ANNUAL WAVES ‘N’ WHEELS EVENT ON THE LA WATERFRONT IS BACK MAY 21

Free Public Boat Tours and Dockside Displays Part of World Trade Week

SAN PEDRO, Calif. – May 10, 2016 – Giving the local community an opportunity to see a working port up-close and in action, the Port of Los Angeles will be hosting its second annual Waves ‘N’ Wheels event on the LA Waterfront from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on May 21. With activities scheduled in both San Pedro and Wilmington, the event will feature free public boat tours and unique displays of Port vehicles and equipment – from massive cargo ships to tugs, to giant cranes and alternative-fuel vehicles, and more.

“As the busiest port in the nation, our diverse operations are fascinating to observe,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “Our Waves ‘N’ Wheels event allows residents and visitors to the LA Waterfront an opportunity to learn more about what we do, and about the Port’s significance to the local economy.”

The free Waves ‘N’ Wheels hour-long boat tours will depart every 30 minutes, both from Downtown Harbor at 504 S. Harbor Boulevard in San Pedro, and from Banning’s Landing Community Center, located at 100 E. Water Street in Wilmington. Reservations are not required for the tours, which operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. Both locations offer boats that are wheelchair accessible with restrooms available on board.

This year a pre-event Pet Parade is also planned from 9-10 a.m, starting near the fire station at Harbor Boulevard and 5th Street in San Pedro, and looping to Fanfare Fountain and back. As a salute to maritime and World Trade Week, well-behaved pets and their pet parents are encouraged to dress in a “sailor” theme. There will also be a paw painting craft area set up.

The Port is also encouraging visitors to take advantage of the many other LA Waterfront attractions as part of the celebration, such as the Cruise Ship Promenade featuring the Gateway Plaza Fanfare Fountain, Battleship IOWA, Los Angeles Maritime Museum and S.S. Lane Victory. Visitors can also plan a visit to one the many restaurants in historic downtown or Ports O’ Call, shop at CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles or grab a beer at Brouwerji West, the new brewery and tasting room opened this past February.
 
For nearly 90 years, World Trade Week, (WTW) – an initiative of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce—has been the most extensive and unique program of its kind in the country. A week-long celebration, WTW focuses on educating the public about the importance and benefits of global trade on the local and national economy through a series of educational programs and events. 

The Port of Los Angeles is America’s premier port and has a strong commitment to developing innovative strategic and sustainable operations that benefit Southern California’s economy and quality of life. As North America’s leading seaport in terms by container volume and cargo value, the Port of Los Angeles facilitated $270 billion in trade during 2015. Port operations and commerce facilitate more than 133,000 jobs (about one in 14) in the City of Los Angeles and 479,000 jobs (or one in 18) in the five-county Southern California region. The San Pedro Bay Ports support nearly 1 million California jobs and 2.8 million nationwide.