Community members and visitors are invited to join Mote Marine Laboratory’s team of scientists and educators to celebrate the ocean for Mote’s Ocean Fest on Saturday, Nov. 13.
Taking place at Founders Park’s Great Lawn and Amphitheatre, the festival kicks off at 10 a.m. with vendor tents, entertainment, food and more. Local musicians Adrienne Z, Micah Gardner, Scott Youngberg and Pasta & the Lower Mat Cats will perform. Florida Keys Brewing Company will be pouring beverages, while festival-goers peruse regional artisan goods and learn about the local ecosystem champions.
The event will include live animals from Keys Aquarium Encounters as well as a climbing wall, and Mote’s education team will be onsite with science-based activities for kids of all ages. Artist Pasta Pantaleo will take centerstage to paint another masterpiece that someone can take home. There will also be raffle items and a Toys for Tot drive, so be sure to bring a toy and get a free beer ticket.
Those who complete a scavenger hunt at the festival will receive a reusable cup and one free raffle ticket.
Mote Marine Laboratory was founded on three basic principles, which include passion, partnership and philanthropy. Mote is composed of scientists, explorers and stewards of the ocean who are focused on research and education. Originally focused on sharks, Mote’s research expanded to include studies of human cancer using marine models, the effects of human-made and natural toxic substances on humans and on the environment, the health of wild fisheries, developing sustainable and successful fish restocking techniques and food production technologies and the development of ocean technology to better understand the health of the environment.
