Festival Of Whales Returns To Dana Point In March

DANA POINT, CA —The new Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World has a few tricks up their sleeve for the 2020 whale watching season. Dana Point Harbor, together with sport-fishing and whale watching businesses, invites all to attend the 49th Annual Festival of Whales.
The festival runs from March 7, 8, 14, and 15, where guests can enjoy free activities for all ages throughout the two fun-filled weekends.

There is something for everyone during the event, according to organizers.

Activities include Festival of Whales Parade, sand sculpting, sailing, stand-up paddle-boarding, live music, whale watching cruises, art shows, barbecues, fishing clinics, beach cleanup, and more.

On March 7, the Wyland Clean Water Mobile Learning Center will be on hand at Baby Beach from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to teach a detailed lesson in how water quality and availability of water can affect our lives, organizers said.

"This state of the art 1,000-square-foot learning exhibition on wheels features a 4-D multi-sensory theater and six interactive stations," the group said of the exhibit. Guests will receive a "museum-quality science experience" and can learn more at www.wylandfoundation.org.

On March 7 and 14, the Wyland Foundation will also be teaching art lessons in the wild. "Guests will learn how Wyland has created some of the most well known marine wildlife paintings and sculptures of our era. Children can enter their art in an end-of-season contest for the most accurate portrayal of marine mammals to be judged by Wyland," organizers said. "The winning child will receive a framed limited edition signed and numbered giclee on paper of "Celebrate The Sun" – Grand Prize Valued at over $3,000." Other prizes will be awarded!

On Saturday, March 14, the highly coveted 9th annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off will take place. Participants include:

• Jimmy's Famous American Tavern
• Chart House
• Waterman's Harbor
• Wind & Sea
• Harbor Grill
• RJ's Cafe
• Glasspar Seafood
• Coastal Kitchen
• Jon's Fish Market
• Dana Point Yacht Club
• Dana West Yacht Club
• The Shwack
• City of Dana Point – "Chowder Chicks"
• Dana Point Police – "Clamer Slammer"

$10 to taste ALL, and vote for the winners!

"This year enjoy a Beer & Wine Garden for adults over 21 with a valid driver's license," organizers said. "Proceeds will benefit Fish for Life, a nonprofit program that takes children with special needs ocean fishing…in grand style!" For more information, visit: www.fishforlife.org