Rockport, Texas– AquaFest 2012 on Labor Day weekend is the inaugural event presented by the Aquarium at Rockport Harbor, promising family fun inspired by the bay waters we all share. While Rockport, Texas is known as an art community, it is our unique position on the bays that residents adore and that keeps our visitors returning year after year. To highlight the mission of the Aquarium at Rockport Harbor, and to serve as an annual fundraising event, they are hosting the first annual AquaFest on Saturday, September 1, from noon to 8:00 pm. The admission is $1 for ages 8 and up.
In the tradition of other prominent festivals for our area, AquaFest will provide visitors with a variety of exciting activities with the added opportunity to explore the world under the sea. Unique water demonstrations, children and adult activities and vendors will span the grounds outside the Aquarium, most with a nautical theme. Among them will be the Texas State Aquarium and the Coast Guard with informative and engaging displays. The new Education Center will feature movies of various sea creatures and our very own Leopard Moray Eel, Marley’s “eel-leventh” birthday party, complete with party hats and an Eel shaped cake. Outside the Aquarium visitors will find an array of games and activities including Kid Fish for two age levels, face painting, prize wheel and more, along with a Rubber Ducky Regatta and Washer Tournament for all ages.
Musical artists will provide continuous entertainment just outside the Rockport Yacht Club who will also be serving up Hot Dogs and Hamburgers, along with beverages for all ages and taste. Headliners, the Scott Taylor Band, will kick off our event from noon to 2 pm, followed by local favorite Trip Hunt from 4 pm to 6 pm and finishing out our day with Rockport’s own Jade Patek and Bryan Matlock from 6 pm to 8 pm, with one remaining act to be announced.
Raffle tickets are currently available in conjunction with the festival with the drawing of winners to be held at 6 pm on the festival grounds. Prizes include fishing trips, whooping crane and bay cruises, an original Simon Michael painting, Hurricane Alley Fun Package, USS Lexington family membership, a shopping spree and more. T-shirts with the official AquaFest 2012 logo will be available for purchase in adult and youth sizes, in limited quantities.
A special “thank you” goes out to all our volunteers, vendors, musical artists and our many sponsors who are making our first annual event a reality. Your participation and support is greatly appreciated and will facilitate the continued growth of the Aquarium at Rockport Harbor.
Proceeds from the festival will benefit the Aquarium at Rockport Harbor, Inc., a non profit Texas Corporation, dedicated to the education and entertainment of visitors through experiences that promote understanding, conservation and stewardship of marine resources and environments. Admission to the Aquarium is free to the public. Special tours are available upon request from schools, churches, scouts, social and civic groups and other special needs The Aquarium at Rockport Harbor is located at 702 Navigation Circle, Rockport, Texas. For more information dial 361-727-0016 or visit our web-site www.rockportaquarium.com.
