The Complete WhaleFest: Details of 3-Day Event

Details

Category: News

Created on Thursday, 31 October 2024 15:21

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By Sentinel Staff

Sitka WhaleFest has scheduled a series of seminars and events, including a fun run, trivia night, art show, and arts and craft market, for the Nov. 1-3 science symposium.
The theme this year is ‘‘Shifting Boundaries New Horizons.’’
Symposium topics and speakers include the following.
November 1
12:45 p.m. welcome and opening remarks
1-1:45 p.m. ‘‘Navigating Change: From Microscopic Plankton to Majestic North Pacific Right Whales,’’ by Deana Crouser
2-2:45 p.m. ‘‘How Alaska’s Fisheries (and Science!) are Keeping Pace with a Changing Climate,’’ by Elizabeth Siddon
3-3:45 p.m. ‘‘Are marine mammals in Arctic Alaska responding to warmer waters and less sea ice?’’ by Lori Quakenbush
November 2
1-1:45 p.m. ‘‘Nunaaqqit Savaqatigivlugich – Working with Iñupiaq Communities to understand a changing Arctic,’’ by Donna Hauser, Roberta G.T.B., and Kim Pikok
2-2:45 p.m. ‘‘Mean and Green (or not!) European Green Crab in Southeast Alaska,’’ by Kari Lanphier
3 p.m.-3:45 p.m. ‘‘Tracking the Tusk: Using Sound to Study Narwhal Movements,’’ by Marie Zahn
November 3
1-1:45 p.m. ‘‘In Support of the Coming Generations: Lessons Learned and Lessons Taught from Subsistence Hunting and Whaling Communities on the North Slope,’’ by Richard Glenn and Lee Kayotuk
2-2:45 p.m. ‘‘Alaska Salmon in a Warming World: From too hot to just warm enough,’’ by Peter Westley
 3-3:45 p.m. ‘‘Following the arc of humans’ relationship with marine mammals in Southeast Alaska,’’ by Lauren Wild, John Moran and Mike Miller.
Tickets can be purchased at the website SitkaWhaleFest.org. Full three-day passes, single day passes, and single lecture passes are available.
Other events are planned and include:
The Marketplace and Café will run all weekend at Harrigan Centennial Hall. It features more than 20 local vendors and non-profit organizations, including marine-themed crafts, jewelry, food and a silent auction. For more information on becoming a market vendor, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
An opening reception for the Student Art Show and Photography Showcase is 5:30-6:30 p.m. tonight at Centennial Hall. Artwork will remain on display throughout the festival during Market Café times.
Film Fest: ‘‘It’s All About the Happy People: A Tale of Joy and Life Around the Sea Ice” by Lloyd Pikok Jr. and Kimberly Pikok will be shown 7-8 p.m. tonight at Centennial Hall. It is free and open to the public.
Kayaking to Kaasda Héen: 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Friday. The small group paddle will be along the shore of Sitka National Historical Park down to the mouth of Kaasda Héen (Indian River). Participants will learn paddling techniques, and talk about the cultural, ecological, and geomorphic history of the shoreline and river mouth. Life jackets and safety equipment will be provided. Rain gear and rubber boots are required.
Scientific Illustration Classes will be taught by local artist Norm Campbell on Friday and Saturday. Explore the world of scientific illustration and discover how important it is when learning about something new. Campbell will teach basics of rendering an object as an illustrated form. Classes are 9-11:30 a.m. Nov. 1 in Karsh Classroom at the Sitka Sound Science Center, and 9-11:30 a.m. Nov. 2 at Harrigan Centennial Hall.
Maritime Grind – The marine-themed Maritime Grind is slated 7:30-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, at Harrigan Centennial Hall. It is co-hosted by the Greater Sitka Arts Council and Sitka WhaleFest. Tickets are at Old Harbor Books.
Marine Wildlife Cruises – Two marine wildlife tours are being planned 8:45-11:30 a.m. Nov. 2 and 3. Meet at Crescent Harbor near Centennial Hall to explore Sitka Sound aboard an Allen Marine Boat. Area wildlife experts will join to offer their insights about the sites and wildlife. The event supports the Sitka Sound Science Center and the Sitka WhaleFest and is sponsored by Allen Marine Tours, supporting Southeast Alaska through tourism.
The annual Whale Fest fun run/walk to be held 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2. The 5K run, 10K run, and 2-mile walk will start and end at Whale Park. Pre-race registration is 5-7 p.m. Friday at Centennial Hall. Registration on the day of the event is 8-8:45 a.m. The cost is $25 (includes WhaleFest merchandise) or $5 for the race only. For more information, contact Bridget at 738-5515
Marine Trivia Night – All are invited to put their marine knowledge to the test with a night of trivia, 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at Harrigan Centennial Hall. This year’s WhaleFest speakers will join teams to compete to answer questions about the ocean. Participants can mingle with symposium attendees and get to know scientists and experts. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Because alcohol will be available, attendees must be at least 18 years old. Anyone between the ages of 18 and 21 must be accompanied by someone over the age of 21.
Behind the Scenes of Science – 9-11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, at the Sitka Sound Science Center. Learn about the past, present, and future of the center’s historic campus. Participants will learn how to be a part of the Science Center’s vision for the future of science research and education in Southeast Alaska by getting involved in the AL-G (Aquarium, Laboratories, and Grounds) Project. Light refreshments will be served. The Science Center is at 834 Lincoln Street.
Marine Mammal Necropsy, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Nov. 3 – Sitka’s Stacy Golden, will guide participants in discussion on pinniped anatomy, adaptations to a marine environment, and disease monitoring. Adults will participate in an external examination of juvenile seals followed by an in-depth necropsy of a pinniped emphasizing marine mammal adaptations and the importance of sentinel species. It is for adults only and space is limited.
Registration and more information about events are available on the website at SitkaWhaleFest.org

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