Green Port | Long Beach Press Telegram

Those interested in 21st century dockside operations, trains, ships, trucking, maritime culture or the environment are invited to visit the Port of Long Beach on Saturday for an annual festival showcasing the ins and outs of a working seaport.

The free event, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at port headquarters, 925 Harbor Plaza, includes field trips aboard boats and trains at locations around the harbor.

Billed as the "Green Port Fest," the event gives visitors an up-close look at port operations in the nation's busiest port complex, which, with neighboring L.A., handles nearly half of the country's foreign trade.

Field trips include 30-minute train rides through working marine terminals and boat cruises around the harbor.

Federal and local authorities will show off some new crime-fighting equipment, and the U.S. Coast Guard officers are on hand to explain how they help protect the waterfront gateway from terrorist activity.

All events are free and open to the public, with no-cost parking provided at the Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Highway, with shuttles to and from various events.

Also offered are interactive displays of new clean-air technologies being used on and off the docks to reduce the health impact of diesel pollution on workers and neighboring communities.

Olympic gold medalist Aaron Peirsol, who took top prizes in swimming in the 2004 Athens games, will be on hand to sign autographs.

Peirsol, currently training for the Beijing games in 2008, is an avid environmentalist and has worked for several groups dedicated to protection of the world's oceans.

Food, drinks and games are also offered for families.

The party has grown since its inception three years ago to become the chief public-relations event for port officials battling the perception that maritime industry is the top source of truck traffic congestion and pollution in port communities including Long Beach, San Pedro and Wilmington.

To learn more, visit www.polb.com.

-Kristopher Hanson