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Rancho Palos Verdes readies 40th "Whale of a Day" as Point Vicente Lighthouse marks 100 years
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Summary
Rancho Palos Verdes will host its 40th annual Whale of a Day festival April 11, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center; organizers said free shuttles will run from the city civic-center lot and proceeds from centennial merchandise will support the Friends of the Lighthouse.
Rancho Palos Verdes will celebrate the 40th annual Whale of a Day festival Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center, the city’s RPV TV hosts said during a Studio RPV episode promoting the event. The festival coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Point Vicente Lighthouse, and organizers said proceeds from centennial merchandise will go to the Friends of the Lighthouse to support restoration and accessibility improvements.
The event features family programming, marine education and live music. "We have about four hours of reggae music, food trucks, beer and wine provided by Sunset Rotary, inflatables, face painting, puppet shows with environmental messages, bingo and marine‑themed vendors," the presenter said, listing activities planned for the day. The presenter also told the show that volunteer whale counters recently reported "about 16 whales migrating," and described seeing gray, blue and fin whales from the PVIC patio.
Organizers urged attendees to use the city’s designated civic‑center parking lot and ride complimentary shuttles to the site because on‑site parking will be limited. "Shuttles will run roughly from 7:30 a.m. to about 4:30 p.m.," the presenter said; the festival itself runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
City and volunteer groups are co‑sponsors. The presenter and hosts emphasized the role of docents at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center, who will lead museum tours, run face‑painting and craft booths, and staff educational displays about gray whale migration. The hosts said the museum includes the Fresnel lens once installed in the lighthouse, which is on public display at the interpretive center.
Councilwoman Barbara Ferraro, who appeared on the show, described Whale of a Day as "the Peninsula’s event," praising its appeal to all ages and its focus on local history and marine education. She noted the event draws thousands of residents and visitors and provides an opportunity for the city to connect with the community.
The Point Vicente Interpretive Center gift shop will offer 100th‑anniversary keepsakes such as shirts, hats, pins and key chains; the announcer said all proceeds will support the Friends of the Point Vicente Lighthouse. Hosts also highlighted student contests tied to the celebration: a poster contest whose winners were mentioned at a recent council meeting and a bookmark contest for younger children that the presenter said was open until March 22.
RPV TV said it will have a booth on site and encouraged viewers to stop by in the morning. The show closed by reminding viewers of the date and time and inviting the community to attend the celebration.
