Catalina Flying Fish Festival Returns May 30-June 2

Byline: Ambrosia Brody

Catalina Flying Fish Festival Returns May 30-June 2

AVALON – The sixth annual Flying Fish Festival will come back to Catalina Island May 30, offering four days of family fun.

The celebration begins with the Flying Fish Kick-Off at the ninth annual Taste Around of Avalon. Participants in this one-day event can purchase “taste cards” and have the chance to sample specialty dishes from some of Avalon’s finest restaurants.

After savoring all the cuisine, participants can vote for Best Taste of Food and Best Taste of Drink winners. The event is expected to run from 5-9 p.m. May 30, and tickets can be purchased at the Wrigley Stage on the day of the event.

Other weekend events include a boat-building competition, races, live music and free guided tours of the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden. A variety of fish and ocean craft activities are planned for children, and they can also get their pictures taken with Gil, the Flying Fish Festival mascot.

From late May to September every year, flying fish can be spotted off Catalina Island. They are known to soar out of the water at heights of up to 30 feet and glide as far as a quarter-mile. The fish put on the best shows at night, when they are lured by lights from viewing boats.

The Flying Fish Festival is sponsored by the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call (310) 510-1520 or visit catalinachamber.com.

2013 Flying Fish Festival Schedule of Events

Thursday, May 30

5-9 p.m.: Ninth annual Taste Around Avalon.

Friday, May 31

9 a.m.-5 p.m.: Sand Sculpture at Wrigley Stage.

Noon-4 p.m.: Marine Touch Tanks at the Tuna Club.

10 a.m.-7 p.m.: Gil the Flying Fish welcomes visitors and strolls through town.

3:45 p.m.-5 p.m.: Family Kayak Relay Race, Descanso Beach, free activity. Must sign up in advance to participate.

7:30 p.m.:  Afishinados Famous Flying Fish Tour, Afishinados Charters; (310) 510-2440.

8:30 p.m.: Movie on the Beach.

8:45 p.m.: Flying Fish Tour, Catalina Expeditions; (310) 510-TOUR.

Saturday, June 1

7 a.m.-9 a.m.: Kids’ Fishing Derby at the Mole.

9 a.m.-5 p.m.: Sand Sculpture at Wrigley Stage.

10 a.m.-11 a.m.: Pedal Boat Races at the Green Pier.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Boat-Building Competition.

10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Marine Touch Tanks at the Tuna Club.

10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Street Theater — Charles Frederick Holder and his boatman.

10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Gil the Flying Fish welcomes visitors and strolls through town.

10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Street Fair, Crescent Avenue.

11 a.m.-2 p.m.: Flying Fish Crafts and Ocean Science Activities, Crescent Avenue.

1:45 p.m.: Boat-Building Competition Race at Avalon Beach.

2:30 p.m.: Free guided tour of the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden with Blanche Trask (Trolley from Tour Plaza at 2 p.m.)

4 p.m.: Golf Ball Drop, tickets $5.

6 p.m.: Beer Garden opens by Wrigley Stage.

7:30 p.m.-9:45 p.m.: Street Dance — Xceptional Music Productions presents Tribute to Country Rock, at the Wrigley Stage on Crescent Avenue.

7:30 p.m.: Afishinados Famous Flying Fish Tour, Afishinados Charters; (310) 510-2440

8:45 p.m.: Flying Fish Tours, Catalina Expeditions; (310) 510-TOUR.

Sunday, June 2

9 a.m.-noon: Sand Sculpture completed at Wrigley Stage

10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Marine Touch Tanks at the Tuna Club.

10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Street Fair, Crescent Avenue.

11am-2pm: Flying Fish Crafts and Ocean Science Activities, Crescent Avenue.

2:30pm: Free guided tour of the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Gardens with Blanche Trask (Trolley from Tour Plaza at 2 p.m.)

7:30 p.m.: Afishinados Famous Flying Fish Tour, Afishinados Charters; (310) 510-2440.

7:45 p.m.-9 p.m.: Flying Fish Kayak Tour, Descanso Beach, $45 per person, advance reservations are required.

8:45 p.m.: Flying Fish Tours, Catalina Expeditions; (310) 510-TOUR.

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