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Ocean-Beach-Reef Festival

Celebrate the ocean lifestyle once more at the Ocean-Reef-Beach Festival. One of Florida’s best beach conservation events, the festival brings together all sorts of beach lovers-- surfers, anglers, sea turtle protectors, beachcombers, shorebirders, and a host of others. The 6th annual festival is staged at Pelican Beach Park in Satellite Beach on Sat., Dec. 2 from 10- 5 pm.

The Surfrider Foundation Sebastian Inlet and Anglers for Conservation host the event that is committed to being a green festival.

"ORB Fest was launched to bring awareness to the value of the near shore reef found throughout Satellite Beach in terms of recreational, educational and economic value to the region" said Alec Buchness, chair of Surfrider Foundation Sebastian Inlet.

"The reef is unique in that it's the only remaining exposed near shore reef in Brevard, a singular treasure we've come to love. The more educated and passionate the general public becomes, the more likely folks will be to join in the fight to conserve and protect these resources."

This year visitors can learn how to get started or to improve skills in nature journaling – observing and recording observations of nature. Susan Lovelace will present some concepts and techniques of nature journaling at a session in the Clubhouse, where the participants will be directed to find individual locations on the nearby beach to observe nature and begin their journals. After approximately 45 minutes on the beach, the participants will return to the Clubhouse for a discussion of their experiences. This workshop is open to 14 to 18 year-old students. It is free and limited to 25 students.

The festival will feature local ocean artists, surfboard shapers, food trucks, scientists and conservation groups, local musicians, and much more. It offers a family atmosphere with fun activities for all ages, everything from educational programs in the Clubhouse to a sea turtle maze for the kids.

One of the highlights is The Slow Down, Chow Down Chowder Cookoff with Space coast chefs and restaurants vying for the title of "Best Chowder." Guests have the opportunity to taste samples from each restaurant to determine the winner. A dozen other food vendors will be on hand while talented musicians entertain. Don’t miss out on the Brevard Hawaiian Dancers performing a Live Hawaiian Ceremonial Dance throughout the Festival around noon time.

Come to have fun and leave with more knowledge as well as a renewed appreciation of our ocean, our reef, and our beach.

The festival organizers suggest you avoid bringing plastic water bottles to the event and participate in its recycling program that day. It's suggested that locals walk or ride their bikes due to the limited on site event parking. Additional parking will be made available at the overflow parking field across from CVS on North A1A/Desoto Pkwy (NE Corner).

For more information visit  http://oceanreefbeachfestival.com