Spicy salsa may not seem like a refreshing treat on a hot summer's day, but the fiery delight is a fan favorite at the Port Hueneme Beach Festival.

"I'm always kind of amazed that every year people go straight to the salsa booth," said Lisa Donley, the recreation and community director for the city of Port Hueneme.

On Saturday, the Hollywood Beach Salsa Co. was offering free samples of its mild, medium and hot salsas, which have been a festival staple for eight years.

The annual Hueneme Beach Festival continues today from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Hueneme Beach Park. Admission and parking are free, and the Harbor District is this year's presenting sponsor.

On Saturday, a group of pirates wandered the grounds, imitating characters from the popular movie series "Pirates of the Caribbean."

"That was the best Jack Sparrow I've ever seen," said Sylmar resident Kelli Crawford on Saturday, referring to Ron Rodriguez. The Johnny Depp look-alike plays Capt. Jack Sparrow at the festival.

Beachgoers can sample food, enjoy rides and games, visit arts and crafts booths, and listen to a variety of live music.

The Soul City Survivors will perform songs made famous by Aretha Franklin, James Brown, The Temptations and other artists today at 2:30 p.m.

More than 100 booths display a variety of goods and services. The Modern Beauty Academy's booth features students in the Oxnard cosmetology school's freshman class, braiding and twisting hair for donations, which go to the students.

"We're doing this to show that we are here, but also for the students to show what they can do," said the school's director, Corinne R. Lopez.

But festival officials receive more inquiries about the Hollywood Beach Salsa Co. than any other booth, Donley said. The company also designs T-shirts, including this year's festival T-shirt.

The business uses only locally grown ingredients, and its bottling facility is in Santa Paula.

"(The salsas) have a lot of really good flavor. The most popular salsa is the Habanero Roasted Garlic," said Johnson, who "invents" the recipes himself, subjecting friends and neighbors to taste tests.

For more information on the festival visit www.huenemebeachfest.org.