PALM BAY, Florida -- The 2013 Space Coast Waterfest on Turkey Creek, hosted by the City of Palm Bay, Brevard County, the
Bayfront Community Redevelopment Agency and the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program, will take place at
Goode Park, 1300 Bianca Drive, Palm Bay, from 11 am until 4 pm on Saturday, May 4, 2013.
Admission is free.
This family-friendly event will deliver a day of
entertainment including live music, children’s activities, environmental
displays, kayaking,
and animal touch tanks. Food and beverages will be available for
purchase.
Live music will be featured throughout the day, including performances by local bands Shattered and
Pilgrim Journey, the duo Bits and Pieces, an acoustic performance by Nowhere to Rum, and the trio No Drama.
In addition, staff
from more than 20 community and environmental organizations will be on
hand with environmental
displays and educational information. The US Coast Guard and US Coast
Guard Auxiliary will perform free boat safety inspections. Event
volunteers will host a live animal touch tank, and families may spend
some time learning about Florida’s alligators with
staff from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Indoors at the Captain’s House at the park,
residents will be able to hear about some of the issues challenging the
health of the Indian River Lagoon and the steps being taken to help
protect it. Featured talks will update residents
on the loss of seagrass in the lagoon; discuss stormwater runoff and
how everyone can help prevent it; and outline the concerns about
invasive species. In addition, Dr. Leesa Souto, the Director of the
Marine Resources Council (MRC) will be on hand to discuss
issues surrounding fertilizer and the recent focus on fertilizer
ordinances in the county. MRC staff will also provide a talk on other
ongoing programs and ways for those interested to become involved with
the MRC.
Bounce houses and water slides will be on
site at the active play area, and exhibitors will provide hands-on
crafts and games for children. Adults and accompanied children may
experience the natural beauty of Turkey Creek Sanctuary
in kayaks provided for the event by Palm Bay Marina. Door prizes and
giveaways will be raffled throughout the day and will include gift cards
from local restaurants and merchants, gift baskets, and other items.
For more information, contact the City of Palm Bay at (321)953–8996 or via e-mail
waterfest@palmbayflorida.org. An event flyer is available at
www.playpalmbay.org
