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Community Corner

Water Festival This Saturday at Ken Thompson Park in Sarasota

The Sarasota Bay Water Festival is set for this Saturday, November 2 at Ken Thompson Park from 10am to 7pm. The purpose of the Water Festival is to celebrate the importance of Sarasota Bay to the region’s environment, economy and quality of life. The event offers visitors free admission, free parking and seven hours of free live music thanks to the support of 44 sponsors from the public and private sector.

The Water Festival features live music from noon until 7pm; an Art Zone showcasing local artists and photographers selling gift items; food trucks and local restaurants; a beer and wine garden; the bay’s first Dragon Boat Races, vintage and new boats; fishing clinic and dip netting for kids; an interactive Community Art Mural supported by an art teacher and her class at Bayshore High School, seven raffle prizes donated by area businesses including a new kayak and paddleboard, and more than 80 exhibits promoting boating, fishing, kayaking, paddleboard sports, scuba diving, eco-tourism, wildlife protection, and bay-friendly living.

This year’s music lineup features award-winning guitarist Ben Hammond from Maine and Sarasota, reggae favorite Democracy from Sarasota and Tampa, country rock performers Hymn for Her from Philadelphia, guitarist Luke Andrews from Bradenton, and the funky electric rock band Come Back Alice from Sarasota.   

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The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, this year’s Presenting Sponsor, organized four panel discussions beginning at noon focused on protecting bay wildlife, reducing stormwater pollution, environmental education, and the evolution of Sarasota Bay. HDR, Inc. is this year’s Host Sponsor; the local HDR office is celebrating its 10-year anniversary.

All of the proceeds from the sale of beer and wine will be donated to Vintage Paws Sanctuary. Vintage Paws provides care for displaced senior dogs. The Water Festival is a pet-friendly event, but don’t forget your six-foot leash and doggie bags.

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Visitors to the Water Festival are encouraged to carpool. Vehicles arriving with at least four passengers will be given a free raffle ticket. The Water Festival also features a free water taxi service between Marina Jack and the Sarasota Sailing Squadron thanks to Freedom Boat Club. The first boat departs Marina Jack at 10am and the final departure from the Sailing Squadron is 6:30pm. All three boats are commanded by Coast Guard certified boat captains.

Visit sarasotabaywaterfestival.com to learn more about the highlights and the various sponsors.

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