If you think your big B-day is something special, you are right! Catalina Express thinks so, anyway. The company that delivers hundreds of thousands of guests to Catalina Island on a regular basis (and also operates the Aquabus and Aqualink in Long Beach) gives you a free trip to Catalina Island on your birthday-- no catch. I took advantage of the offer and was amazed. Birthday girls and boys are given a special award-size ribbon to pin to clothing and wear throughout their birthday so they can receive gifts from participating merchants in Avalon. On my hour-long cruise to the Island I counted 40 birthdays! One lady from Los Angeles said, "This is my 3rd year coming on my birthday. I love it!"

Piggy-backing on the promotion, Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce & Visitor's Bureau President Jim Luttjohann told Avalon City Council at their May 3, 2016 meeting that it's important to wish everyone wearing the ribbon a "Happy birthday." Imagine the impact that has when you get dozens of birthday greetings throughout your special day, he told the Mayor and Council Members.