Day in the Bay - seaside entertainment

Island Bay Festival’s “A Day in the Bay”

Seaside community celebration: 14th Feb 2010. 10 am to 6 pm.

O we do like to be beside the seaside!

The new Marine reserve off Wellington’s South Coast will be explored by a broad cross section of people in this year’s Day in the Bay event. Throughout the day experts will be on hand to guide, coach and encourage people in many maritime activities.

Children can dig for prizes in the sand as part of the Big Dig. They can learn to snorkel for free in kid’s-sized wetsuits, fins and goggles with the aid of experienced instructors, or be guided around the abundant rockpools by marine biologists.

“It’s great to see the wonder of the marine world coming to life for these kids”

says Claire Pascoe of the Experiencing Marine Reserves programme.

Adults can take part in the activities too!

The Marine Education Centre will hold an open day, so those willing to get their hands wet can visit the touch pools. DOC marine ranger Hawea Tomoana will be giving a talk on local legends and history in the PORSE storytelling area in Shorland Park at 11.30. Other DOC staff have planned a fascinating exhibition about local shipwrecks.

The colourful Blessing of the Boats is bound to be a highlight of the afternoon. A tradition Island Bay’s many Italian sailors brought with them when they immigrated. The idea behind the Blessing is to keep the fishermen safe.

Father Geoff Broad – who has taken part in the last six blessings – says the tradition has grown in popularity, with all kinds of boaties embracing the event.

“They’re not just Italians, there’s a big mixture of nationalities involved in it – and it’s always very well done,”

he says.

With other activities such as live bands, children’s entertainment, boat rides, fair ground rides and market stalls, the event is designed to appeal to many different people.

For more information, please contact:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Kate Hanan – (029 934 4840)