‘CRAFTED,’ CARS & STRIPES FOREVER DRAW BIG CROWDS AS SUMMER KICKS OFF WITH A BANG ON THE LA WATERFRONT
Next Up: USS IOWA Opens to Public on Saturday
SAN PEDRO, Calif. — July 2, 2012 — Tens of thousands of residents and visitors flocked to the LA Waterfront over the weekend as summer kicked off with the grand opening of CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles followed hours later by Cars & Stripes Forever. More than 10,000 visitors came to CRAFTED on its opening weekend, and an estimated 20,000 people enjoyed the LA Waterfront during Friday night’s festivities.
“We had a spectacular summer season launch on the LA Waterfront this past weekend,” said Port Executive Director Geraldine Knatz. “The opening of the USS IOWA on July 7 will add to the variety of attractions and events that will make the LA Waterfront a great place to visit in the coming months."
CRAFTED opened its doors on Friday morning and thousands of visitors enjoyed the unique setting, music and special activities all weekend.
“We’re thrilled with the turnout on the first weekend,” said Alison Marik Zeno, CRAFTED’s general partner and executive director. “We had great feedback from our guests, vendors had a successful weekend and we’ve received dozens of artist applications since we’ve opened. We’re moving quickly to bring in more artists while making sure we select a variety of the best of the best. That’s what makes us unique.”
CRAFTED, located at 110 & 112 East 22nd St., San Pedro, is open on every Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Special events and information on how artists can apply for space can be found at www.craftedportla.com
Cars & Stripes Forever featured more than 100 classic cars, live bands, food trucks and a fireworks display that drew cheers from the thousands gathered along the LA Waterfront.
This Saturday, July 7th, the USS IOWA, known as the Battleship of Presidents, becomes the Los Angeles area’s newest museum attraction. The World War II battleship, which has hosted Franklin D. Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, will hold its public grand opening at Berth 87, 250 South Harbor Blvd., San Pedro, CA.
The ship will be open daily for tours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PDT, although no tickets will be sold after 4 p.m. The only days the ship will be closed are Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The Pacific Battleship Center, a nonprofit organization established in 2009, was awarded ownership of the USS IOWA by the U.S. Navy for display as an interactive naval museum. The museum will highlight the contributions of the battleship and its crew at critical moments in American history. The IOWA, which served in World War II, the Korean War and the Cold War, is 14 stories high, 887 feet long and displaces more than 45,000 tons.
“We are honored and privileged to be entrusted by the United States Navy to bring USS IOWA back to life,” says Robert Kent, president of the Pacific Battleship Center. “Our mission is simple: Honor the world’s best and last available battleship and those who served aboard her for the educational benefits of those who visit it.”
To purchase tickets online, visit www.pacificbattleship.com and click on “Buy Tickets & Memberships Now.” Ticket information also is available at 877-446-9261.
General admission is $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and retired military personnel with valid ID, and $10 for youth (ages 6-17). Active duty military and reservists should ask about discounted tickets. Admission is free for children under 6 and residents of the state of Iowa with valid state-issued ID.
Other LA Waterfront summer events and activities include:
62nd Annual Cabrillo Beach July 4th Fireworks Spectacular
This year’s event, organized by the Cabrillo Beach Boosters, will include a food truck festival at 2 p.m., C-17 flyover at 6:04 p.m., and fireworks at 9 p.m.
When: Wednesday, July 4
Where: Cabrillo Beach, 3720 Stephen M. White Dr., San Pedro
Admission/Parking: Free
Information: www.cabrillobeachboosters.org, or call (310) 548-7554
Movie Night at Wilmington Waterfront Park
Enjoy a free family movie night in the park, with a screening of Disney Pixar’s “Cars 2!”
When: Tuesday, August 7, 7:30-10 p.m.
Where: Wilmington Waterfront Park, Neptune Avenue and C Street, Wilmington
Admission/Parking: Free
LA Waterfront Summer Concert Series
The Port’s second annual summer outdoor concert series will take place at Gateway Plaza Fanfare Fountain, California’s largest and most spectacular water feature, located at Harbor Boulevard and Swinford Street just south of the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro. The free series will feature a different band and genre of music each week. This year’s lineup includes Stack of 45s, Rumble King, Heartstop, Satisfaction, Sugah Daddy, Britain’s Finest, The Pinheads, Christopher Bros., and Reality Check. Family fun activities take place from 6-7 p.m. and the concerts start at 7 p.m.
When: July 12 through August 30, 6-9 p.m. (every Thursday)
Where: Fanfare Fountain, Harbor Boulevard and Swinford Street, San Pedro
Note: August 2nd concert will take place at the Wilmington Waterfront Park.
Admission: Free
Navy Days L.A.
The Port of Los Angeles World Cruise Center will serve as a U.S. Naval Base during this special weekend for Navy Days L.A.! Don’t miss this opportunity to board and tour active Navy vessels and meet the crew. Specific ship information and tour times will be available on the Port’s website by August 1.
When: Saturday, August 18 and Sunday, August 19, hours vary
Where: World Cruise Center, Harbor Boulevard and Swinford Street, San Pedro
Admission/Parking: Free
Information: www.portoflosangeles.org
Port of Los Angeles Lobster Festival
The world’s largest lobster festival – with a Guinness World Record to prove it – takes place at Ports O’ Call Village in San Pedro. With fresh Maine lobster meals flown in daily, “Lobster Fest” has been a South Bay tradition since 1999. The event includes live music, games, rides, and all kinds of food and fun for the entire family.
When: Friday, September 14, 5-11p.m., Saturday, September 16, 11a.m.-11p.m., and Sunday, September 16, 11a.m.-7p.m.
Where: Ports O’ Call Village, San Pedro
Admission/Parking: $10 admission, discount admission coupon online, free parking
Information: www.lobsterfest.com
Periodic updates on all events will be posted at www.portoflosangeles.org under the “Summer at the Port” icon.
The Port of Los Angeles is America’s premier port and has a strong commitment to developing innovative strategic and sustainable operations that benefit the economy as well as the quality of life for the region and the nation it serves. As the leading seaport in North America in terms of shipping container volume and cargo value, the Port supports more than 830,000 regional jobs and $35 billion in annual wages and tax revenues. The Port of Los Angeles – A cleaner port. A brighter future.