2004 Highlights
The 2004 Alaska Oceans Festival- Celebrating Our Water Planet was a HUGE success!
A'hoy Anchorage!
Ocean festival educates and celebrates
(PUBLISHED 20 JULY 2004) in UAA's Northern Light By Natasha Korshin
Mix together some environmental groups, lots of people, add a dash of educational activities, hula hoops, a splash of beer garden and live music and the result is one of the most awesome summer events in Anchorage. The Alaska Oceans Festival was an all-day celebration at the Delaney Park Strip, July 17 that sought to educate and entertain the public about keeping Alaska's waters healthy. View the whole article!
View photos from the 2004 event!
Highlights of the 2004 Alaska Oceans Festival include:
- All 5 of the performing acts and MCs incorporated a message of the importance of healthy oceans into their dialogues and performances.
- One of the performers tailored their entire musical set to ocean related songs.
- The national headliner performers, the Laura Love Band, expressed their closing remarks by reminding everyone of the importance of protecting the oceans, stating that the current administration was not doing anything about it and that individuals need to speak out individually for their oceans.
- World renowned cold water swimmer Lynne Cox inspired the crowd with her speech encouraging individuals to take an active role in promoting and protecting Alaska's Oceans.
- Once again the majority of Alaska's environmental community attended the event, providing educational materials for participants. Both marine and terrestrial groups participated, indicating a strengthening of overall conservation groups and the recognition that both the land and the sea are connected, showing a positive sign that concern and appreciation for ocean conservation are becoming parallel in importance.
- All attending organizations provided positive feedback on how effective their involvement in the festival was and many of the organizations involved also conducted a variety of hands on learning activities to educate youth and members of the local community, providing a unique learning opportunity.
- The event has developed and strengthened relationships between environmental groups and state and federal agencies. With over 25 diverse groups participating we have been successful in raising awareness about marine issues and increased our reputation as leaders for conservation in local communities.
- Organizations collaborated to create a Marine Treasure Hunt that encouraged festival attendees to visit education booths and find answers to marine questions.
- The festival engaged local, community-oriented businesses and leaders to support our mission through participation in festival planning and execution of activities.
These are just some of the successes of a truly fantastic and inspirational day that will form the cornerstone of our present and future outreach efforts towards gaining a deeper appreciation and respect for our oceans.
See Collaborate 2006 links to explore the many ways you can be involved in next year's festival and join us for the celebration!
Please contact us if you have any questions!
Shelley Johnson
Alaska Oceans Program
308 G Street, Suite 219
Anchorage, AK 99501
(907) 929-9375
shelley@alaskaoceans.net
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