Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/93854
NEWS BRIEFS Water taxis from Freedom Boat Club will transport people from Marina Jack in downtown Saraso- ta to the Sarasota Sailing Squadron next to Ken Thompson Park for the Sarasota Bay Estuary Pro- gram's Water Festival. Contributed photo SARASOTA BAY WATER FESTIVAL SET FOR NOV. 17 The inaugural Sarasota Bay Water Festival is set for this Saturday, Nov. 17, at Ken Thomp- son Park in Sarasota. More than 70 organizations from the public and private sectors will be involved as spon- sors and exhibitors, according to a news re- lease. The free festival will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. "Its purpose is to celebrate the impor- tance of Sarasota Bay to the region's environ- ment and economy," the news release says. The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) is the host sponsor, while Triple 3 Marketing is managing the event with volunteer support from residents of Sarasota and Manatee coun- ties, the release adds. SBEP is one of America's 28 national estuary programs. The first "iceberg" ever seen in Sarasota Bay will be unveiled as part of the activities, thanks to the creativity of New College sculpting pro- fessor Richard Herzog, the release points out. Additionally, the award-winning Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Show Team will perform at 4 p.m. Event guests also can gain free admission to the Mote Aquarium, which will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission requires getting a stamp at the festival. Among the other festival highlights will be live music on the main stage, with five local bands on the schedule; a Creative Arts Tent presenting a dozen local wildlife photogra- phers and artists selling art items; the winning submissions to the I Love Sarasota Bay Pho- to Contest, with three age divisions; vintage boat displays; local food trucks; a beer and