Whale of a Weekend : 100,000 Expected at Dana Point’s Annual Festival

A parade Saturday kicked off this seaside city’s annual celebration of whale watching, but the role of spectator was not enough for little Kari Ferrari. The playful 2-year-old would not be denied as she chased, hugged, poked and played with the parade’s costumed mascot, Dana the Dancing Whale.

“I like whales,” the towheaded toddler announced as she tugged on a weary Dana’s fin. A similar sentiment brought thousands of residents and visitors to watch marching bands and firetrucks wind their way through city streets to herald the beginning of the 25th annual Festival of the Whales.

More than 100,000 people are expected to attend the festival, which runs through March 3 and includes whale-watching excursions, art shows, contests and concerts. The festival’s Street Faire also began Saturday and features food, a petting zoo and whale-related paintings, T-shirts, jewelry and assorted other mementos of the beloved mammals.

“I think people are fascinated with whales because they’re so big yet so gentle,” said Irvine artist Tom Wills, who is selling his sea-scene paintings at the festival for the fourth year. “I just wish we had a little better weather for everyone today.”

But overcast skies and morning mists didn’t dampen the spirit of parade-watchers, organizers said. Authorities estimated that more than 10,000 people turned out for the Saturday events.

No one got louder cheers than Dana the Dancing Whale, who came complete with fake barnacles. Inside the stifling costume, 15-year-old Kiley Hamilton, a ninth-grader at Dana Hills High School, said she was pleased to see the happy young faces, but was less enthused about the whale suit’s weight.

“I never wore it before today,” she said, peering through the blowhole atop Dana’s gray head. She added that she hoped to wear the costume again next year, and perhaps find a way to fake a whale’s water spout. “That would be neat.”

The festival marks the annual return of the migrating California gray whales along the Southern California coast, and many of the educational activities are hosted by the Orange County Marine Institute in the city’s historic harbor. The events also venture into athletic areas, such as today’s 5K Whale Chase and Monday’s Pro/Am Golf Classic at Monarch Beach Golf Links.

Other events today include the continuing Street Faire, whale-watching tours, tide pool hikes, a sandcastle workshop and an open house at the Marine Institute. For more information on events, locations and festival schedules, call (714) 496-1555.