Here's an event you won't want to "blow off"...the free family fun Whalefest Monterey at Old Fisherman's Wharf! Check out all of the great activities...

AT A GLANCE
WHAT: WHALEFEST MONTEREY
"Whale Watching Capital of the World"
WHEN: Saturday, January 21, 2012 -- 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
WHERE: Old Fisherman's Wharf, #1 Old Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey, California
CONTACT: Bob Massaro at (831) 649-6544 or email bmassaro@bostrommanagement.com and check out the website at www.montereywharf.com.
DESCRIPTION: The Old Fisherman's Wharf Association in Monterey is sponsoring WHALEFEST MONTEREY, a free fun family event for all ages that celebrates the Monterey Bay, Old Fisherman's Wharf, and whales, while benefiting many local marine conservation non-profit organizations. WHALEFEST MONTEREY is held in January during the migration of the gray whales, although whales are spotted in the Monterey Bay year-round. The day will feature a wide array of fun activities at Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey near the Custom House including a Scavenger Hunt, a bocce tournament on Fisherman's Wharf, whale watching excursions, a 60’ gray whale, Monterey Bay Yacht Club Remote-Controlled Sailing Regatta, and other entertainment including live musical performances by The Whales and Nick Fettis, Michael Brautovich, Wharfside Stompers, Michael Martinez, Bill Minor and Richard Rosen, West of One, and Jonah and the Whale Watchers, a beach clean up by Save Our Shores, hands-on interactive presentations (for all ages) by Save The Whales, squid and fish painting, chalk art, literary participation by local maritime authors, lectures by world renowned marine specialists, informative and educational exhibits by marine organizations, face painting, Golden QR Code Search, a Remote Operated Vehicle, a raffle, documentaries presented by BLUE, A Global Oceans Film & Conservation Summit who will award $800 worth of passes to their upcoming summit as door prizes, and much, much more. WHALEFEST MONTEREY is sponsored by Old Fisherman's Wharf Association, BLUE, A Global Oceans Film & Conservation Summit, and MAOS (Monterey Academy of Oceanographic Science). The mission of WHALEFEST MONTEREY is to bring public awareness to the dynamic marine organizations that affect Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WHALEFEST MONTEREY TO BE HELD AT OLD FISHERMAN'S WHARF IN MONTEREY ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 2012
"Whale Watching Capital of the World!"
January 12 2012. Monterey, CA. Don't miss a free fun family event for all ages that celebrates the Monterey Bay, Old Fisherman's Wharf, and whales, while benefiting many local marine organizations. Come out and enjoy many dynamic, interesting and fun events and informative exhibits from over 30 marine organizations, 8 lectures by world renowned marine experts, 6 marine-themed documentaries, 3 local maritime authors, 2 presentations, and a 60' gray whale! WHALEFEST MONTEREY will be held at Old Fisherman's Wharf located at #1 Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey, California near the Custom House on Saturday, January 21, 2012 from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. WHALEFEST MONTEREY is held in January during the migration of the gray whales, although whales are spotted in the Monterey Bay year-round.

The Old Fisherman's Wharf Association is sponsoring WHALEFEST MONTEREY, a fundraising event to benefit many local marine conservation non-profit organizations. The day will feature a wide array of fun activities including a Scavenger Hunt, an indoor bocce tournament on Fisherman's Wharf, a 60-foot gray whale to climb inside, the Yacht Club Remote-Controlled Sailing Regatta, Chalk Art, Squid & Face Painting, Monterey’s Whaling History Walking Tours led by author and historian Tim Thomas, Fire Boat and Coast Guard Boat Tours, Randy’s Guided Whale Watching (half-price for kids), a Golden QR Code Search and a ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle).
There will be many fascinating documentary screenings at the Museum of Monterey’s Stanton Center Theater, including “Vaquita-The Search for The Desert Porpoise” shown by the American Cetacean Society, “Bag It” shown by BLUE, A Global Oceans Film & Conservation Summit, “In the Wake of Giants”, “The Humpback Code”, Sea Ghosts”, and “Ocean Voyagers”.
Tim Thomas, maritime historian and author of The Japanese on the Monterey Peninsula and The Monterey Waterfront, will be at the event autographing his books.
Two presentations in the Wharf Theater, “Whales on Wheels" and "Marine Mammals: Adaptations and Communication" will be presented by Save the Whales.
Among the talented musicians playing on the Wharf will be The Whales and Nick Fettis, The Locksmith, Wharfside Stompers, Jonah and the Whale Watchers, Michael Bratovich, Michael Martinez, Bill Minor and Richard Rosen, West of One.
Lecturers include Paul Michel, Superintendent, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary; Diane Glim, Past President, American Cetacean Society – Monterey Bay Chapter, !Viva Vaquita!; Geoff Shester, Pacific Programs Director, Oceana; and Jenna Contuchio, Education Coordinator, Marine Life Studies; Bill Douros, Acting Deputy Director, Office of National Marine Sanctuary, NOAA; Mark DiOrio, Capital Campaign Director, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation; Peggy Stap, Founder and Executive Director, Marine Life Studies, Charlie Wahle, Director, Marine Protected Areas, NOAA, and Feodor Pitcairn, Owner of Feodor Pitcairn Productions. Feodor Pitcairn is a diver, naturalist, award winning cinematographer and producer.
BLUE, A Global Oceans Film & Conservation Summit BLUE will award program passes (a $800 value!!!) to the BLUE Ocean Film Festival as door prizes at the end of the program. The BLUE Ocean Film Festival will take place from September 24-30, 2012 in Monterey.
Provided by the Monterey Regional Waste Management District, the Bag Monster will be roaming the Wharf to help increase awareness about the recently passed bag ban by the City of Monterey to be implemented July 2012. There will also be an informative display about Land Litter” (material which ends up in our storm drains goes directly to the bay) and how it becomes “Ocean Pollution” with a direct impact upon marine life.
Schedule of activities (subject to change)
Around and on Fisherman’s Wharf:
9:00 AM- 4:00 PM, Golden QR Code Search
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Music
The Whales and Nick Fettis
The Locksmith
Jonah and the Whale Watchers
Wharfside Stompers
Michael Brautovich
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Extraordinary Sea Creatures from Save Our Shores
On the Wharf:
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM NOAA’s 60’ Gray Whale
12:00 PM -4:00 PM Smiley Orca Face Painting
City Dock: 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM
Coast Guard Boat Tours
Monterey Academy of Oceanographic Science (MAOS) ROV
Upstairs at Gilbert’s Restaurant: Bocce Tournament
Check in at 9:30 AM Game start at 10:00 AM,: $20.00 per person donation, includes raffle ticket and WHALEFEST MONTEREY t-shirt. Open to players 12 or older. Pre-registration is required for this double elimination event by calling Bob Massaro at (831) 649-6544 or email bmassaro@bostrommanagement.com.
Museum of Monterey, Stanton Center Theater, 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Documentaries/Lecturers and Authors:
Paul Michel, Superintendent of The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Diane Glim, Past President, American Cetacean Society, !Viva Vaquita!
“In Search of The Desert Porpoise” (10:00 AM)
Geoff Shester, Oceana, California Program Director
Jenna Contuchio, Marine Life Studies, Educational Director
“Bag It”
Bill Douros, Acting Deputy Director, Office of National Marine Sanctuary, NOAA
Mark DiOrio, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
“In The Wake of Giants”, “The Humpback Code”
Peggy Stap, Director and Founder of Marine Life Studies,
Whales & Dolphins of Monterey Bay & W.E.T. (Whale Entanglement Team)
“Sea Ghosts”
“Ocean Voyagers” Feodor Pitcairn (diver, naturalist, award-winning cinematographer and producer)
Whale Watching Tours:
Randy’s Guided Whale Watching will offer 1/2 off for kids 12 and under, 2 kids per adult maximum at 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM.
Registration and Information at Head of Wharf:
9:00 AM- 4:00 PM Raffle tickets: $1.00 per ticket and $5.00 for 6 tickets.
10:00-12:00, Beach Clean Up: organized by Save Our Shores; no charge
Please bring gloves and buckets.
10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, Tim Thomas will give Walking Tours of Whaling History of Monterey, 12 and over $5.00 donation to the Marine non- profits.
11:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Scavenger Hunt: Donation of $10.00 per adult, $5.00 (6-12), 5 and under free.
At Paluca Trattoria, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club Remote Control Sailing Regatta
At Rappa’s Restaurant:
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Squid and Fish Painting
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Chalk Art
At the Wharf Theater:
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Save The Whales presents Whales On Wheels "WOW"
hands-on interactive program (for all ages).
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM Save The Whales presents Marine Mammals:
Adaptations & Communication hands-on interactive program (for all ages).
The Scavenger Hunt will be a timed event from11:00 AM to 3:00 PM with 1st,
2nd & 3rd place prizes and registration fees are $10 per adult, $5 (5-12 years) and free (5 and under) which includes a T-shirt and raffle tickets. Check-in is from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM with awards presented at 1:00 PM and participants must be present to win. The awards ceremony will be held at 3:00 PM.
The Smiley Orca Face Painting Artist will be available from Noon to 4:00 PM providing face painting that starts at $5.
Special Hotel Rates:
The Portola Hotel and Spa, Comfort Inns on Munras and North Fremont, and Best Western De Anza Inn, are offering a special rate to the WHALEFEST attendees on Friday and Saturday, January 20 and 21, 2012. Attendees must contact the hotel/motels directly to get the special rate
Comfort Inns located within 2 miles to Fisherman's wharf offers a wide range of rooms including Jacuzzi rooms and family suites. Our guests will enjoy many amenities including our complimentary Hot Breakfast, WIFI, local calls and parking. Book your room in advance online or call Hotel direct and ask for the WHALEFEST rate. Comfort Inn Monterey Bay: (888) 990-7666 - www.montereygetaway.com. Comfort Inn Monterey By the Sea: (888)390-7666 - www.stayatmonterey.com
Discover the Best Western Plus De Anza Inn located just minutes away from Fisherman's Wharf, historic Cannery Row and the world renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium.
The Best Western Plus De Anza Inn offers a convenient location, quality amenities and reasonable rates to ensure a comfortable stay while enjoying WHALEFEST Monterey 2012. Call today to make reservations and ask for the special WHALEFEST Monterey 2012 rate. Reservations (800) 858-8775 or (831) 646-8300.
Participating Marine Conservation Organizations:
The participating marine conservation organizations that will line the Causeway at Old Fisherman’s Wharf (some are worldwide and some are only based in Monterey) include American Cetacean Society - Monterey Bay Chapter, BLUE, A Global Oceans Film & Conservation Summit, California State Parks, Camp SEA Lab, Department of Fish and Game, Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, Friends of Moss Landing Marine Lab, Marine Life Studies, Monterey Academy of Oceanographic Science, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Education Department, Monterey History and Art Association, Monterey Peninsula Yacht Club, Monterey Public Library, Monterey Regional Waste Management District, MY Museum, National Estuarine Research Reserve System, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, NOAA, Marine Protected Areas Center, Oceana, Pacific Shark Research Center, PUACF, REI, Save Our Shores, Save The Whales, Shoreline Operations, Surfrider Foundation-Monterey Chapter, The Marine Mammal Center, The Otter Project, and United States Coast Guard. Other participating organizations include REI. Sponsors include BLUE, A Global Oceans Film & Conservation Summit,, Monterey Academy of Oceanographic Science and California State Parks. Special thanks go to The Wharf Theater.
WHALEFEST MONTEREY is sponsored by Old Fisherman's Wharf Association, BLUE, A Global Oceans Film & Conservation Summit, and MAOS, Monterey Academy of Oceanographic Science. The mission of WHALEFEST MONTEREY is to bring public awareness to the dynamic marine organizations that affect Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
For more information, to volunteer or to become a sponsor, call Bob Massaro at (831) 649-6544 or email bmassaro@bostrommanagement.com and check out the website at www.montereywharf.com.