Get ready for sea turtle season with a day of celebration
Time: 1 – 6 p.m.
Mark your calendars for April 30th when Turtle Watch, the South Walton Community Council and the Merchants of Gulf Place will join hands to host the second annual “Turtle Fest” held on the green at the Gulf Place Amphitheater at the corner of C30A and county road 393.
This is a special time we set aside not only for the celebration of the turtle, but to acknowledge the incredible volunteer spirit of the men and women who walk the beaches and ensure that our sea turtle nests are safe.
The day’s events will kick off at l p.m. with a diversity of booths designed to educate and entertain. Many of the activities are geared toward kids 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 Service 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 popular children’s book, Do You Know Where The Sea Turtles Go?, will be reading from his book that is guaranteed to entertain young and old alike.
Both local and visiting award-winning artists will be showing off their wares with paintings, jewelry, furniture, clothing, and “funky” green art as well.
Chuck Lawson’s rhythmic Caribbean Steel Drums will kick it up a bit and get everyone into the mood of this celebratory event. The Forrest Williams Band will follow with their rockin’ music that is sure to get you up and dancing.