The cannon’s roar will fill the air...

The cannon’s roar will fill the air in Palos Verdes today when the Peninsula Symphony Orchestra strikes up the “1812 Overture” and other traditional favorites during Summerfest V, a free outdoor music and arts festival.

Summerfest offers musical entertainment for all tastes and ages and serves as an annual fund-raiser for the symphony. Supporters who buy a $2 ticket for the event’s “opportunity drawing” have a chance to win the grand prize, a ride on the Goodyear Blimp, as well as a weekend getaway in Palm Springs, opera tickets, gift certificates and other awards.

The festival opens at 2 p.m. on the Chadwick School grounds, 26900 S. Academy Drive, on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

This year, the festival takes on a multicultural flavor with the appearance of the Okinawan Dancers, who will perform regional classical and folk dances beginning at 2:30 p.m.

The Los Angeles-based theater troupe East West Players takes the stage at 3 p.m., offering a variety of songs in English and Japanese. Finally, the P.V. Strings, a group of 22 young musicians ages 6 to 16, will warm up the stage for the Symphony’s 4 p.m. performance of Tchaikovsky, Sousa, Copland and selected Broadway show tunes.

Music for dancing at dusk will be provided by the Big Band sound of the Fabulous Esquires from about 6:15 to 8:30 p.m.

New this year is a trove of activities for children. While parents enjoy the symphony, young visitors can have firsthand encounters with a nervous tightrope walker, bumbling juggler, hip skeleton and other characters from the Minikin Puppet Show.

And to introduce youngsters to classical music, a hands-on workshop will be offered, providing an opportunity for children to handle and experiment with various instruments.

Music lovers also can browse through the wares of local artisans who will display handcrafted jewelry, basketry, ceramics and other works. Artists will donate 25% of all sales to the symphony.

Box picnic dinners will be on sale and, for those who prefer casual fare, hot dogs, popcorn and cotton candy also will be available. Proceeds from food sales benefit the symphony.

To reserve box dinners or picnic-table seating, or for more information: (310) 544-0320.