 Catch the Excitement of CoastFest 2006!
What attracts over 7,000 visitors, spot-lights coastal resources and critters, has a little something for everyone, and is packed with surprises and excitement? Why it's COASTFEST of course! COASTFEST is Georgia's largest organized celebration of the state's coastal natural resources. Held annually on the first Saturday of October, this day-long educational festival is a free, highly interactive event for the entire family. Hosted by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division, COASTFEST takes place at the division's headquarters along the Marshes of Glynn in Brunswick, Georgia. COASTFEST 2006 will be held on Saturday, October 7 from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. COASTFEST will be held RAIN or SHINE! In the interest of safety, NO pets allowed.
 COASTFEST is touted as a celebration, and it is just that; a celebration of Georgia's rich and vast coastal natural resources. Visitors are encouraged to explore the secrets of the coastal natural world and uncover the treasures which lie within.
COASTFEST has many educational and interactive components. Thanks to its location, visitors may take advantage of offerings not found at other coastal festivals. Visitors delve into the world of marine biologists during tours of a DNR Research Vessel. Picking through the findings of a real sea trawl, investigating the vessel itself, and talking with marine biologists are all part of the ANNA excitement. Also open for tours are DNR Law Enforcement, US Army Corps of Engineers, and United States Coast Guard vessels. In keeping with the oceanic theme of the dock area, festival goers can get "up close and personal" with visiting live sea critters in touch tanks. Under the watchful eye of DNR staff, visitors are able to touch and feel a horseshoe crab, a blue crab and many other sea creatures.
 But what really draws the crowds to COASTFEST is the promise of quality environmental and educational exhibitors and exciting scheduled programs. Over 90 exhibitors from across the Southeast participated in COASTFEST 2005. With themes ranging from sea turtle nesting, water quality, war-time cannon firing demonstrations, costumed historical interpreters, mobile aquariums, thought provoking materials from respected educational institutions, non-profit environmental organizations both big and small, and state and federal agencies with informative public information, there is something to attract everyone in the exhibit arena. With exhibitors encouraged to bring "give-aways" and present interactive exhibits, event visitors find themselves learning and having fun at the same time. From a musket firing demonstration to the inspection of an electric vehicle to the chance to hold turtles and other critters, the exhibit area is alive with activity. COASTFEST 2005 also featured the eighth annual COASTFEST art contest with over 400 paintings and drawings by area schoolchildren on display.
 Just as popular as the much talked about exhibit area are the educational programs of
COASTFEST. COASTFEST 2006 brings back favorite programs from last year, Creek Indian Jim Sawgrass, DNR Wildlife Biologists with coastal critters and "The Puppet People." A nationally known puppeteering troup from Savannah, The Puppet People blend life-sized puppets with marine skits and energy. Appearing "under the big tent" at COASTFEST, The Puppet People use laughter to educate adults and children alike on the hidden world of the ocean and its inhabitants. Jim Sawgrass also makes a return appearance at COASTFEST 2006. A Creek Indian from Florida, Sawgrass invites event visitors to step back into early coastal Georgia for a glimpse into the Native American culture of the 1700's. With an Indian encampment as a backdrop, Sawgrass and his family bring to life traditional games, recreational activities, Creek cooking, and other rituals and activities. Sawgrass also makes an appearance "under the big tent" for several hour-long programs which will captivate both children and adults alike. DNR Wildlife Biologists will also appear at COASTFEST and introduce festival goers to snakes, alligators and other reptiles that call coastal Georgia home.
 Other attractions of COASTFEST include a walk through the Earth Day Nature Trail and Marsh Walk. Event participants may find themselves eyeball to eyeball with assorted different birds and animals along the walk. Excitement abounds at "WeeBee" DNR's 70 foot long whale where children and adults are encouraged to crawl inside and walk around. Built to scale, WeeBee gives festival participants an idea of the true size of these marine creatures. Also surrounded with activity is the CoastalArk, DNR's 30 foot long mobile educational classroom. With coastal scenes painted on both sides, tours inside the Ark and a fun-filled environmental trivia contest with prizes, the Ark has proved to be a favorite attraction of the festival.
Food for COASTFEST is provided by local non-profit organizations for a small fee. Parking is free, as is the event itself to both visitors and exhibitors. COASTFEST '98 began a new event tradition with the selection of a local child's art work to be the official event theme and logo. This tradition continues at COASTFEST 2006 with a child's artwork gracing everything COASTFEST related.
COASTFEST grew from 30 exhibitors and 1,500 visitors in previous years to a record 90 exhibitors and over 7,000 visitors! COASTFEST 2006 on October 7, promises to be even larger and more exciting than ever before. The excitement is catching.....the tradition of excellence continues..... and it begins in Georgia at.... COASTFEST 2006!
For more information on COASTFEST contact Lea King, GA DNR/Coastal Resources Division, One Conservation Way, Suite 300, Brunswick, Georgia, 31520, (912) 264-7218 or fax (912) 262-314, or email Lea_King@dnr.state.ga.us, or visit our web site at: http://crd.dnr.state.ga.us.
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