The Virgin Islands Network of Environmental Educators (VINE), Blue Flag USVI and Coral World Ocean Park are preparing for the 4th annual St. Thomas Reef Fest, scheduled for Nov. 18, come rain or shine. The Reef Fest community event in past years has been organized by the Sea Grant Marine Outreach Program’s Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service at the University of the Virgin Islands. However, this year Reef Fest was threatened to be cancelled because of economic challenges.
Valerie Peters, director of Marketing at Coral World Ocean Park and Blue Flag USVI said, “As a member of VINE, Coral World Ocean Park heard the call and donated my time and the use of its facilities for the day. The park will provide many of the services that in the past had to be purchased or rented – electricity, restrooms, staging, exhibit space and free admission to the public.”
Peters said, “Reef Fest celebrates the coral reef. It is about empowering the local community to protect coral reefs. It is a day dedicated to learning about the bond between humans and the reef, and about what each person can do to cultivate that relationship in a positive way.”
Trudie Prior, general manager of Coral World said, “We decided to step in and keep Reef Fest going because it is a perfect match to Coral World’s mission.” The Coral World mission statement says our goal is “to bring you close to the inhabitants of the magical undersea world that surrounds the Virgin Islands and to the stunning variety of plant life that grows in our lagoons and on our hillsides.” Coral World seeks “to entertain, to educate, and to inspire appreciation and understanding of the local environment. Our hope is that you will experience the joy of discovery and that you will love and protect the natural treasures you see here.”
Christine Settar, Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service , VINE member, and past coordinator of Reef Fest, said “Reef Fest invites citizens to enjoy the recreational value of reefs and learn how activities on land can affect the health of the marine environment and, in turn, economy, culture, and heritage. By providing experiential outdoor (both land and sea) learning opportunities for entire families, Reef Fest is an inspiring way to gain appreciation and encourage positive conservation practice at the grass roots level.”
The fun lasts all day with educational and family-oriented activities.
o Free admission to Coral World Ocean Park
o Participants demonstrate what they know about reefs via the Reef Rap contest (cash prize!)
o Show off your sculpturing skills and sand knowledge with the Sand Sculpture competition
o Learn how to kayak, paddle board, snorkel appropriately around coral reefs
o Take a reef or coastal tour guided by local naturalists
o Engage in family-friendly educational games (Human Ocean Bingo, Marine Jeopardy, and more!)
o Visit booths decked out with take-home information about the unique island environment
o Live entertainment paired with family fun makes Reef Fest an event not to be missed
Coral World encourages individuals, businesses, agencies, and groups to come forward with supplies, food, equipment, funds, talent, education, and almost anything to support the festival. In the spirit of the reef, islanders will learn more about our ocean, reflect on its importance in their lives, take time to do something good for our blue planet and learn how to take action to protect the ocean and the reefs in their daily lives.
Please stay tuned for more details regarding the much-anticipated annual Reef Fest on St. Thomas at Coral World and Coki Beach.
For more information, contact Valerie Peters at marketing@coralworldvi.com or 775-1555 ext. 246 and befriend the Coral World Facebook page for updates.
