Day of celebration unites team spirit and champions at Marathon’s L.A. refinery

Community News

Los Angeles, California, People
Family Fun Day 2025 at Marathon Petroleum’s Los Angeles refinery drew a record crowd in May, welcoming hundreds of employees, contractors, family members and guests.

Key Points

  • More than 1,250 guests attended the 2025 Family Fun Day at Marathon Petroleum’s Los Angeles refinery, making it the largest in site history.
  • The event featured food, live music, interactive booths and special appearances from LA Galaxy and community partners.
  • Months of planning and support from employees, volunteers and local organizations helped create an unforgettable celebration of connection and appreciation.

With more than 1,250 employees, family members and guests in attendance, Marathon Petroleum’s Los Angeles refinery (LAR) set a new bar for celebration during its 2025 Family Fun Day. The event held in May drew a record crowd and created an experience many are calling the most memorable in site history.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better turnout or a stronger example of the pride we take in our work and the positive impact we strive to make every day in the community we’re proud to call home,” said CP Patsatzis, Marathon Petroleum’s Senior Vice President of Refining Operations.

Hosted on site, the refinery came alive with laughter, music and nonstop energy as guests enjoyed everything from inflatable obstacle courses and paddle boats to live entertainment and a wide variety of food.

Guests lined up for photos with LA Galaxy goalkeeper John McCarthy and the team’s 2024 MLS Cup trophy during a special appearance at Family Fun Day 2025.

Planning, partnership and plenty of fun

Months of preparation and strong teamwork helped the large-scale event run smoothly from start to finish. The Family Fun Day Committee, department leads, and more than 50 employee volunteers played a big part in its success.

Event co-leads, Human Resources Business Partner Jessica Argueta and Products Control Superintendent Keith Kinkaid, were recognized for their leadership.

“It was incredible to see so many teams come together and create something special for our employees and their families,” Argueta said.

“It was incredible to see so many teams come together and create something this special for our employees and their families.”

“This day was more than just fun. It was about connection, appreciation and showing who we are as a team,” Kinkaid added.

Departments including Engineering, Health, Safety and Environment, Technology, Lab and Operations hosted hands-on booths and displays. External partners such as Cabrillo High School’s national champion drone soccer team, the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Tidepool Trailer, ARCO®, MPLX Pipelines and Special Olympics brought added energy and educational value to the day.

 From left: Event co-leads Keith Kinkaid and Jessica Argueta with Senior Vice President of Refining Operations CP Patsatzis at the Family Fun Day.

Big names and bigger smiles

One of the biggest highlights was the appearance by LA Galaxy, who brought their 2024 MLS Cup trophy. Fans of all ages lined up for photos with the trophy, met the team’s mascot, Cozmo, and scored autographs from goalkeeper John McCarthy.

“Having LA Galaxy join us took the excitement to a whole new level,” said Olga Chavez, Community Relations Representative. “Between the trophy, the selfies with Cozmo and getting to meet John McCarthy, it was a total crowd-pleaser for guests of all ages.”

Smiles all around, families enjoyed a day filled with fun, food and connection at Family Fun Day 2025.

More than a company event

What truly made the day special was the spirit behind it. Family Fun Day was a celebration of community, connection and appreciation. It brought employees and their loved ones together and reflected the culture that makes LAR a great place to work.

One attendee summed it up best: “You’ve touched many employees and their families. They will remember this day for years to come.”

With full hearts, full stomachs and plenty of keepsake photos, guests left knowing they were part of something special. Family Fun Day 2025 wasn’t just the biggest event in site history. “It was also one of the most meaningful,” Argueta added. “We’re already looking forward to next year’s event.”

From science demos to interactive displays, employees across departments pitched in to make Family Fun Day both fun and educational for guests of all ages.

The meeting between the Osage Nation’s leadership and MPL representatives reaffirmed their collaboration focusing on pipeline safety and strengthening local communities.Drone footage captured all the fun from above, giving a bird’s-eye view of an unforgettable Family Fun Day from start to finish..

The potato sack race was a hit with kids at Family Fun Day 2025, adding a classic dose of fun to the festivities.
From balloon sword battles to bounce houses and paddle boats, Family Fun Day had a little something for everyone, and the kids definitely made the most of it.
The photo booth was a crowd favorite at Family Fun Day, with guests of all ages striking poses and snapping keepsake memories all afternoon.