Mote Marine Laboratory is pleased to host its inaugural Islamorada Ocean Fest on Saturday, Dec. 1 at Founders Park from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Originally slated to take place October 2017, the event was canceled after Hurricane Irma.
Mote’s Ocean Fest has been celebrated for eight years in Key West at the Truman Waterfront Park and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary’s Eco-Discovery Center. This past April, the Key West Ocean Fest lifted spirits and raised funds for coral reef research and restoration through a day of family fun, crafts, games, music, food and educational displays highlighting the Keys’ treasured marine resources. Attendees explored conservation-focused exhibits, discovered live animals in marine touch pools, enjoyed a kids’ fishing clinic with Boy Scouts of America Florida Sea Base, browsed the works of local marine artists and more than 60 vendors, danced to live bands, and more.
Be sure to mark the calendar for December 1 to attend! Registration for Islamorada Ocean Fest is currently available for vendors and nonprofit exhibitors alike at moteoceanfest.org. Join the likes of the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center, Boy Scouts of America Florida Sea Base, Islamorada Beer Company, Hemingway Rum and Howard Livingston and the MM24 Band to celebrate coral reef ecosystems, conservation and Florida Keys culture.
All proceeds go to support coral reef research, restoration and education in the Florida Keys. To register and for more information as details become available, visit moteoceanfest.org.
Visit moteoceanfest.org to see the list of our partners, sponsors, and vendors.
Learn more about Mote’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration here.
Mote’s Keys-focused research efforts are supported primarily by philanthropic donations to Mote and funds from the Protect Our Reefs specialty license plate and grant program: motereefplate.com