Fun in the sun can be had by the bucketsful for the next two weekends at Main Beach. Free festivities will celebrate the importance of a healthy ocean and earth.
Kelp is the fastest-growing organism on the globe. It can grow up to two feet a day. More than 800 species rely on kelp, including people. Giant kelp is a natural emulsifier used in many everyday items and foods.
Its importance to the planet will be extolled at the sixth annual Kelpfest, taking place tomorrow, Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the cobblestones at the south end of the Main Beach boardwalk.
Festivities will include a walk-in, kid-crafted kelp forest and ocean-themed games, face painting, art painting, drawing, cutting and gluing, costumes, singing, dancing and photo-ops with a live mermaid.
Booths by various ocean-minded organizations will highlight the important filtering effects and habitat of kelp forests.
Laguna Ocean Foundation, which provides tidepool educators and supports ocean restoration projects, is sponsoring the event for the first time. Music will be performed by Birdsong and the Eco- Wonders, Rosi Morales and Bryan Peterson.
Like the ocean, Kelpfest is an organic event, so activities and surprises will flow and weave like the kelp forests.
The following Saturday, April 25, the tide will turn to landlubber festivities to celebrate Earth Day. The first event is a “give-back” activity of picking up all trash from local beaches, ocean-fronting streets and kelp beds for an intense half-hour. Bring gloves and garbage bag.
At 12:30, earth-huggers are asked to gather at the Main Beach Lifeguard Tower to give the earth a huge communal hug facedown. A towel is suggested. Local poet John Gardiner will lead the “Earth Hug,” which will last one minute. Don’t miss it.
The hug will be followed later by a concert from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Bridge Hall, Neighborhood Congregational Church, 340 St. Ann’s Dr., Laguna Beach. The Earth Day Concert will feature well-known local musicians and groups celebrating the day’s activities, the continued life of the planet and live music. Suggested $10 donation at the door. For more information, contact [email protected] or at 949-573-8624.
