This year marks the 20th year of the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at the University of Southern California. As previously reported, there were thousands of books ranging from children to young adult and many more in between. There were also several celebrities that brought their own books for people to purchase as well as a cooking stage, music and much more.
Watch now to see just which books were the highlight of this year’s festival and stay tuned for a follow up with even more exclusive interviews from more of the authors at the 2015 LA Times Festival of books.
For the first two weekends in March, residents celebrate the annual migration of the grey whale with a variety of fun events for all ages.
Large balloons including this grey whale entertained crowds as the parade made its way down the historic Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point.
A friendly octopus greeted kids while flying high in the sky.
The sea turtle reminded of all of the wildlife in our oceans.
And residents didn’t need to go on a boat to see this killer whale as dozens of people controlled the largest balloon in the parade.
As the only human balloon, this pirate reminded crowds of the real people that sailed across the oceans.
Shark! But this one had to be kept down as winds made the balloon difficult to control.
There were also various high school marching bands and as well as Dana Point’s 5th Marine Regiment, who came all the way down from San Clemente to march for the whales.
Marines carried the colors as crowds saluted with miniature American Flags.
High school marching bands played various sea tunes and drum cadences down the highway.
Drill teams danced and Tall Flags twirled to the music.
There was also a street fair that further kept crowds entertained with a variety of different booths.
Ocean Institute reminded crowds of the various discoveries and creatures in the ocean.
local farmers brought their latest harvest to sale at the farmers market.
And pet day care groups like camp bow wow offered special offers to pet owners to encourage them to use their services.
Down by Dana Point Wharf, local artists had their latest creations on display for the Art Show and sale.
Artists of all types from photography to color pencil as well as paints brought out their latest creations of the sea.
These painting are on sale at Wharf until March 15.
Crowds marveled at the beauty that the artist captured.
And as the sun set at Lantern Park and crowds took in the beauty of the coast, the festival concluded its first day with a fitting movie overlooking the ocean.
The park overlooked the entire harbor area of Dana point.
Residents spread out blankets in the park as the sunset over the ocean.
The Disney Classic, The Little Mermaid entertained crowds as they enjoyed free popcorn and refreshments while watching the movie.
On the Second weekend of October, hundreds of vendors brought their own taste to the Anaheim Convention Center at the Original Arts and Crafts Harvest Festival. There was thousands of handcrafted originals from a variety of food options to fashion and even a unique travel laundry bag that its creators hoped to entice crowds to purchase . And artists like Duo Hijinx, Scott Land’s Marionettes and even a juggler showed up to offer their talents on the three day weekend while residents shopped for hours at the convention center.
To see more of what was at this year’s festival, click the video below.
The Watermelon Festival is back for their 53rd year, sponsored by the Sunland-Tujunga Lions Club. This year, they were pleased be at the famous Santa Anita Park, home to the legendary horse racing stadium. There was free watermelon and much more on the third weekend in July and hundreds came out to partake of the fun festivities including the royal court, featuring Watermelon Queen Calista Yakhamen, a junior from Verdugo Hills High School as well as Watermelon King Ruben Mendez, a senior also from Verdugo Hills High School.
And of course this year’s National Watermelon Queen, Brandi Harrison made her presence to support California Watermelons on behalf of the National Watermelon Association.
Watch the video below, to see more of the fun and festivities that this unique festival had to offer.
On the four day Memorial weekend, Garden Grove held their 56th annual Strawberry Festival, complete with a parade of celebrities as well as the first ever 5K Strawberry run. This year’s theme was “honoring our exceptional educators” and teachers and staff members were honored with the strawberry parade as well as the pancake breakfast.
To learn more about this festival, watch the video below.
As Previously reported last year, the California Strawberry Fest brought hundreds to Oxnard California for the two day festival in the Strawberry Meadows. New recipes were introduced and great fun as the beloved strawberry was celebrated.
As Fall sets in and the weather turns cool, in Anaheim, local farmers, and other handyman came out on October 11 through the 13 to showcase their best works of art at the Harvest Festival. From musicians and artists to wood carvers and more, there were over 24 thousand handcrafted originals, musicians including Powerhouse and a Rock and Roll singing pianist named Brady Goss and well as great food all at relatively reasonable prices.
The Santa Monica Pier in Southern Calif. is more than just a place to relax next to the Pacific Ocean.The Pier was first opened September 1909.It was originally built to allow its residents to “walk above the waters of the Pacific Ocean”.Now, the pier offers residents as well as tourists the opportunity to visit unique shops, restaurants and a mini amusement park including the Heal The Bay Aquarium. In addition, some residents have chosen to make the beach their home.
Watch now, to see just what this unique beach in Southern California has to offer for all ages.
