Oxnard, Calif. – The seventh annual Chowderfest turned the Channel Islands Maritime Museum into a bustling hub of family‑friendly activity on Saturday. Live music from the band Kelly’s Lot kicked off the festivities, drawing crowds to the museum’s waterfront grounds.
Local Restaurants and Yacht Club Serve Up Chowder
More than a dozen local restaurants partnered with the Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club to offer samples of their signature chowders, ranging from classic Manhattan clam to creative seafood blends. Attendees voted for a “People’s Choice” award, encouraging friendly competition among the vendors.
Sea‑Lion Imitation Contest Adds Whimsy
First‑time participants delighted the crowd with a sea‑lion imitation contest. Contestants, including local resident Captain Dave, performed playful routines that highlighted the region’s marine heritage while providing light‑hearted entertainment for children and adults alike.
Volunteer Emphasis on Youth Water Access
Donna Gaddis, a volunteer with the Pacific Coast Youth Club (PCYC), reminded festivalgoers that the event’s purpose extends beyond tasty bowls of chowder. “It is all about making sure that every child in Oxnard has an opportunity to be on the water,” Gaddis said, emphasizing the organization’s youth sailing scholarships and water‑safety programs.
Yacht Club Highlights Youth Sailing Scholarships
The Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club, the sole yacht club participant, used the platform to promote its youth sailing scholarship program. Club representatives explained how the scholarships provide low‑cost sailing instruction, fostering discipline, teamwork, and a love of the sea among Oxnard’s next generation.
Free Museum Admission Encourages Community Learning
In addition to the culinary and musical attractions, the museum offered free admission throughout the day, inviting families to explore exhibits on maritime history, local shipbuilding, and the natural environment of the Channel Islands. Museum staff highlighted upcoming educational programs aimed at school groups.
Looking Ahead to Next Year’s Festival
Organizers expressed optimism that the event’s popularity will continue to grow. “If you missed this year’s Chowderfest, there will be another opportunity next year,” said a festival coordinator, promising more vendors, expanded activities, and continued free access to the museum.
Overall, Chowderfest provided a vibrant blend of local cuisine, music, and community spirit, reinforcing Oxnard’s commitment to family‑focused events that celebrate the region’s maritime heritage.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
