Vendors Needed for Two-Day Santa to the Sea Finish Line Festival

Oxnard, CA, September 24, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Santa to the Sea is seeking additional vendors for its first-ever two-day Finish Line Festival, Dec. 13 and 14. Now in its seventh year, Santa to the Sea is expecting more than 4,000 race participants and 4,000-5,000 people to cheer the runners on as they cross the finish line.

The Festival is held at the Marine Emporium Landing, 3600 South Harbor Blvd., Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard, where Santa to the Sea race participants cross the finish line at the end of their race. The Dec. 14 race is a rain-or-shine event so vendors will be located under a 100x110-square-foot tent, where there will be room for up to 55 vendors. Saturday hours will be 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and on Sunday, the tent will be open 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. when the race is over. Overnight security will be provided for vendors wishing to leave their merchandise in the tent overnight.

The Finish Line Festival will be a busy place during the race weekend. Santa to the Sea will hold its Oxnard race packet pick-up there on Saturday. On Sunday, the day of the race, the area also features a wine and beer garden, local bands, food trucks and costume contest for the most spirited runner.

“There’s so much excitement at the Finish Line Festival as people cross the finish line and see their friends and family there to support them. As a two-day event, we’re bringing in new vendors to help make the experience even more festive,” said Mike Barber, founder of Santa to the Sea and race organizer. “From running gear to good-for-you running snacks, we’re hoping to offer something for everyone as they prepare for and celebrate a successful run.”

Nearly half the race participants come from Ventura County. Others are from Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego and Santa Barbara counties, and beyond, to take part in the half marathon, two-person half marathon relay, 5K run and/or 1K kids run. Event proceeds help fund Oxnard College scholarships and the organization’s 11th annual Toy Drive & Giveaway, set for Saturday, Dec. 20 at Santa Park in Oxnard. Last year, 2,500 toys were distributed to local children for the holiday season.

All races start at 8 a.m. The half marathon begins at the giant Santa located at 2801 Ventura Blvd., Oxnard, and ends at the Marine Emporium Landing in Channel Islands Harbor. The 5K run and 1K kids fun run start and finish at the Marine Emporium Landing. All participants must register before the race; there is no race-day registration. Runners can register online at www.santatothesea.com.

For more information about being a vendor, contact Barber at (805) 485-7233. Visit www.santatothesea.com to learn more about the nonprofit Santa the Sea half-marathon, two person relay, 5K run or to register for the race.

Santa to the Sea is a nonprofit event borne out of a desire to give back to the com­mu­nity. What started in 2003 as a toy drive to cel­e­brate the relo­ca­tion of the world’s largest Santa Claus from Car­pin­te­ria to Oxnard, has grown into a robust run­ning event, toy drive, and com­mu­nity fundraiser. Santa to the Sea includes a sanc­tioned half marathon and a 2-person half marathon relay, plus 5K run and 1K kids fun run. The Santa to the Sea Schol­ar­ship Fund part­ners with the Oxnard Col­lege Foun­da­tion to award $500 schol­ar­ships to local high school stu­dents and adults con­tin­u­ing their edu­ca­tion at Oxnard Col­lege.