Florida’s first iceberg will be unveiled at the Sarasota Bay Water Festival Saturday, November 17 at Ken Thompson Park near Mote Marine Laboratory. The iceberg is being created by Rick Herzog, Sculpture Professor at New College of Florida. The free regional event will also showcase live music, food vendors, art exhibits, and entries to the Sarasota Bay Photography and Art Contest from adults and students of all ages.

The theme of the water festival is Enjoy the Bay and the event will focus on three areas: Bay Recreation, Bay Science and Education, and Bay Creative Arts. Other highlights include a Creative Arts Tent showcasing some of the area’s top wildlife photographers, unique water craft, and many other displays and demonstrations related to boating, fishing, paddle board sports, birding, and other fun activities. Sarasota’s award winning Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Show Team will perform 4pm. Visitors who attend the water festival can also gain free admission to the Mote Aquarium and Marine Mammal Center which is open from 10am to 5pm.

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) is the host sponsor and Triple 3 Marketing (T3M) is the event producer. 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 19 coordinators from throughout the region are helping with planning and support.

Early sponsors include City of Sarasota, Solar Direct, Manatee County, HDR Engineering, Sarasota County, Town of Longboat Key, City of Bradenton, Southwest Florida Water Management District, 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. Event organizers are seeking additional sponsors.

“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.” 

Learn more at sarasotabaywaterfestival.com.