Dear Editor: It’s early November, and we find ourselves on the cusp of the 29th annual Sitka WhaleFest. This year, the outpouring of support from our whole community has been tremendous. From donations of food, lodging, transportation, and financial support, there is so much for Whalefest organizers to be grateful for.
Restaurant owners and grocery distributors have donated amazing food for evening receptions and morning brunches, while businesses have donated plane tickets, hotel rooms, bus rides, and funds to help offset transportation and logistics costs for WhaleFest. Individuals and organizations have also been incredibly generous in their financial and volunteer support for events like the WhaleFest Grind, Ocean Bowl, the WhaleFest Fun Run, and multiple wildlife cruises.
The Sitka Sound Science Center has hosted Sitka WhaleFest since 2012. This event is not only a science symposium and community celebration, but a gathering of students, lifelong learners, science experts, and traditional knowledge holders focused on marine ecosystems and coastal regions. This year, we explore the theme of Entwined, unraveling the tangled connections of the natural world, revealing how intimately we are bound together on our shared planet.
Along with our three days of talks that kick off Friday, Nov. 7, and run through Sunday, Nov. 9, we will have a wide variety of workshops, makers market, cafe, wildlife cruises, and student art show to enjoy throughout this week. Find more details at SitkaWhaleFest.org
We want to take this opportunity to say a huge THANK YOU to the many, many Sitka supporters of WhaleFest in advance of a big weekend of learning and celebration together.
Sitka Sound Science Center
