Festivities Set for Reopening of Pier
When the gates open at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, the public can enjoy a Dixieland band, ice cream, roasted almonds and a chance to do something no one has done in more than four years: walk to the end of the Ventura Pier.
In December 1995, a storm destroyed the end of the pier, lifting it off its pilings and sending large chunks crashing onto the beach.
Insurance money and state grants financed the $2.2-million renovations, including steel pilings that are expected to prevent a storm from destroying it again. Upgrades also included a decorative gate to replace the chain-link fence, and floodlights, focused on the beach and surf at night.
Saturday’s event will dedicate the pier’s new 80-foot octagonal terminus, “Mills End,” named after longtime Ventura residents Don and Edna Mills.
The Millses support Pier Into the Future, a nonprofit foundation that raises money for pier maintenance.
The Ventura Pier reopening will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free. For more information, call 658-4726.
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