OCEANSIDE -- This seaside city will salute thousands of military personnel with a free barbecue, rock music and children's activities this Saturday at the seventh annual Operation Appreciation festival held near the Oceanside Pier.

The event -- presented by the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, the city of Oceanside, the Armed Services YMCA and the North County Times -- recognizes and honors the Marines and sailors based on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

All active-duty military with ID card, and their dependents, receive unlimited rides, activities and a free lunch.

"This is a great opportunity to thank the Marines and other military personnel for what they do," David Nydegger, chief executive officer of the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, said last week. "This is the seventh year we have done this, and the event is very popular. It's also another way to show our support for Camp Pendleton."

Opening ceremonies will kick off at 11 a.m. Saturday, with lunch served in the Beach Community Center from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Live entertainment featuring the band Nitro Express begins at 11 a.m. and continues until 3:30 p.m.

Activities include a children's fun zone with mechanical rides, a rock wall, inflatable jumpers, children's crafts and face painting. Baby Shamu will make an appearance, as will members of the San Diego Padres Pad Squad.

Huge displays of military land and amphibious vehicles will cover the beach during the festival.

For nonmilitary personnel, entertainment and military displays are free, while food and drink are for sale. Wristbands for the children's area are $10.

Parking is free in the Oceanside Transit Center parking structure.

Close to 10,000 people attended last year's festival, where City Council members from Oceanside and Vista thanked local Marines and sailors for their service.

"I can't think of better people -- good neighbors, good friends -- than the people we honor every day for what they do for us," Oceanside Mayor Jim Wood said at the 2007 event.

Key sponsors this year include Genentech, Pacific Marine Credit Union, Navy Federal, Waste management of North County, United Physicians Group, Military Press Newspaper, .99 Cents Only, Harbor Village Merchant Association, The Scout Newspaper, U.S. Border Patrol and KSON Radio.

Volunteers are still needed to help at the event. For information call (760) 722-1534, ext. 17.

IF YOU GO

What: Operation Appreciation

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

Where: Oceanside Pier Amphitheater and Beach Area, Beach Community Center

Cost: Free to all active-duty military with ID card; For nonmilitary, all entertainment and displays are free, while food and drink are available for purchase and wristbands to the children's area cost $10.

Information: (760) 722-1534 or www.oceansidechamber.com/opapp