Aquarium, Ranchos Plan Numerous Summertime Activities

By Kelly Garrison
Features Editor

Summer activities in Long Beach this year will vary in theme, from land to sea and from past to present, during a number of festivities planned by several area venues.

The Aquarium of the Pacific has lined up a series of educational events for children and adults. Along with its regularly scheduled educational, festive and other events, the organization has dotted its summer calendar with unique happenings celebrating sea life, the environment and other causes.

“It will feel like a celebration,” said Marketing Vice President Cecile Fisher. “We will be sprucing up, adding new decor, new exhibits, live music and much more. It’s a great time to see what is new, enjoy all the usual favorites, and learn about how we can help the ocean.”

Several guest speakers will discuss oceanic and other topics at the aquarium this season. Among them, Pulitzer Prize winner Ken Weiss will talk about his role in helping write the noted Los Angeles Times “Altered Ocean” series on June 17. Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky will continue the series on July 15 with a discussion on the science of human happiness.

Other summer highlights will include an Ocean Conservation Awards Gala celebrating the Aquarium’s 10th anniversary on June 14 as well as a new exhibit, entitled Ocean on the Edge: Top 10 Ocean Issues, and its Pacific Islander Festival.

The aquarium will commemorate Independence Day with a buffet barbecue on its front lawn area. Guests will have a view of a fireworks show in Shoreline Village that evening and can remain at the aquarium through its extended hours until 10 p.m.

Information and registration information for aquarium events is available by calling 590-3100 or by visiting www.aquariumofpacific.org.

Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens will host a Ranch Roundup from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 8. The event is free to the public and includes trick roping demonstrations, arts, crafts, Western music and dancing, pony rides and a patriotic salute by the Long Beach Mounted Police. Free parking will be at California State University, Long Beach, (Lot 11, sections B and C) off of Palo Verde Avenue.

On Tuesdays in July, children can hear stories, play games and create projects related to the historic tradition of gathering food from gardens, orchards and barnyards. Advanced registration is recommended.

“We combine music and cooking in every session, and we’ll have a theatrical performance for children,” Educational Programs Associate Michael Powers said. “…It’s really to promote literacy.”

Later in the summer, the Long Beach Shakespeare Company will partner with the rancho to present a free performance of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 3. Reservations are required.

“It includes pre-show festivities with jugglers, face painting, live music, a puppet show and garden tours,” Powers said.

Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens is at 6400 Bixby Hill Rd. For more information, call 431-3541 or visit the Web site at www.rancholosalamitos.com.

Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site had its Spring Festival on Sunday (May 18) and will kick off summer festivities with several events including its Rancho Summer Adventures, which teaches youth about life in historic California through games, stories and more in a half-day program. Sessions will take place from 10 a.m. to noon and from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, July 14-18 and July 28-Aug.1. Registration costs $50 per child, with $5 off for rancho members.

“It’s a fun and interactive educational program for elementary school kids who are interested in history,” Education Director Meighan Maguire said. “Participants have the opportunity to churn butter, stomp adobe mud, wash clothes, pare apples, punch tin, dip candles and learn how and why such historic chores and activities were important at the Rancho’s 19th century cattle and sheep ranches.”

Other activities will include concerts, site tours and the Rancho’s annual Mud Mania event for children on Aug. 17.

“Children learn best through hands-on activities, and especially when the activities tap into their imagination,” Maguire said. “This program offers both, and it allows children to connect with their community’s past.”

The Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site, at 4600 Virginia Rd., can be reached for more information by calling 570-1755 or by visiting www.rancholoscerritos.org.