The Fourth of July is almost here, and we are looking forward to seeing lots of visitors at the Channel Islands Harbor. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate our great nation with family and friends on the waterfront.

While there will not be a fireworks show at the Harbor this year, there will be plenty of activities taking place.

Fourth of July Family Parade

Bring your strollers, wagons, and walking shoes for the Channel Islands Harbor 4^th of July Family Parade.  Walk north on Harbor Blvd. with your family and show off your favorite red, white, and blue attire. The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. at Albacore Way, travels north up Harbor Blvd. and ends at Cabezone Circle, home to Marine Emporium Landing.

You must have a 4th of July Family Parade form filled out and submitted prior to participating. Download the Parade Entry Form and email it back to CIHarborVisitors@ventura.org

Fourth of July Markets

After the parade, there will be an expanded Farmers Market at Marine Emporium Landing to enjoy. We will also have a market at Fisherman’s Wharf hosted by the Streets of Vintage, offering food trucks, live music, art, and vendors.

Fourth of July Electric Boat Parade

At 2 p.m., take a seat landside and watch the annual Fourth of July Electric Boat Parade, hosted by Central Coast Electric Boats. Visit this link if you want to participate in the parade on your electric boat.

Development Updates

Celebrating the Fourth of July is certainly exciting, but what motivates the Harbor Department is improving facilities and parcels that are not being used or are underutilized.

In April 2022 the Harbor Department issued an RFP to attract developers to redevelop the parcel where the Whale’s Tail restaurant formerly operated. The RFP closed on May 26, 2022, and we received three proposals. In June 2022 we met with the three applicants to gather more information. I’m optimistic about the proposals and will present them to a Harbor Advisory Committee – a group that includes community members, officials with the City of Oxnard, Harbor lessees, and County staff – to get more feedback.

As the Whale’s Tail process is making progress, the RFP application period for Fisherman’s Wharf is closing on July 7, 2022. As I mentioned last month, I’m hoping to see proposals that have a visitor-serving focus. Visitor-serving means accommodations, food, and services, including hotels, motels, campgrounds, restaurants, and commercial recreation developments such as shopping, eating, and amusement areas for tourists.

Once the RFPs are received, they will be reviewed by the Harbor Department and a Harbor Advisory Committee, like the Whale’s Tail parcel process. It is possible that one or more proposals will be selected for follow-up information. It is also possible all proposals are rejected.

Have a great Fourth of July!

Michael Tripp, Harbor Director
Ventura County Harbor Department

Editor’s Note: this message was published on June 30, 2022.