy and is an avid stand-up paddler (SUP).  For more information:  Contact Barrett Tester barrett.tester@gmail.com

Harbor Music Series

Presented by the Dana Point Harbor Association from 12 Noon to 3 PM 

Jolly Roger Courtyard in Dana Wharf • Mike O’Bryan – Classic & Easy Listening

Harpoon Henry Grassy Area • Ted Tesario – Rock & Country Classics

Mariner’s Village • Mike Chamberlin - Classics

949-923-2255 or visit http://danapointharbor.com.  FREE  

The Commanders US Air Force Jazz Band of the Golden West

One of the West Coast's finest jazz groups will have two performances today and again on the 11th – see listing. The Commanders will perform on the grass adjacent to Art in the Park from 11 AM to Noon and then again from 2 - 4 PM.  Bring your blankets, beach towels or beach chairs and pull up a seat for some great entertainment!  Under the musical direction of TSgt Jim Butler, this 20-piece big band is considered one of the finest of its kind on the West Coast.  Music ranging from the Big Band sound of the '40s, through more contemporary sounds, ensure an exciting concert that will rouse audiences of all musical tastes. An historic ensemble, the Commanders began in 1959 as a component of the North American Air Defense (NORAD) Command Band and then subsequently merged with the Air Force Band of the Golden Gate in 1979 at Travis Air Force Base, California - now the Band of the Golden West.  The group has extensively toured the western US, appeared on numerous radio and television shows, and performed at the famed Carnegie Hall in New York City, the Monterey Jazz Festival, and the Redwood Coast Jazz Festival.  The Band of the Golden West has also performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.  In addition to performing for millions of listeners live, the group has produced an array of recordings.  Marvin Stamm, Steve Smith, Bob Hope, Walt Levinsky, Carl Saunders, and numerous other guest artists have collaborated with the band over the years.

Dana Point Festival of Whales welcomes the Cal Rods Car Club!

The Cal Rod Car Club was formed in 1954 in the San Gabriel Valley and currently has a membership of 386 members. The Club will display approximately 50 classics and hot rods on from 10 AM to 3 PM.  Stroll along the Harbor walkway and take in a bit of yesteryear. Many of these cars have been featured, and on the cover, of several automotive magazines, and have received awards from the Grand National Roadster Show, L.A Roadster Show, La Verne Cool Cruise, Dr. George Charity Car Show in Palm Springs and many other car shows.

The Cal Rods mission statement is to, “establish a family-oriented car club that promotes the enjoyment, restoration, and preservation of street rods, classic cars, and social interaction.” They have an annual car show, this year on March 25, 2012 at the infield of the Santa Anita Race Track. The show has allowed the club to donate approximately $10,000.00 to several charities such as the Ronald McDonald House, City of Hope, and Lanterman Developmental Center for mentally handicapped individuals. The Cal Rod Car Club holds its meeting on the first Tuesday of each month. They meet at the National Hot Rod Association Museum in Pomona.  For more club information visit http://calrods.com and look at the Club’s quarterly newsletter.

Whale of a Beach Cleanup

Festival of Whales Toast to the Coast!  9 am – Noon  Bring your work gloves and a recyclable bag or bucket and help clean up Doheny State Beach.  Meet Ranger Vicki at the Lifeguard Headquarters and learn more about how you can help maintain our precious coastal resources.  FREE shuttle service to Doheny from most Harbor parking lots.

1st Annual Whale of a Clam Chowder Cook Off

Sample a variety of tasty chowders and then vote for your favorite from 10 AM to 2 PM along the Harbor walkway adjacent to Art in the Park, near Island Way.  Prizes will be awarded for Best Chowder, Best Booth Design and People’s Choice.  Tasting packets will include taste sampling tickets, tasting cups and spoons – $5 for five tastes and $10 for 13 tastes.  Participating teams: Cannon's, Carlos Mexican Restaurant, Chart House, City of Dana Point, Harbor Grill, Harpoon Henry's, Mahe, Peppe Brio, Rib Joint, RJ's Café, Tutor & Spunky's Deli, Vue - Marriott's Laguna Cliffs Resort & Spa, Wind & Sea. All proceeds will benefit Fish for Life, offering programs designed to provide love and inspiration to a multitude of special needs people while teaching fishing skills and ministering to the value of life. http://www.fishforlife.org/

Seashore Interpretive Family Hike

Guided family tidepool hikes through the Dana Point Marine Protected Area with Ocean Institute naturalists.  Hikes are available on a first come first serve basis. Space is limited.  Sign up at the front desk of the Ocean Institute after admission is paid, no additional charge.  See admission info below.

Marine Mammal Lecture Series 

10:00AM - 11:00AM at Harpoon Henry's. Marine mammals are among the most beloved icons of the California coast and yet much of their life history and biology remains a mystery to us.  Nonetheless, local researchers are making fantastic discoveries about marine mammals every day.  During Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching's special marine mammal lecture series you are invited to come learn some of the latest breaking news. Enjoy a continental breakfast at Harpoon Henry's as marine biologists and special guests present recent findings on local whales, dolphins and other marine mammals.  The presentations will include photos, videos, and underwater recordings.  Following the lecture, join us for a whale watching trip aboard the OCean Adventures Catamaran for those that want to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures.   Space is limited.  The lecture is free with purchase of the whale watching cruise aboard the OCean Adventures Catamaran and includes a continental breakfast.  To attend the lecture only, $5 per person will be collected at the door (and also includes the continental breakfast.)  To purchase visit http://www.zerve.com/DanaWharf/CatAdven or call (949) 496-5794.

March 10 - Harpoon Henry's 10am - Alisa Schulman-Janiger- Killer Whales

March 11 - Harpoon Henry's 10am - Dennis Kelly - Bottlenose Dolphin and Sea Otters

Ocean Institute

During the festival weekends, a hands-on journey into the mysterious and fascinating world of whales will allow visitors to explore a variety of fascinating phenomena unique to these magnificent animals.  There will be opportunities to examine how they communicate and eat, to see how pollution can affect them, learn about ongoing research, and create fun whale-theme crafts. Additional activities include animal feedings, ROV driving, and tide pool touch tanks.  Public hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission price is $6.50 for adults (13 yrs+) and $4.50 for children (3 -12 yrs); Children 2 and under are free. Members are free.

Ocean Institute Whale's Tale Tallship Sailing Adventure

From “Devil Fish” to “Friendliest Whale,” explore how time and discovery have shaped man’s perception of the magnificent Gray Whale.  Join us for an exciting tallship sailing adventure as you gain new insights into man’s evolving relationship with the ocean and the giants that roam our California Coast. 2 pm to 4:30 pm.  Cost:  Non-members, $40 adults, $23 children 12 & under.  Members, $36 adults, $21 children 12 & under (min. age 4).

Captain Dave's Kids Carnival    

Fun for the whole "pod"! Drop by our Dolphin Deck location at 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, (near Baby Beach and OC Sailing & Events Center), from 12 to 2 PM for FREE activities and prizes. Kids of all ages will have fun with games, crafts, face painting, and much more. Parents will have a chance to enter a raffle and win awesome prizes.  Also, get an exclusive preview of Capt. Dave’s new book “Lily, A Gray Whale’s Odyssey”. Imagine if a whale could talk and tell you about their life, about their incredible journey on one of the longest migrations of any mammal on earth. Imagine that journey is an odyssey filled with horrific dangers and a beauty that harkens back to creation. And what if you could see all of this through hundreds of real life photographs. Natural history meets super-natural history in this true-life, scientifically accurate, tale with a twist. Join Lily on an odyssey of discovery and wonder and learning. You don’t have to imagine. For more information call Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari (949) 488-2828.

Whale watch from land! FREE Film and Live Whale Watching Broadcast

Visit our Dolphin Deck at 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive (next to Baby Beach) from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM for an exclusive FREE viewing of Captain Dave’s award winning documentary “Wild Dolphins and Whales of Southern California” and purchase a signed copy of Captain Dave’s DVD. Screenings held every hour.  In 1995 Capt. Dave mounted an underwater camera and hydrophone on the bow of his boat and began taking his cameras on every trip to record what his passengers experienced first-hand. It took him five years to create the documentary, an experience that has forever changed his life.  Throughout the day relax and enjoy our Dolphin Deck with the best view in the harbor. Sandwiches, snacks, ice cream and refreshments are available for purchase. For more information call Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari (949) 488-2828..

Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale

The Dana Point Fine Arts Association, a nonprofit organization, will host an art show and sale from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The art will be on display at the Harbor Boardwalk along the boat docks in Mariner's Village on the east side of the Coffee Importers Espresso Bar and Harpoon Henry's restaurant. Watercolor, oil, acrylic, and photography by many award-winning local artists will be available for purchase. Dana Point Fine Arts will donate a portion of artist's sales to Dana Hills High School Art Department. For more info on this exhibit, contact Franksfotoimages@aol.com.   

Art in the Park

Local artists will be displaying a variety of works, utilizing unique mediums on the grassy areas at the corner of Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive.  The Festival’s FREE shuttle has a stop immediately in front of “Herb” the topiary whale which is adjacent to the display areas.   

Sailing Rides

Take a sailing ride and learn how to steer and sail a Capri 14!  Ages 5 and up, 10 am – 4 pm.  $15 per boat, three people maximum (half-hour session).  Weather and conditions dependent.  Lifejackets provided.  Find our booth at the OC Sailing & Event Center.  Contact Westwind Sailing for details:  (949) 492-3035.  

Stand-Up Paddling Clinics

Join the SUP craze and learn first hand why it’s the fastest growing water sport today!  45 min on the water clinics held each hour on the hour – weather and conditions dependent. Ages 12 and up, (12 – 14 yr old must be accompanied by an adult)  10 am – 3 pm.  $10 per person.  Lifejackets provided.  Find our booth at the OC Sailing & Event Center.  Contact Westwind Sailing for details:  (949) 492-3035.  

Dana Point Historical Society Walking Tour

At 2 PM, meet at 34091 Pacific Coast Hwy (corner of Blue Lantern and PCH) for the historic town center Walking Tour showing both commercial and residential buildings from 1928 and discussing the early building of the city. Tour includes a free walking tour guide of Dana Point. For more information, call 949-248-8121 or www.danapointhistorical.org. FREE - donations gladly accepted



Sunday, March 11, 2012

Festival of Whales Grunion Run - 10K, 5K Run/Walk and Kids' 1K Run

10K begins at 7:45 AM, 5K begins at 9 AM followed by the Kids' 1K at 9:45 AM.  Awards scheduled for 10 AM.  Pre-registration and more information is available online at www.festivalofwhalesgrunionrun.com.  FREE pre-run shuttle service will begin at 6 AM and will have pick ups from the Ocean Institute, OC Sailing & Event Center and Dana Point Harbor Drive at Golden Lantern.  Park and ride!  Proceeds to benefit the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association, a non-profit organization which supports interpretive, educational programs at Doheny State Beach.  After the Run enjoy a Whale of a Pancake Breakfast from 7 to 10 AM inside Doheny State Park. Pancake Breakfast: Adults - $6, Children under 12 - $3.  Bring your racing bib and receive $1 off breakfast!  Proceeds from the breakfast will benefit Doheny Longboard Surfing Association and our local State Lifeguard Association.

Dana Point Festival of Whales welcomes the Cal Rods Car Club back again today!

The Cal Rod Car Club was formed in 1954 in the San Gabriel Valley and currently has a membership of 386 members. The Club will display approximately 50 classics and hot rods from 10 AM to 3 PM.  Stroll along the Harbor walkway and take in a bit of yesteryear. Many of these cars have been featured, and on the cover, of several automotive magazines, and have received awards from the Grand National Roadster Show, L.A Roadster Show, La Verne Cool Cruise, Dr. George Charity Car Show in Palm Springs and many other car shows.  The Cal Rods mission statement is to, “establish a family-oriented car club that promotes the enjoyment, restoration, and preservation of street rods, classic cars, and social interaction.” They have an annual car show, this year on March 25, 2012 at the infield of the Santa Anita Race Track. The show has allowed the club to donate approximately $10,000.00 to several charities such as the Ronald McDonald House, City of Hope, and Lanterman Developmental Center for mentally handicapped individuals. The Cal Rod Car Club holds its meeting on the first Tuesday of each month. They meet at the National Hot Rod Association Museum in Pomona.  For more club information visit http://calrods.com and look at the Club’s quarterly newsletter.

Kids Free Fishing Clinic and Free Fishing Trip

Dana Wharf Sportfishing invites all children to come to their dock side fishing clinic and learn hands on techniques on fishing from the experts.  Prizes will be raffled off at the end of the clinic - 12:00 - 12:30 pm.  After the clinic Dana Wharf will be running a fishing trip from 12:45 - 5:45 pm, adults are $39 plus license and equipment, children 12 and under fish for FREE.  Extra bonus is the chance of spotting whales, dolphins and other marine life!  This trip includes equipment!  More information and reservations call Dana Wharf (949) 496-5794 http://www.danawharf.com.

Whale of a Concert and BBQ

In honor of the whales migrating by Dana Point Headlands “singing their song” the Festival of Whales festivities will include a FREE outdoor concert at Baby Beach with bands performing on the water on a specially designed stage.  Concert will begin at noon with Tijuana Dogs performing from 12 – 1 pm, Lights (Journey Tribute band) 1:30 – 2:45 pm and Chicago Tribute Authority (Chicago Tribute band) 3:15 – 4:30 pm. The concert is presented by the City of Dana Point Community Services & Parks Department and OC Dana Point Harbor in conjunction with Vintage Marina Partners. Bring your beach chairs, towels and blankets and enjoy an afternoon of musical entertainment. Concessions for scrumptious BBQ specialties will also be available, including a Spirits Garden for those over 21 years old with a valid driver’s license. For more information call (949) 248-3530.

Art in the Park

Local artists will be displaying a variety of works, utilizing unique mediums on the grassy areas at the corner of Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive.  The Festival’s FREE shuttle has a stop immediately in front of “Herb” the topiary whale which is adjacent to the display areas.

Java and Jazz with The Commanders US Air Force Jazz Band of the Golden West

One of the West Coast's finest jazz groups will have two performances today. The Commanders will perform on the grass adjacent to Art in the Park from 9 - 10 AM and then again from 11 AM - Noon.  Bring your blankets, beach towels or beach chairs and pull up a seat for some great entertainment! Stop by The Coffee Importers between 8 AM and Noon, mention Java and Jazz and get a free small cup of black coffee.  Under the musical direction of TSgt Jim Butler, this 20-piece big band is considered one of the finest of its kind on the West Coast.  Music ranging from the Big Band sound of the '40s, through more contemporary sounds, ensure an exciting concert that will rouse audiences of all musical tastes. An historic ensemble, the Commanders began in 1959 as a component of the North American Air Defense (NORAD) Command Band and then subsequently merged with the Air Force Band of the Golden Gate in 1979 at Travis Air Force Base, California - now the Band of the Golden West.  The group has extensively toured the western US, appeared on numerous radio and television shows, and performed at the famed Carnegie Hall in New York City, the Monterey Jazz Festival, and the Redwood Coast Jazz Festival.  The Band of the Golden West has also performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.  In addition to performing for millions of listeners live, the group has produced an array of recordings.  Marvin Stamm, Steve Smith, Bob Hope, Walt Levinsky, Carl Saunders, and numerous other guest artists have collaborated with the band over the years.

Doheny State Beach's Mobile Marine Mammal Museum

11:00AM - 3:00PM Meets at Doheny State Beach’s Visitor Center.  There will be a variety of genuine marine mammal artifacts for visitors to actively learn and gain an appreciation of these magnificent creatures of the sea. Please alert entrance station staff upon arrival so they can direct visitors to appropriate parking location.  Please Note: Free vehicle parking at Doheny State Beach for Doheny State Beach's Mobile Marine Mammal Museum is limited to one hour only. Rain cancels. (949) 496-2704 or www.dohenystatebeach.org  FREE

Seashore Interpretive Family Hike

Guided family tidepool hikes through the Dana Point Marine Protected Area with Ocean Institute naturalists.  Hikes are available on a first come first serve basis. Space is limited.  Sign up at the front desk of the Ocean Institute after admission is paid, no additional charge.  See admission info below.

Marine Mammal Lecture Series

10:00AM -11:00AM at Harpoon Henry's. Marine mammals are among the most beloved icons of the California coast and yet much of their life history and biology remains a mystery to us.  Nonetheless, local researchers are making fantastic discoveries about marine mammals every day.  During Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching's special marine mammal lecture series you are invited to come learn some of the latest breaking news. Enjoy a continental breakfast at Harpoon Henry's as marine biologists and special guests present recent findings on local whales, dolphins and other marine mammals.  The presentations will include photos, videos, and underwater recordings.  Following the lecture, join us for a whale watching trip aboard the OCean Adventures Catamaran for those that want to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures.   Space is limited.  The lecture is free with purchase of the whale watching cruise aboard the OCean Adventures Catamaran and includes a continental breakfast.  To attend the lecture only, $5 per person will be collected at the door (and also includes the continental breakfast.)  To purchase visit www.danawharf.com <http://www.danawharf.com/>  or call (949) 496-5794.

March 11 - Harpoon Henry's 10am - Dennis Kelly - Bottlenose Dolphin and Sea Otters  

Ocean Institute

During the festival weekends, a hands-on journey into the mysterious and fascinating world of whales will allow visitors to explore a variety of fascinating phenomena unique to these magnificent animals.  There will be opportunities to examine how they communicate and eat, to see how pollution can affect them, learn about ongoing research, and create fun whale-theme crafts. Additional activities include animal feedings, ROV driving, and tide pool touch tanks.  Public hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission price is $6.50 for adults (13 yrs+) and $4.50 for children (3 -12 yrs); Children 2 and under are free. Members are free.

"Lily, A Gray Whale's Odyssey" Book Signing

From 11 AM to 12 PM at OC Sailing & Events Center get a sneak peek and signed copies of Capt. Dave’s exciting new family book “Lily, A Gray Whale’s Odyssey”. Imagine if a whale could talk and tell you about their life, about their incredible journey on one of the longest migrations of any mammal on earth. Imagine that journey is an odyssey filled with horrific dangers and a beauty that harkens back to creation. And what if you could see all of this through hundreds of real life photographs. Natural history meets super-natural history in this true-life, scientifically accurate, tale with a twist. Join Lily on an odyssey of discovery and wonder and learning. You don’t have to imagine.  Captain Dave organized Orange County's only whale disentanglement group 3 years ago and was hands-on with Lily the Gray Whale’s disentanglement in Dana Point Harbor that made national headlines.  For more information call Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari (949) 488-2828.

 

Whale watch from land! FREE Film and Live Whale Watching Broadcast

Visit our Dolphin Deck at 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive (next to Baby Beach) from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM for an exclusive FREE viewing of Captain Dave’s award winning documentary “Wild Dolphins and Whales of Southern California” and purchase a signed copy of Captain Dave’s DVD. Screenings held every hour.  In 1995 Capt. Dave mounted an underwater camera and hydrophone on the bow of his boat and began taking his cameras on every trip to record what his passengers experienced first-hand. It took him five years to create the documentary, an experience that has forever changed his life.  Throughout the day relax and enjoy our Dolphin Deck with the best view in the harbor. Sandwiches, snacks, ice cream and refreshments are available for purchase. For more information call Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari (949) 488-2828.

Dana Point Fine Arts Association Show & Sale

TThe Dana Point Fine Arts Association, a nonprofit organization, will host an art show and sale from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  The art will be on display at the Harbor Boardwalk along the boat docks in Mariner's Village on the east side of the Coffee Importers Espresso Bar and Harpoon Henry's restaurant. Watercolor, oil, acrylic, and photography by many award-winning local artists will be available for purchase. Dana Point Fine Arts will donate a portion of artist's sales to Dana Hills High School Art Department. For more info on this exhibit, contact Franksfotoimages@aol.com.   

Harbor Music Series

Presented by the Dana Point Harbor Association from 12 Noon to 3 PM 

Jolly Roger Courtyard in Dana Wharf • Mike O’Bryan – Classics & Easy Listening

Harpoon Henry Grassy Area • Swingshift – Country Swing

Mariner’s Village •  Arturo Echarte – Acoustic Guitar

949-923-2255 or visit http://danapointharbor.com.  FREE  

Sailing Rides

Take a sailing ride and learn how to steer and sail a Capri 14!  Ages 5 and up, 10 am – 4 pm.  $15 per boat, three people maximum (half-hour session).  Weather and conditions dependent.  Lifejackets provided.  Find our booth at the OC Sailing & Event Center.  Contact Westwind Sailing for details:  (949) 492-3035.

 

Stand-Up Paddling Clinics

Join the SUP craze and learn first hand why it’s the fastest growing water sport today!  45 min on the water clinics held each hour on the hour – weather and conditions dependent. Ages 12 and up, (12 – 14 yr old must be accompanied by an adult)  10 am – 3 pm.  $10 per person.  Lifejackets provided.  Find our booth at the OC Sailing & Event Center.  Contact Westwind Sailing for details:  (949) 492-3035.  

Dana Point Historical Society Walking Tour

At 2 PM, meet at 34091 Pacific Coast Hwy (corner of Blue Lantern and PCH) for the historic town center Walking Tour showing both commercial and residential buildings from 1928 and discussing the early building of the city. Tour includes a free walking tour guide of Dana Point. For more information, call 949-248-8121 or Media Note:  Full-color digital images are available online at festivalofwhales.org.

Please contact Penny Elia at (949) 499-4499 for additional information or to book a whale watching excursion.