Turtle Fest today in amphitheater
Special to The Sun
Turtle Watch, the South Walton Community Council and the Merchants of Gulf Place will join hands to host the second annual "Turtle Fest" April 30 in the amphitheater at Gulf Place on the corner of C30A and county road 393. This is a special time not only for the celebration of the beloved sea turtles, but also to acknowledge the volunteer spirit of the men and women who walk the beaches and ensure that sea turtle nests are safe.
The day's events kick off at l p.m. with Chuck Lawson beating out Caribbean tunes on the Steele drums as crowds stroll through a diversity of booths by eclectic ocean themed artists and by many local not-for-profit groups. There are a number of booths designed to educate as well as entertain.
Some activities are geared toward children who will receive a "Passport" on an incredible journey to various activities including an escape from a fishing net. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Refuge sponsors this unique approach with their Turtle Exclusion Device to show how a sea turtle can escape when caught in a net. When all Passport questions have been checked off, participants may expect a "turtle goodie bag" complete with a turtle-safe flashlight.
Paul Lowery, author of the children's book, “Do You Know Where The Sea Turtles Go?” will read from his book and is guaranteed to entertain young and old alike. If you have a sea turtle story to share, jump in the rocking chair between readings for "Turtle Time" story sharing or lend your ear to hear some exciting tales.
No festival is complete without art and music and Turtle Fest is no exception. Both local and visiting award-winning artists, whose inspiration comes from the sea around us, will be present. Artists will sell their pottery, jewelry, folk and fine art. There will be a silent auction with a piece of art from each artist to benefit Turtle Watch and the S.W.C.C.
To learn how to draw sea turtles, Garrett Griffis from Studio B will guide participants through a step- by-step turtle drawing class. In addition locally renowned sand sculpture, Mark Flynn, will do a sea turtle sand sculpting demonstration. There will be an abundance of turtle and ocean inspired art to dazzle your senses.
The public can purchase Turtle Fest 2011 T-shirts with art from the winners of the elementary school poster contest. All proceeds from the sales of the shirts will go to Turtle Watch and The South Walton Community Council.
A local favorite, The Forrest Williams Band plays rocking tunes from 3:30 to 6 pm.
As the sun descends on the horizon, a parade of turtles will say farewell for now, and may the nesting season begin!
