Swim & Fin Oceanfest!

Come see “Stormy the Duck”, a 15 ft. tall rubber ducky at he 3rd Annual Swim & Fin OceanFest sponsored by Salem Sound Coastwatch on Saturday, July 19, 2008 from 10 am to 3 pm at Forest River Park, 98 West Ave. in Salem.

This family-friendly festival is a celebration of the wonderful resources of Salem Sound. Activities include Tide Pool Adventures--a “sea-creatures touch tank,” a display of bio-invaders from our local waters, crafts including the Japanese art of fish printing and making clam puppets, plus there will be demonstrations on how to make compost tea, “ask the organic gardener” any of your questions on Greenscaping, live music, games, yoga, chair massage, and fun for all!

For the swimmers, there are open water swim races for all ages and levels; and for paddlers there will be a 5 mile flat water kayak race with competitive and touring classes.

Live music includes environmental songs by award winning singer-songwriter Jaclyn Soep (who is also an elementary school music teacher), and by teens from the Rock Labs at Chris Kersker’s Accel School of Music.

The festival and parking are free; entry fees for the races are $25 in advance and $35 at the festival. All proceeds benefit Salem Sound Coastwatch, a non-profit coastal watershed organization. Rain date is Sunday, July 20. To learn more: www.swimandfin.org or call 978-741-7900.