Whale lovers celebrating a beached whale? Not...

Whale lovers celebrating a beached whale? Not likely--unless, of course, the occasion is the Whale Fiesta, an annual beach party in San Pedro that features the sand-sculpting of a life-size whale.

The Fiesta, co-sponsored by Cabrillo Marine Museum and the American Cetacean Society, is held each year to mark the completion of the local whale

watching season, which revolves around the migration of gray whales past Los Angeles County shores.

Members of the public will build the sandy whale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sometime between 2:30 and 3 p.m. a helicopter will fly over Cabrillo Beach to photograph the finished sculpture and its creators.

Other activities include a sand sculpture contest for families from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; arts, crafts and face painting for children from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and slide and video shows. John Olguin, the museum’s director emeritus, will provide the celebration’s grand finale: “Whale Dynamics,” a presentation to help people understand what it’s like to be a whale.

Families are invited to bring lunches or to buy food at exhibit booths. There is no admission charge, and free parking and shuttle service to the museum will be available at the parking lot at 22nd and Miner streets.

What: Annual Whale Fiesta.

When: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Where: Cabrillo Marine Museum, 3720 Stephen White Drive, San Pedro.

Information: (310) 548-7562.