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Sitka WhaleFest: A One-of-a-Kind Celebration of Alaska's Marine Environment

Sitka, Alaska, is one of the most beautiful vacation destinations on the planet sitting on Baranof Island, 92 miles Southwest of Juneau. The views from the city are breathtaking with Sitka Sound to the west and Mount Edgecumbe to the east. Whether you’re trekking through the pristine wilderness or participating in one of the area festivals, the town offers something for everyone.

 

Sitka WhaleFest is a celebration of the rich local marine environment and 2016 marks the 20th edition. The event is a science symposium designed to teach participants about a variety of marine-related subjects through a unique fusion of first-hand local knowledge and scientific research. Scientists from around the world will be in attendance to share their unique knowledge. Attendees will also enjoy the festival qualities of the event that range from a 10K run to numerous local food vendors. We got the chance to interview Mia Kuartei, Sitka WhaleFest Director, to talk about this one-of-a-kind experience.

 

RAL: Tell me about the event.

MK: Sitka WhaleFest, an annual program of the Sitka Sound Science Center, is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. It has grown to include a broad range of activities that draw over 500 participants each year including children, youth, college students, life-long learners, and local Sitkans. At the heart of the festival is a unique science symposium blending local knowledge and scientific inquiry concerning the rich marine environment of Alaska and beyond. World-renowned scientists come to Sitka to share their current research findings on a broad range of subjects. This innovative science outreach program gives future researchers and lifelong learners opportunities to meet and learn from a diverse group of scientists who are passionate about their research. Each afternoon, symposium participants and guest speakers will explore a daily theme connected to the overall theme of the symposium. As part of its special 20th anniversary,  Sitka WhaleFest will focus on whales as a time-telling device.

 

RAL: What is the environment like?

MK: Taking place in the newly remodeled Harrigan Centennial Hall in the heart of downtown Sitka, the event is conveniently situated for participants to explore local shops and restaurants within walking distance of lodging and public transportation lines.

 

RAL: Walk me through the activities of a typical day at the event.

MK: The weekend kicks off with a marine-themed student art reception, film screening, and panel discussion. Over the three-day weekend, participants enjoy a wide range of activities and events celebrating the festival theme. The WhaleFest market contains local food vendors, marine-themed artisan vendors, music, and family-friendly activities. Two marine wildlife cruises take place over the weekend, featuring the symposium speakers aboard a catamaran, highlighting the beautiful local scenery and wildlife. A fun run and walk, including a 2-mile walk, 5K and 10K runs, takes place at the local Whale Park. Special prizes are awarded for spotting whales along the race course!

 

RAL: Take me through the local lodging options.

MK: There are a variety of local lodging options for Sitka WhaleFest participants, ranging from dormitory style housing to hotels. The Westmark Sitka is offering WhaleFest participants a discounted room rate of $126 per night, including $7 Resort Fee plus taxes. Mention WhaleFest when you make your reservation or click here for hotel booking and enter the code “WhaleFest” for the discounted rate. Housing is also available at the Historic Sheldon Jackson Campus through the Sitka Fine Arts Camp. Click here to register for housing on campus. While Sitka WhaleFest brings many visitors to support the local economy, lodging is easily available since the festival takes places during the slower off-season time. For more information about Sitka, other accommodations, or other visitor opportunities, please contact Visit Sitka by visiting their website.

 

RAL: What does the event mean to the community?

MK: Sitka’s busy summer tourist season winds down each year at the end of September. WhaleFest plays a significant role in bringing visitors and boosting the local economy during the relatively quieter winter off season. The events and activities at WhaleFest highlight opportunities and partnerships with local organizations, corporations, small business owners, educational institutions and local programs. Funds raised through WhaleFest support scholarships and educational programs of the Sitka Sound Science Center.

 

There is a significant need for science education in our community and throughout our country. Adapting successfully to a shifting environment and informing the public about our changing planet, requires us to build science literacy. Alaska lacks culturally sensitive and locally relevant scientific, educational opportunities. The event helps build interest and provides learning experiences by creating innovative, culturally sensitive and engaging education programs. We are educating the public on the environmental needs of local communities, the state of Alaska and across the country.


For more information about the Sitka Whale Fest, please visit their website.