Over 10,000 attendees went bananas at the 11th Annual Banana Festival held Sept. 28. in Port Hueneme, Calif.
The festival offered attendees an opportunity to experience one of the most efficient and effective-working waterfronts on the West Coast, according to a news release.
This year’s theme, “Charging Forward to a Zero Emission Future by 2030,” highlighted the port’s commitment to a zero-emission future, showcasing its pivotal role in transitioning away from fossil fuels through the implementation of new and innovative equipment and infrastructure, the release said.
Attendees learned all about the port’s pathway to green its operations. In the fall of 2021, the Oxnard Harbor District’s Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to pass a resolution to decarbonize port operations as part of their commitment to a zero-emission future, according to the release.
The passage of the resolution further propelled the port’s Environmental Management Framework to go above and beyond compliance with federal, state and local regulations, as well as implement greater pollution prevention measures, the release said. Through strategic grant funding and investment in zero-emission equipment and infrastructure, the Port of Hueneme has been able to enhance its operations, improve air quality and set a benchmark for sustainable port operations nationwide.
“We are excited to be ‘Charging Forward to 2030' with the goal of becoming the first U.S. port to be emission free,” Celina Zacarias, president of the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Harbor Commissioners, said in the release. “We are grateful for the incredible support of our community, labor, and business partners who will help make this vision a reality.”
Festivalgoers enjoyed a variety of banana-themed treats, live music, and family-friendly activities and were able to take land and waterside tours of the port complex to learn about its operations and see firsthand how the Port of Hueneme contributes to the local, regional and global economy, the release said, adding that the event’s attractions included electric car demonstrations by GLOVIS, the top banana sponsor, EV Advocates of Ventura County and VINFAST, as well visits to solar charging stations and views of electric cranes from the water tours.
Attendees also were treated to free bananas from Chiquita, Del Monte Fresh and Dole, the port’s largest banana importers and major sponsors of the event. Port facts were shared throughout the day highlighting that 5 billion bananas move through the port annually, 400,000 vehicles transit the port of which 25% are electric and that the port creates 25,000 trade related jobs, the release said.
“We were thrilled to see such a fantastic turnout at the 11th Annual Banana Festival,” said Kristin Decas, CEO and port director of the Port of Hueneme “This year’s theme, ‘Charging Forward to 2030,’ reflects our dedication to environmental sustainability and our ongoing efforts to transition to zero-emission technologies. We were excited to share our progress and celebrate with our community.”
“The Banana Festival is a wonderful celebration of our community and the vital role the Port of Hueneme plays in our local economy,” said Jess Ramirez, harbor commissioner for tthe Port of Hueneme. “We are proud to host this event and showcase the many ways bananas and other imports contribute to our daily lives. We thank all of those who came to enjoy a day of family fun and learning.”
