Fisherman's Wharf
Hosts 7th
Annual Whalefest
B Y M I C H A E L C H AT F I E L D
F
rom the indigenous people who sus-
tained themselves with its bounty to the
industrial-scale harvesting of abalone, squid and
sardines to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and its
focus on sustaining ocean life, the story of
Monterey is inextricably tied to the ocean that
laps its shores. All that and more will be cele-
brated at the 7th annual Whalefest.
Whalefest is focused on the annual migra-
tion of the California gray whales, when thou-
sands of those cetaceans pass by the Peninsula
on their way to breeding grounds in the Sea
of Cor tez.
"This event is educational, but also fun—and
free," says Mary Alice Cerrito Fettis, president
of the Fisherman's Wharf Association and
Whalefest chair.
Symposiums featuring speakers on topics
ranging from history to otters to elephant
seals—and of course, whales—are presented
both days. On the fun side, whale watching
tours, sailing, glass bottom boat rides and fishing
are offered for a fee, weather permitting.
Humphrey the Humpback Whale, a 60-foot
model whale will also be on hand.
"This is a great weekend for locals to enjoy
the wharf," Fettis says.
Whalefest takes place January 28 and 29, 2017,
from 10am to 5pm. Schedules and more informa-
tion are online at www.montereywharf.com.
SHORTCUTS
EVENTS
The 7th Annual Whalefest in January celebrates the California gray whales who
migrate through the waters of the Monterey Bay to the Sea of Cortez.
54 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • H O L I D A Y 2 0 1 6
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