Free Family Waterfest In Palm Bay

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 [email protected]. An event flyer is available at www.playpalmbay.org