In the gorgeous no-longer-summer but not-quite-fall Long Beach weather on Saturday, more than 10,000 visited the Port of Long Beach for the fifth annual Port Fest event, according to Port officials. The attendance was the largest in the event’s history, as scores of people enjoyed live music, free food, and an up close look at the nation’s busiest seaport.
This year’s event saw more booths, vendors, and informational kiosks than ever in the Port’s attempt to familiarize residents with its environmental efforts. Kids and parents alike learned about the Clean Trucks Program and other “green” techniques that the Port hopes will lead it into a cleaner future.
Organizers also went to great lengths to encourage environmentally-friendly habits. Several hundred bus passes were handed out prior to the event, encouraging visitors to use alternative transportation to attend Port Fest. Complimentary valet bike parking was also provided, and free sustainable grocery bags were handed out, as were small potted plants.
By far, the most popular events were free tours of Port facilities by boat or rail. Both tours sold out quickly and were full for the entire day (I was only able to tour on the boat). The boat tour circled around the Queen Mary and entered the Middle Harbor, where guides pointed out environmental advances, the need for updated equipment, and explained how a ship is loaded and unloaded. Among the truly impressive – and sometimes even industry-leading – conservation techniques were an increased use of on-dock rail and electric ship docking stations. Guides also pointed out cranes that were far bigger than the ships they were serving; built in preparation for a new generation of enormous cargo ships that will become more popular in the near future.
If you made it out to Port Fest this year, let us know what you thought about it in the Comments section below. Couldn’t make it? Enjoy these photos from Andrew Veis.
