The Barnegat Bay National Estuary Program and Ocean County College will host a festival to honor Barnegat Bay. All are invited to visit Ocean County College, Toms River, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. June 25.
The event will feature music, children’s activities, and various eco-tours. In its ninth year, the festival teaches about both the problems and solutions to “people-pollution” in an entertaining way. This year the festival includes a stormwater education exhibit to help explain the new municipal stormwater rules in effect throughout the state.
The public is invited to get up close and personal with the bay on a free scenic cross-bay boat trip with Ocean County Naturalists aboard the educational pontoon boat, the “Baycruiser.” A shuttle bus will leave the college parking lot No. 2 every hour, starting at 10 a.m., for a drive to the Ocean County Parks Administrative Building where the adventure will begin on a first come, first served basis.
In addition, visitors ages 14 and over with canoeing experience may register for a Back Bay Ecotour where Ocean County Park Naturalists will lead a canoe trip through seldom seen habitats. Individuals can also register for a three-hour bus tour of the Barnegat Bay Watershed. Space is limited for ecotours. Register by calling (732) 255-0472, ext. 3.
An all-day music festival kicks off at 10 a.m. with DJ Dave Rodgers spinning tunes of the 1960s and 1970s. At 11 a.m., Casplash, a Caribbean music band from New York City, will perform. The festival finale will showcase The Pickles, a rock band from the Jersey Shore that will entertain festival-goers at 2 p.m.
Three individuals will be honored for the Guardians of Barnegat Bay Awards during a 1:30 p.m. ceremony.
There will also be entertainment for children at the festival including a free basket-weaving class from 10 a.m. to noon in addition to a free airbrush tattoo by Dana Endresen. Jenkinson’s Aquarium will be leading marine crafts and Novins Planetarium staff will be offering space crafts for kids throughout the day.
Children can stop by the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science booth to participate in a contest for the best turtle drawing. And don’t miss Sparkles the Robot and Sam the Tuna puppet show.
Environmental groups from the area will be on hand to answer questions regarding the environmentally responsible ways that people can enjoy and protect the Barnegat Bay and its watershed. Artisans and crafters will be selling custom fishing rods, jewelry, marine art, photography and much more.
Details: www.bbep.org or (732) 255-0472.