Final Call for Exhibitors at Sarasota Bay Water Festival

SARASOTA -- The Sarasota Bay Water Festival is set for Saturday, November 2 at Ken Thompson Park. More than 80 exhibitors will be promoting water recreation, art and photography, wildlife conservation, environmental education, and various services and products. Thanks for helping the Water Festival reach 1,000 likes on Facebook.

Festival highlights include live music with popular area performers including Ben Hammond, Hymn for Her, and Come Back Alice; local fine artists selling unique gift items; free water taxi service with Freedom Boat Club between Marina Jack and Sarasota Sailing Squadron, food trucks and local restaurants; fun dragon boat races, vintage boat displays; panel discussions on bay-friendly living; a display of the winning submissions to the I Love Sarasota Bay Photo Contest; fishing clinic and dip netting for kids; and exhibits on boating, fishing, kayaking, paddleboard sports, scuba, cycling, and more. The daylong festival celebrates the best of Sarasota Bay!

Raffle prizes include a 12-foot Perception Sport Kayak from Economy Tackle and Dolphin Paddlesports, a Hovie Scout Paddleboard from SUP Sarasota, an 18 X 20 inch matted Giclee print from the acclaimed photographer Clyde Butcher, an Open Water Scuba Diving Certification Class from Florida Underwater Sports, a two-hour boat excursion and gift basket from Sarasota Wind and Water Adventures, and a daylong electric bike rental from Freedom 4 Electric Bike Company. Raffle tickets will be on sale at the festival with a 5pm drawing at the music stage.

The proceeds from the sale of beer and wine will be donated to Vintage Paws Sanctuary. The mission of the nonprofit is to provide a safe home for displaced senior dogs. Animal Rescue Coalition was the nonprofit beneficiary last year. The water festival is a pet-friendly event; don't forget a six-foot leash and doggie bags.

The Water Festival is being supported by 42 sponsors from the public and private sector. SBEP is the Presenting Sponsor and HDR, Inc. is the Host Sponsor for 2013. Visit the Water Festival website to learn about the sponsors. Triple 3 Marketing produces and manages the festival. Bryan Moore welcomes exhibitor inquiries at bryan@triple3marketing.com.