Fireworks to be presented by the sea

The eighth annual “Fireworks by the Sea” event at Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard will be celebrated on Mon., July 4 and will feature one of the largest fireworks shows in the event’s history in commemoration of the harbor’s 40th-year anniversary in 2005.

The day’s celebration will kick off with a 10K and 5K Fun Run/ Walk along the water’s edge. Registration starts at 7 a.m., with the races beginning at 8 a.m. at Sunset Lane. The starting line is located adjacent to the Whale’s Tail restaurant. 

The celebration continues with a Fourth of July parade starting at 11 a.m. Visitors can watch the parade as it travels on Harbor Boulevard from Harbor Landing Shopping Center to Whale’s Tail and Port Royal restaurants. The parade will feature youth groups, classic cars, musicians and more.

Activities and entertainment are scheduled throughout the day at Fisherman’s Wharf and Marine Emporium Landing. At Fisherman’s Wharf, visitors can enjoy musical entertainment in the courtyard and a number of other activities including arts and crafts, food booths, water taxi rides and children’s games. “Make Your Own Aquarium,” balloons, face painting, a gigantic inflatable fun zone, a rock climbing wall, a petting zoo and pony rides for children of all ages will be available. Visitors can enjoy selections from courtyard restaurants as well as browsing through the art gallery, gift shop and the Ventura County Maritime Museum.

From Fisherman’s Wharf, visitors can take the water taxi to Marine Emporium Landing to find adventure. A free kayak lesson or one hour’s free kayak rental is available at Channel Islands Kayak Center from 8 to 10 a.m.

Other activities at Marine Emporium Landing include an arts and crafts show, special Farmer’s/ Fisherman’s Market, kid’s fun zone, food and beverage vendors, musical entertainment at the waterside stage and a Fourth of July “Old Fashioned Barbecue.”

The celebration will end with a bang as the sky explodes with the largest pyrotechnic presentation ever staged during the harbor’s annual fireworks display.

“Fireworks Cruises” to view the fireworks display are available aboard reserved charters with Channel Islands Sportfishing Center, Captain Hook’s Sportfishing, or Island Packers. The water taxi will be available for general transportation from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For directions or more information on the “Fireworks by the Sea” celebration call the Channel Islands Harbor Visitors Center at (805) 985-4852 or visit the www.channelislandsharbor.org.