MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Several Camp Pendleton residents and visitors braved the Friday afternoon heat to enjoy ITT Latitudes & Travel Exposition here, Aug. 14.
The annual event boasted more than 50 venders who provided Camp Pendleton families with information regarding local entertainment venues and activities.
“The purpose of the expo is to let the Camp Pendleton community know what ITT has to offer to service members, families, civilians, retirees and just about everyone,” said Anne Sherwood, manager, ITT Latitudes & Travel, Camp Pendleton.
The event included many prizes, free food and activities. A paintball tent provided human-shaped targets for visitors to eliminate, while Sea World star Shamu charmed young children and posed for photos with families.
“To be honest we just needed to get out of the house,” laughed Shilo D. Cox about why she decided to go to the expo. Cox said she always checks with ITT anytime her family plans activities out in town.
Many venders offered free gifts such as cups and pens and spoke to expo attendees about their special deals and military discounts.
Disneyland Resorts was one such vender.
“The current program has been running since January…and ends Sept. 30,” said Rich Ruescher, military ticking manager. Active and retired military personnel can pick up a free 3-day pass to Disneyland at ITT and can buy up to five discounted passes for family members, Ruescher said.
Disneyland Resorts is also offering military rates for their hotels, he added.
The tenants of the Medieval Times booth stood out from the crowd. Fredy Ingels, who plays “King Filipe” at the dinner theater, was in full costume down to his authentic grey beard. Visitors to Ingels’ display received cardboard crowns.
“You guys are my heroes,” Ingels said about service members. “If I can come here and put a smile on someone’s face, I’m happy.”
Other notable standouts include Sea World, the Wild Animal Park and the San Diego Zoo.
Sea World and other Anheuser-Busch sponsored parks are still offering “Here’s to the Heroes” single-day complimentary admission for active-duty and up to three family members. For details and to register, visit www.herosalute.com.
Admission to the Wild Animal Park in Escondido and the San Diego Zoo is also free-of-charge to active-duty service members.
ITT has locations on Mainside, the School of Infantry and Camp Del Mar.
For more information, call (760) 725-5863 or 725-5805.