Port Hueneme, Calif. – On Saturday the Port of Hueneme opened its docks to the public for the 13th annual Banana Festival, allowing families and community members to tour the deep‑sea port by bus and boat. The event showcased the port’s role as a major employer in Ventura County and underscored its commitment to zero‑emissions operations by 2030.
Port tours highlight economic impact
Guided by tour leader Aaron Valance, visitors saw container ships loaded with bananas, cars and other cargo. Valance reminded the crowd that the port moves roughly five billion bananas each year – enough to circle the globe thirteen times – a testament to the port’s importance to the regional economy.
Long‑time resident and Thousand Oaks native Dien Le said the tour was “very interesting and very informative.” Though he has lived in the area for fifty years, Le had never before seen the inner workings of the port and praised the opportunity to learn about its history and operations.
Community leaders praise the festival
Harbor Commissioner Jess Ramirez called the day “beautiful” and urged anyone who missed the event to attend next year. Ramirez also highlighted the festival’s charitable component, noting that a container of clothing is being shipped to the port’s sister facility in Paita, Peru. “We are collecting good clothing until Thanksgiving – please empty your closets and help those in need,” Ramirez said.
Port Chief Executive Officer Kristin Decas added that the port is launching a campaign to gather food items and toys for an orphanage and four villages in Peru. “Our partnership with Paita is a very special part of today’s event,” Decas explained.
Environmental and operational upgrades
Decas also reminded attendees that the Port of Hueneme aims to achieve zero‑emissions status by 2030, positioning the facility as a gateway for global trade while reducing its carbon footprint. Tour guides explained new diesel‑reduction technologies that allow ships to plug into the docks for cleaner power.
In addition, a multi‑million‑dollar grant‑funded project will shift squid off‑loading operations to Ventura Harbor, freeing space at the military‑adjacent Port of Hueneme for additional cargo vessels.
Beyond bananas: blueberries and community spirit
While bananas dominate the festival’s theme, Decas noted that the port also handles a significant volume of blueberries – the only West Coast port that imports the fruit directly from Peru. “We move five billion bananas a year, but we also celebrate blueberries, which are a growing part of our trade,” she said.
Festival-goers enjoyed meeting “Miss Chiquita Banana,” sampled local foods, and received free bananas from sponsors. The event combined education, economic pride and charitable outreach, reinforcing the port’s role as a cornerstone of Ventura County life.
How to get involved
Residents who wish to contribute clothing, food or toys can drop off donations at the port’s main entrance through Thanksgiving. For more information about future festivals, tours and charitable campaigns, visit portofhueneme.org.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
