Lagoonapalooza

Description

Vero Beach, FL – The Environmental Learning Center (ELC) proudly presents
Lagoonapalooza, a Nature and Music Festival dedicated to celebrating the vibrant ecosystem of the Indian River Lagoon. Join us on January 25, 2025, from 10 AM to 6 PM at our picturesque 64-acre campus in Vero Beach for a day filled with entertainment, connection and inspiration.

Event Highlights:
● Interactive Exhibits: Engage in dozens of hands-on activities with our environmental partners, designed to educate festival-goers about the lagoon's ecosystem while having fun.

● Live Music & Food: Enjoy the rhythms of local bands, setting the backdrop for a day of environmental awareness. Bring a chair and a blanket and spend the day!
    ● Band Schedule:
        ○ 10-12 PM - Murphy Dogs
        ○ 12-1:30 PM - Johnny Debt
        ○ 1:30-2 PM - Prestage Brothers
        ○ 2-3:30 PM - Ben Prestage
        ○ 3:30-6 PM - Sleepin’ Dogz

● Playscape: Unwind and listen to live music while your children play in our engaging nature-inspired playground.

● Eco-Friendly Crafts: Participate in crafts and activities that highlight sustainable practices that benefit the lagoon.

● Dip Netting in the Pond: Kids can explore marine life up close by dip netting in the pond, discovering hidden aquatic creatures.

● Joe-Rassic Park Reptile Encounter: Interact with turtles, tortoises, lizards, and snakes.

● Pontoon/Canoe Quick Trips: Guided tours through the lagoon, offering a firsthand look at the ecosystem.
    ○ Pricing:
        ● Pontoon Tours: $20 per person

        ● Canoe Trips: $10 per person
● Pontoon Tour Schedule: Departure times: 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00
PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM Reservations: Reserve your pontoon
spot in advance or on the day of the event.

● Canoe Trips: 10 AM – 4 PM (Ongoing throughout the day, no presales)

● Explore the Lagoon: Kayaks & Stand-Up Paddleboards will be available to rent.


General Admission Details for January 25, 2025:
● General Admission: FREE (suggested donation of $10/individuals or $20/family)
What’s Included: Access to all exhibits, live music performances, craft stations, touch tank, aquarium, and walking trails.

Lagoonapalooza Art & Poetry Contest: Celebrate Creativity & Conservation
We invite artists, poets, and nature lovers of all ages to participate in the Lagoonapalooza Art and Poetry Contest! This exciting competition, part of the ELC's ongoing mission to protect and celebrate the Indian River Lagoon, encourages participants to express their passion for conservation through original artwork and poetry.
Winning entries will receive prizes such as family memberships, pontoon rides, or have their creations featured on ELC merchandise like bags, shirts, and stickers.

Key Details:
● Submission Deadline: January 10, 2025
● Categories: Poetic Waves (poetry/slogans), Lagoon Love (artwork), and Ambassador Awareness (creative tributes to ELC ambassadors like Nova the Box Turtle).
● Eligibility: Open to all ages, with submissions judged on creativity, originality, and message impact.

Submit your entries in person at the ELC or via email to barb@discoverelc.org. Visit
DiscoverELC.org or call 772-589-5050 for more information.

A heartfelt thank you to Alex MacWilliam Real Estate for generously supporting Lagoonapalooza as this year’s Entertainment Sponsor! Their support brings you an incredible lineup of live music to enjoy throughout the event.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available, and we’re currently accepting vendor applications—join us in making this festival unforgettable!

About the Environmental Learning Center: The Environmental Learning Center is a 64-acre lagoon-island nature center dedicated to educating, inspiring, and empowering individuals to become active stewards of the environment.

For more information about Lagoonapalooza, please visit www.DiscoverELC.org or call 772-589-5050.