Whale of a Celebration at Maritime Museum

Colorful, spiky and slimy sea creatures were part of the draw Saturday for hundreds of people who helped the Ventura County Maritime Museum celebrate its 10th anniversary.

A bright purple sea urchin captured the attention of 21-month-old Laurens and 3-year-old Sophia Vermeulen, who recently moved to Newbury Park from Missouri with their parents, Julia and Vincent.

The urchin was one of dozens of marine animals living in a portable tide pool tank operated by the Channel Islands Marine Floating Lab.

“It’s sharp,” Sophia said as Julia Vermeulen held back an eager Laurens from diving face-first into the shallow tank.

“This is great, and a cheap way to spend a Saturday,” said the mother of three (7-month-old Andre missed the action while sleeping in his stroller). “They can learn so much from seeing it all up close.”

That was the idea, event organizers said. Hundreds of people toured the museum’s exhibits involving whaling, model ship making and the history of Port Hueneme, and took part in hands-on, marine activities.

“We’ve had a good turnout,” said museum volunteer Kay Griffin, from the arts and crafts corner where children created fish tanks using paper plates and colored plastic wrap.

Rainy weather might push some of the museum’s activities indoors, Griffin said. The event continues today and Monday.

Clouds began moving in Saturday afternoon from a storm that is expected to bring light showers this morning, said National Weather Service meteorologist Ray Tanabe. Most of the day should be clear, however, until a more significant storm moves in tonight and Monday. “We expect the brunt of the rainfall to come Monday morning,” Tanabe said.

Most festival participants Saturday said they found out about it while touring the tall ships Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain, which are on display in Channel Islands Harbor until Feb. 25.

“I think it’s wonderful and custom-made for us,” said Agoura Hills resident Elizabeth Goldbeck, whose 3-year-old son, Kyle, is a pirate fanatic. “We’ve seen Disney’s ‘Treasure Island’ about 500 times.”

Kyle was wearing a bright red swashbuckler’s outfit his grandmother had sewn for him and a bandanna wrapped pirate-style around his head. He was happily enrolled in Captain Mike’s Pirate Academy, set up in the museum’s courtyard.

During the short program, kids learned sailing vocabulary, how to use a map and compass and the art of fencing. Wearing gloves, a helmet and a fencing vest at least three sizes too big, Kyle held his own with the instructor. Then came the best part:

“Prizes!” he squealed, jumping with excitement as he tore open a package that held more toy pirate accessories.

Drake Hunter, 9, of Oxnard got his turn as well.

“This is marvelous,” said his mother, Julie. “Every boy’s fantasy is to be a pirate.”

F.Y.I.

Activities at the Ventura County Maritime Museum are scheduled to resume today and Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the museum’s courtyard, 2731 S. Victoria Ave.