Ride the Metrolink to the 42nd Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 22, 2013
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Joel Zlotnik (714) 560-5713, Laura Scheper (714) 560-5697

Ride the Metrolink to the 42nd Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales
Metrolink tickets good for half off whale watching excursions

ORANGE – Residents are invited to celebrate the 42nd annual Dana Point Festival of Whales by riding to the event on Metrolink the weekends of March 2-3 and March 10-11.

The Festival of Whales celebrates the California gray whales on their annual migration to Baja. The festivities will begin with an opening day parade on Saturday, March 2 at 10 a.m.

“The Festival of Whales is a great way for residents to experience a rare sight and an opportunity to participate in one of Orange County’s most popular community events,” said OCTA Chairman Greg Winterbottom. “We encourage those attending to take Metrolink and take advantage of an inexpensive and stress-free ride to the festivities.”

Those who ride Metrolink can use their ticket and receive 50 percent off whale watching excursions. Visitors can also receive a $69 per night room rate at the Dana Point Marina Inn when mentioning OCTA at the time of reservation booking.

Upon arrival at the San Juan Capistrano station, all Metrolink tickets are good for free connecting OCTA buses to the festival in Dana Point.

On Saturday, March 2 at 7:30 a.m. attendees will have an opportunity to win a free roundtrip Metrolink ticket, whale watching tickets and more. This event will take place at the Metrolink station in Orange and residents can enjoy free parking, entertainment and food provided by Ruby’s Diner and Streamliner Lounge.

Riders also can take advantage of Metrolink’s $10 Weekend Pass which allows residents to ride to any Metrolink destination all weekend long. The pass also includes free rail and bus connections throughout Southern California.
For train schedules and festival information, visit: www.octa.net/whales2013.

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Laura Scheper
Media Relations
Orange County Transportation Authority
(714) 560-5697
Lscheper@octa.net

Saturday, March 2, 2013 Orange Metrolink Station
194 North Atchison Street, Orange, CA 92866

Join us Saturday, March 2, 2013, 7:30 a.m., at the Orange Metrolink Station, located at 194 North Atchison Street, in the city of Orange. Spin the prize wheel for a chance to win a FREE round trip Metrolink ticket, whale watching ticket and other great prizes! Enjoy free live entertainment by Headshine and free food provided by Ruby’s Diner and Streamliner Lounge. It will be fun for the whole family!

How to Get to the Festival by Metrolink

If you’re going to the event at the Orange Metrolink Station:

• After the fun at the Orange Station, board Metrolink Train 857 to San Juan Capistrano departing at 8:43 a.m.
• The train arrives at San Juan Capistrano at 9:16 a.m.
• From the station, walk up Verdugo and make a left on Camino Capistrano to bus stop #7055 off Camino Capistrano and Ortega.
• On March 2, specially marked Festival of Whales shuttles will be available with free rides from OCTA bus stop #7055 off Camino Capistrano and Ortega directly to the parade viewing area. (These shuttles will be available to meet the 857 train arriving at 9:16 a.m. only.)

You can also Ride OCTA Bus Route 91 South Free

• From San Juan Capistrano, show your Metrolink ticket and ride OCTA Bus Route 91 South free to Dana Point. Bus Route 91 South can accommodate passengers requiring ADA accessible transportation.
• At 9:45 a.m., board Bus Route 91 South. Exit at Pacific Coast Highway and Dana Point Drive in Dana Point at approximately 9:57 a.m.
• Walk down Dana Point Harbor Drive to the festival.  Or you can enter Doheny State Park (directional sign at bus stop), walk along green barrier fence, then proceed to marked Festival of Whales shuttle stop. Ride the shuttle FREE to all event locations.