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Sarasota Bay Water Festival Set for Nov. 17

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Ken Thompson Park will be the site of events for all ages

SARASOTA – The inaugural Sarasota Bay Water Festival is set for Saturday, November 17 at Ken Thompson Park near Mote Marine Laboratory. The original date in early October was changed to take advantage of more moderate weather and the opportunity to engage more teachers and students in the new school year.

The theme of the free event is Enjoy the Bay and the three areas of focus include Bay Recreation, Bay Science and Education, and Bay Creative Arts. Other highlights include several bands performing on the main stage, local food vendors, photography and art contest, and displays and demonstrations about boating, fishing, paddle board sports, birding, and other fun activities associated with Sarasota Bay.

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) is the host sponsor and Triple 3 Marketing (T3M) is the production and marketing company. SBEP is one of the 28 National Estuary Programs in the U.S. and a long term advocate of Sarasota Bay. T3M is the same leadership team that produced the E-Fest Green Living Music & Arts Festival in 2007 and 2008. A team of 18 volunteer coordinators from throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties are helping with planning.
Initial Champion Sponsors include City of Sarasota, Solar Direct, Manatee County, HDR Engineering, Sarasota County, Town of Longboat Key, City of Bradenton, and Southwest Florida Water Management District. Initial Friend Sponsors include Mote Marine Laboratory, New College of Florida, Caldwell Trust Company, Sarasota Sailing Squadron, Around the Bend Nature Tours, Save Our Seabirds, Sarasota Audubon Society, Friends of Sarasota County Parks, and UF/IFAS Extension in both counties.
“The Sarasota Bay Water Festival will expand awareness about local recreation opportunities and the ways we can all help restore and protect Sarasota Bay,” said Randy Moore, the event director. “It’s a fun way to connect with people who value the importance of Sarasota Bay to our environment, economy and quality of life.”