As we transition into November, I am filled with gratitude for our vibrant community and the great experiences we share at the Channel Islands Harbor.

October was a month of festive celebration, highlighted by the 3^rd Annual Parade of Frights. It was exciting to see so many families and friends come to enjoy the landside activities in the afternoon and stay for the boat parade. I would like to thank the Ventura County Harbor Department’s maintenance staff, Channel Islands Maritime Museum, Channel Islands Farmers Market, Fireball Tim Lawrence and CarShowSafari.com, and the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation for bringing the Harbor alive with decorations and activities. I’d also like to give kudos to the boating community who put on a great show on the water at the nighttime parade. This event was a true reflection of our Harbor’s community spirit.

We’ve received a lot of great feedback about the event and hope to improve it even more next year. If you have any suggestions or ideas, please send them to CIHarborVisitors@ventura.org

Looking ahead, there’s plenty of important community events in December that I’m looking forward to including: the 5^th Annual Channel Islands Harbor Food & Toy Drive; the 58^th Annual Parade of Lights, which includes a variety of landside activities; and Santa to the Sea, a marathon whose finish line ends at the Channel Islands Harbor.

5^th Annual Food & Toy Drive

The Ventura County Harbor Department and the Harbor & Beach Community Alliance (HBCA) are teaming up for the 5^th year and hosting the annual Channel Islands Harbor Food and Toy Drive. The food and toy drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7^th and benefits Food Share of Ventura County and the Spark of Love Toy Drive.

On the day of the event, donations will be accepted at a drop off location at the Harbor Landing parking lot, located at the Channel Islands Boulevard and Harbor Boulevard intersection. Volunteers will be there to safely accept donations and provide them to Food Share and the Spark of Love Toy Drive.

58^th Annual Parade of Lights

One week after the Channel Islands Harbor Food & Toy Drive, the Harbor will be hosting the 58^th Annual Parade of Lights. The Parade of Lights is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 14^th. This year’s theme is “Sleigh Bells & Spurs: A Rockin’ Rodeo Boat Parade.” We hope to have a big turnout to view the dozens of brightly decorated vessels on the water.

Events like the Parade of Frights, our food and toy drive, and the Parade of Lights are vital to building community spirit and enriching the lives of everyone in the Harbor and Ventura County. They provide us the opportunity to connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories.

Thank you for your continued support of the Ventura County Harbor Department and for being an essential part of our community. We look forward to celebrating the season with all of you!

 

Michael Tripp, Director
Ventura County Harbor Department