10,000 Attend 2-Day Beach Fest

From a block away, pedestrians strolling sunny Surfside Drive in Port Hueneme on Sunday afternoon could hear guitarist Rick Reeves crooning in his throaty blues voice, “What’s going on?”

The local rocker and his band were one of several big draws of the third annual Hueneme Beach Festival, a two-day event held near the Hueneme Pier that attracted more than 10,000 people.

“Every year it’s grown. I think people really enjoy the food, the music, the location and all the arts and crafts,” event coordinator Ray Hebert said.

Blues, zydeco and rock fans perched on hay bales in front of the stage to listen to the music, while others sprawled on nearby grassy knolls. Dozens of local musicians, including Ska Daddyz, Teresa Russell and Acadiana, entertained the crowds.

If good tunes and 80-degree weather--complemented by a much-needed sea breeze--weren’t enough, a row of white canopied tents offered barbecue sandwiches, roasted corn and tacos.

“It’s been a lot of fun, actually kind of a blast,” said Jim Ortiz, a Ventura resident and Amgen employee, whose company was one of several in booths offering job opportunities, products and services.

Ortiz leaned down to adjust a sun visor on daughter Julianna’s head and said the kids’ games had won over his 4-year-old. Most popular on Sunday were the tiny train and giant inflatable slide.

Vicki Byram of Port Hueneme finished a plate of Thai food before setting out to cruise the vendor booths with Erin Williams of Westlake Village and Erin’s 3-month-old son, Max.

“I’m moving back to Australia soon, so there’s a bunch of stuff I need to buy,” Byram said.

Event staffer Debbie Fitzgerald said 150 vendors had brought their wares, including beaded jewelry, bonsai trees, hot tubs and cherub wall hangings. At other booths, festival-goers could talk to law enforcement officials or ask about becoming a junior lifeguard.

Heather Horner and husband Jon of Simi Valley sat while an artist applied henna body paint.

“He’s thinking about getting a tattoo, so he’s practicing,” Heather said.