Avalon's Centennial

Above, yours truly in Avalon in 1974 at the ripe old age of 20.

The first time I went to Santa Catalina Island was in the summer of 1974 aboard "The Great White Steamer," the S.S. Catalina.  The 2-hour voyage on the Catalina was fun, plus the ship had a full bar that made it more enjoyable.

The S.S. Catalina is gone (dismantled for scrap in Mexico), but Santa Catalina Island is still there as is Avalon.

On that trip, two friends and I went swimming, horseback riding and had a great lunch in the island town of Avalon.  When we walked in the residential area of Avalon, it felt as if we were transported back to the 1940s as the architecture and decor of the homes looked like that era.

Above, aboard the S.S. Catalina in 1974.

The last time I visited Santa Catalina Island was back in the early 1980s aboard a private yacht.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the town of Avalon.  The town has events in store this June to mark the centennial. 

On June 20, the Centennial Festival/Fair will be held.  A community fish fry will be held on June 21.  Music lovers will enjoy the Xceptional Music Concert on June 22.  Movie lovers will enjoy the Catalina Movie Night On The Beach with movies filmed in Catalina shown on June 23.  The Community Picnic will be held June 24 at Joe Machado Field.  Music lovers again will have a Local Band Night on June 25.  Finally, the Community Gala Dinner will be held at the Casino in Avalon.

For more information, contact the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau at (310) 510-1520 or www.catalinachamber.com.