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9th Annual Barnegat Bay Festival Saturday June 25 2005(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association June 2005 Newsletter) On Saturday, June 25th, the Barnegat Bay National Estuary Program and Ocean County College will be hosting a festival to honor a wonderful resource of national significance – the Barnegat Bay. Everyone is invited to visit Ocean County College (OCC) between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 25th to enjoy good times, great music, plenty of children’s activities, and various eco-tours. This unique festival is in its ninth year of teaching 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. 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 OCC Parking Lot #2 every hour starting at 10 a.m. for a drive to the Ocean County Parks Administrative Building where the adventure begins. First come, first served. Register for a Back Bay Ecotour where Ocean County Park Naturalists lead a canoe trip through seldom seen habitats. (Must be at least 14 years old and canoeing experience preferred.) 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, extension 3. The all-day music festival kicks off at 10:00 a.m. with DJ Dave Rodgers spinning tunes of the ‘60s and ‘70s. At 11:00 a.m., Casplash, one of New York City's hottest bands for Caribbean music will perform, and the festival finale will showcase the Pickles, the Jersey Shore’s extreme party band rockin’ festival-goers at 2:00 p.m. Three individuals will be honored for the first annual Guardians of Barnegat Bay Awards during a 1:30 p.m. ceremony. The Lifetime Achievement Award is reserved for an individual who has made outstanding contributions to environmental quality in the Barnegat Bay Watershed over a period of decades. The Community Caretaker Award honors an individual, organization or company that has made significant contributions to improve the environment during the current year. The Government Leading by Example Award honors a government organization or individual working within the Barnegat Bay Watershed for leadership, commitment and excellence in protecting the environment and the sustainable management of our natural resources. The festivities for the small fry are abundant and entertaining. A children's basket-weaving class will be held from 10-12 noon and will be free of charge. Kids and adults young at heart can be dazzlingly decorated with a free airbrush tattoo by Dana Endresen. Jenkinson’s Aquarium will be leading marine crafts and Novins Planetarium staff will be leading spacey kids’ crafts throughout the day. Kids should 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! There is definitely something for everyone. Environmental groups from the area will be there to answer any questions that you may have regarding the environmentally responsible ways that you can enjoy and protect the beautiful Barnegat Bay and its watershed. Artisans and crafters will be selling custom fishing rods, jewelry, marine art, photography and much more. So pack up the family, bring a little jingle for lunch, and spend a beautiful day celebrating the nationally recognized BARNEGAT BAY at Ocean County College’s main campus located on 275 picturesque acres in the county seat of Toms River in Ocean County, New Jersey. Please visit our website at www.bbep.org or call 732.255.0472 for more information.
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