Inaugural Send-off FIESTA Set for Sunday, April 10 Featuring “I Want to Be A Chihuahua Dog Parade”

Newport Beach, CA - The Newport Harbor Nautical Museum (NHNM), Newport Ocean Sailing Association (NOSA) along with Visit Newport Inc. announce the 64^th Annual Newport Beach to Ensenada International Yacht Race first-ever send-off Fiesta, scheduled for Sunday, April 10 from noon to 4pm at the Balboa Fun Zone and Newport Harbor Nautical Museum. The Fiesta is open to the public and will have special events and activities including mariachis, race boats, nautical displays, art exhibits, children’s boat building, and a sidewalk sale.  There will also be an opportunity drawing every half hour starting at 1pm and include a chance to be on the official race start boat, a spot on the VIP observation deck and lunch for 4 people at the Island Hotel.

Fiesta Schedule Highlights, Sunday, April 10, 2011

Noon    Event Begins

12:30   Fireboat escort of ’09 and ’10 race winners

            Children’s miniature boat building

1:00     Opportunity drawings begin (prizes every half hour until 4pm)

Movie screenings begin at Newport Harbor Nautical Museum

1:30     Opening remarks by Mayor Michael Henn, NOSA Commodore Jim Jackman and VIP representatives from Ensenada

Unveiling of original painting by artist Gary Biltmore used in the 2011 campaign

2:00     “I want to be a Chihuahua” dog costume parade begins

4:00     Event concludes