The 12th annual festival promises to provide a fun-filled day for everyone
It is time to go bananas at the Port of Hueneme when it opens its port to the public for the 12th annual Banana Festival on Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 10 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Roaring back after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this family-friendly festival promises to provide the community with a fun-filled day of entertainment, banana-themed food and drinks, harbor boat rides, land tours of the Port, vendor booths, activities, and more. The Banana Festival is free and is open to the public and will highlight the various contributions and positive impact the Port has made locally, regionally, and across the world.
“It’s important that we continue giving back to our community through events and other opportunities for prosperity,” said Oxnard Harbor District Board President, Mary Anne Rooney. “It is through these family-friendly events that we can invite the community to get to know us and understand how vital ports are for economic vitality not only in Ventura County and the region, but throughout the country as well.”
During the festival, the main stage will feature internationally recognized musical acts reflecting ports of the world such as Colombia, New Orleans, Mexico, the Middle East and more. A list of artists will be announced at a later date.
“The Banana Festival is a fun twist on an Open House where we host an Open Port,” said Kristin Decas, CEO & Port Director. “This event creates a special opportunity to educate the public about the Port of Hueneme and our global partners, to thank our community for their support, and to showcase the incredible contributions of our customers to the local economy.”
Attendees will have an opportunity to view a car show taking place on nearby Market Street that will showcase the “oldies but goldies” vintage vehicles still found in Cuba. Families with children will be able to participate in “Explore with Me at the Sea” that will feature puppeteers, a simulated art gallery to make creations, a Kiddie Cornhole Contest, an amusement area, and children’s community stage. For the adults, banana inspired beer will be available as well as gastronomic banana-themed specialties as the Port showcases its status as the number one banana port on the West Coast.
“I conceptualized the Banana Festival because I made a career as a longshoreman and wanted to share with our local families how important it is for entities like the Port to give back to the community which makes up our workforce,” said Oxnard Harbor District Commissioner, Jess J. Ramirez.
During the pandemic, the Port’s Board of Harbor Commissioners decided to reallocate funds designated for the Banana Festival into COVID-19 relief efforts for local individuals and families. Through these outreach efforts, over 43,000 families received food donations and other essential items through port leveraged partnerships. This year, the Port of Hueneme recognizes that although the pandemic is not officially over, vaccination efforts across the state have made a huge difference, and as a result, the festival is now a reality.
The public is asked to enter the Banana Festival at the Port of Hueneme’s Sunkist Lot located on the corner of Market and Surfside Drive in Port Hueneme. All ages are welcome. More information can be obtained at www.bananaportfest.com. Download flyer here
