Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- The smell of sizzling food mixed with the ocean's scent, hundreds of boats in the harbor, bands playing in the background, arts and crafts galore, and smiling faces can only mean one thing, Harbor Days at Oceanside Harbor.

Last weekend marked the 22nd annual Harbor Days in Oceanside.

Residents from Oceanside and surrounding communities were in attendance for the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce sponsored, two-day harbor celebration of the area's cultural heritage and the visual and performing arts.

This year's festivities included performances from Camp Pendleton's 1st Marine Division Band and other local musical groups, a bench press contest, the traditional Nail 'N Sail boat race, fishing competition, the Miss Southern California children's and teens' beauty pageant, a boat parade and static displays by Camp Pendleton Marines.

In light of 9/11 and the country's response to public service, this year's Harbor Days theme honored the public safety work force, which included the Oceanside Police and Fire Department, Oceanside Harbor Police, Oceanside beach lifeguards and the United States Marine Corps.

Various local law enforcement agencies also participated in the observance.

Twenty-one Camp Pendleton Marines volunteered to provide hands-on access to and information on tactical vehicles, various weapon systems and equipment for Harbor Days guests.

"We're showing the people what we do and showing them that we are ready for anything if we get the call," said Lance Cpl. Abdir Ibraimi, automatic rifleman with B Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment.

"I've done a lot of displays because it's fun, and it's great to talk to the kids, you should see their faces," said Lance Cpl. Timothy G. Jones, an infantryman with the Combined Anti-Armor Team, Weapons Company, 1/4.

Maj. Gen. William G. Bowdon, commanding general of Camp Pendleton, was the honorary commodore for this year's Harbor Days.

"Events like this give the Marines an opportunity to participate with our surrounding neighbors and we certainly look forward to doing it, we thank you," Bowdon said.