The Sarasota Bay Water Festival (SBWF) is set for Saturday, November 2 at Ken Thompson Park on City Island. Organizers are seeking vintage and unique watercraft from private collectors and boat clubs that bring attention to the history and continued allure of boating and fishing on Sarasota Bay. The regional event celebrates the importance of Sarasota Bay to the region’s environment, economy and quality of life.
Last year, the Florida Gulf Coast Traditional Small Craft Association displayed three boats including the Sallie Adams, a 21-foot Cortez mullet boat from the 1890’s, the Esperanza, a 15-foot Cuban refugee boat, and a 14-foot Cortez poling skiff used for fishing.
Other water festival highlights include Dragon Boat Races, food and beverages, fine art exhibitors selling gift items, a display of the winning submissions to the I Love Sarasota Bay Photo Contest, local groups promoting conservation and wildlife protection, panel discussions with area experts focused on Bay-friendly living, and exhibits and activities promoting boating, fishing, paddle board sports, scuba diving, birding, and other fun activities associated with Sarasota Bay.
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Boat enthusiasts and collectors interested in participating should contact Bryan Moore at bryan@triple3marketing.com. Bryan is the festival site manager and one of the owners of Triple 3 Marketing, the business managing the festival. Triple 3 Marketing is also the marketing contractor for the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP). SBEP is the Presenting Sponsor and HDR, Inc. is the Host Sponsor for this year’s festival. SBEP is one of the 28 national estuary programs in the United States. HDR, Inc. is a U.S. based company providing engineering, construction, architectural, and consulting services worldwide. Visit http://sarasotabaywaterfestival.com.
