During this year’s Siesta Key Crystal Classic sandscuplting competition, Nov. 12-13, kids can discover the origins of Siesta Key and its fine, white quartz sand at The Learning Curve on Siesta Beach.
The Learning Curve is a new, fun learning and creative activity center at the The Siesta Key Crystal Classic – a visual and cultural arts festival now in its seventh year.
The production of this year’s festival is a partnership between the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce and Mote Marine Laboratory. Mote staff and trained volunteers partner in the Crystal Classic to raise awareness and donations for the Lab’s Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program. This is a rare opportunity to help hundreds to thousands of people learn about the ancient reptiles on our beaches, how to protect them and how to support Mote’s sea turtle research and conservation efforts.
The activity center is appropriate for all age children. An opportunity to interact with sand samples from other beaches will be featured in a science lab. There will also be a hands on arts and crafts session. Learning Curve activities will be conducted by an experienced high school arts instructor and a local 7th grade teacher along with other volunteers. All science and art labs are structured to meet Florida Science and Art Standards.
Kids attending the festival can participate in the twice daily Science/Art Labs on Nov. 12th & 13th at 10:30 & 2:00. The center will also be the location for Sand Sculpting Demonstrations and Lessons from a master sand sculptor at 12:30 & 3:30.
The Festival runs Nov. 11 – 15. Hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day and 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. Onsite, day of the festival admission is $5 for Children 5-17; $10 for 18 and older; Children under 5 are free. Discounted and multi-day admission passes are available online at www.siestakeycrystalclassic.comthrough Nov. 4.
More information regarding the 2016 event schedule, tickets and parking passes can be found on the website: www.siestakeycrystalclassic.com.
The production of this year’s festival is a partnership between the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce and Mote Marine Laboratory.
For more information about Siesta Key Crystal Classic contact the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce – 941-349-3800; email siestakeycrystalclassic@gmail.com;
or visit www.SiestaKeyCrystalClassic.com. For video, please visit the Siesta Key Crystal Classic YouTube channel.
For more information about Mote Marine Laboratory please visit www.mote.org or contact Kaitlyn Fusco, Public Relations Manager, at 941-388-4441, ext. 417; Cell: 941-302-4997; or kfusco@mote.org.