Local marinas to host barbecues for slip tenants.

Photo by: yachtphotography.com Celebrating Marinas -- Many marinas across Southern California -- and across the nation -- will celebrate National Marina Day with special events for their boating tenants, Aug. 8..

It’s official: the U.S. Senate has passed a resolution proclaiming Aug. 8 National Marina Day -- and boaters and marina operators alike plan to celebrate.

Senate Resolution 215 that proclaims National Marina Day urges America’s marinas to continue serving as environmentally friendly gateways to boating. The resolution was sponsored by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and co-sponsored by Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Sen. Russell Feingold (D-Wisc.), Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Sen. Herb Kohl (D-Wisc.), Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) and Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.).

Several Southern California marinas are planning barbecues and celebrations for their slip holders to celebrate the day.

Ventura Isle Marina in Ventura will celebrate with a National Marina Day Barbecue and Picnic. This year, the marina crew has decided to have a luau -- complete with music, soda, beer, barbecue fixings and beans. Guests are encouraged to break out their Hawaiian shirts, grass skirts and coconut bikinis.

Anacapa Isle Marina in Channel Islands Harbor will also hold a Marina Day Barbecue with music, the marina’s famous grilled chicken and chili beans.

Marina del Rey Marina will host a Marina Barbecue at its facility in Marina del Rey, giving tenants an opportunity to enjoy live music, raffle prizes and a chance to check out one of the new Marina del Rey Sheriff’s Marine Patrol boats.

Tenants at Cabrillo Isle Marina in San Diego are also invited to attend an annual Marina Day Barbecue. Mexican food will be served, along with beverages. Guests will dance to live music, a raffle is scheduled, and entertainment will be available for kids in attendance. Miramar Fire Equipment Co. will be on site to recharge boat fire extinguishers for a nominal fee.

For more information, visit www.marinaassociation.org/nmd.