Flying Fish Festival comes to Catalina Island

In celebration of the annual return of Catalina Island's famous flying fish, Catalina announces Flying Fish Festival, according to the Catalina Islander newspaper.
The inaugural event will be held May 29 - June 1, a four day festival of family fun.
From May to September every year, Catalina Island welcomes the famed flying fish that soars out of the water at heights of up to 30 feet. The fish glides for distances as long as mile.
The flying fish visits the Island for only a few months a year and best shows itself at night when lured with lights. It is only fitting that Catalina celebrates their arrival by honoring them as special guests with a four day long weekend of festivities.
The Flying Fish Festival kicks off on May 29, a Thursday night, with the Taste Around of Avalon.
It's a chance to explore some of Avalon's finest eateries and taste their most delectable menu items, all in one night.
Activities are plentiful throughout the rest of the weekend as the events and entertainment roll out to celebrate the fantastic flying fish.
Flying Fish Festival event highlights include evening Flying Fish Boat Tours aboard the Blanche W, a 98-passenger solid wood vessel built in 1924, originally made for the flying fish tours.
There will be a professional sand sculpture created by the beach, a free concert at Wrigley Stage, a Fishing Derby for kids, various flying fish and ocean craft activities for kids, a Mini Cooper Rally, an excursion to Toyon Bay, a Flying Fish Parade, the introduction of Gill, the Flying Fish and more.
For additional information about special events, accommodations, attractions, and activities, or to receive a free copy of the new 2008 Visitors Guide, contact the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau at (310) 510-1520 or visit www.CatalinaChamber.com.