05/16/2024
This Saturday, May 18th, come visit New York Sea Grant at the Lake Ontario Waterfront Festival.
NYSG’s exhibit will feature boating safety information, electronic distress signals, and more. This free event runs from 10:00am to 5:00pm and will be packed with fun activities for all ages.
The family-friendly festival, offered by the H. Lee White Maritime Museum at Oswego, will be held at the museum located at the end of West First Street Pier in Oswego: https://bit.ly/2024LOWaterfrontFestival.
In addition to NYSG's exhibit, visitors can tour the museum for free — Check out the temporary art exhibit “Tugging Around Oswego Harbor” in the gallery; and explore the museum’s fleet of ships including the LT-5, which took part in the World War II invasion of Normandy; the Eleanor D, which was the last working commercial fishing boat on Lake Ontario; the retired Derrick Boat 8 and the replica schooner Ontario.
Youth aged 5 to 15 can race their way to victory in the Sailboat Sprint and win prizes. Children can pick up a model boat kit from the museum to build at home.
Other children’s activities include a Gyotaku art activity, which is a form of nature printing, and T-shirt printing. Children must bring their own shirt to decorate.
The Pirate King will also be on hand for photos.
Kicking off National Safe Boating Week from May 18 to 24, the Oswego Fire Department will offer safety demonstrations of water rescues. A rescue truck will be on hand, and safety information will be available. The U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will also offer boating safety and recruitment information. Vessels will be on display for a close-up look.
Adventure at Burritt’s is a new exhibit this year that features a new pontoon and fishing boat.
New York Sturgeon For Tomorrow will have an educational display to showcase lake sturgeon across the state. This fish species can live over 100 years and reach 300 pounds when fully grown. They reached very low population levels but are now becoming more common due to a statewide reintroduction program. Visit the booth and see ‘Stella the Sturgeon,’ a 6 foot-long, life-like sturgeon model.
A number of other community partners will have representatives at the festival to offer information about their programs. These exhibitors include Sodus Bay Maritime Captains Association, Oswego County, NY and its tourism department.
The festival may also offer reduced-price tours of Oswego’s iconic lighthouse. Weather permitting, lighthouse boat tours will run from 11 am to 3 pm with a charge of $15 for adults and $5 for kids aged 5-12. Contact the museum office to make a reservation.
For updates on Sea Grant activities: www.nyseagrant.org has Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, blog and RSS news feed links. Our program produces a e-newsletter, NY Coastlines/Currents, 2-3 times a year. You can e-sign up and access our archives at https://bit.ly/2P75cWo.
Tags: National Sea Grant College Program; New York Sea Grant Great Lakes; SUNY Oswego; College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University; Cornell Cooperative Extension; Cornell Cooperative Extension Oswego County; U.S. Coast Guard Station Oswego; Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla Oswego; U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary - Recreational Boating Safety Directorates; Discover Boating; National Safe Boating Council; Safe Boating Campaign; Wear It New York!; United States Lifesaving Association; Empire State Marine Trades Association; Marine Retailers Association of the Americas; Association of Marine Industries; New York Marine Trades Association; Boating Industries Association of Upstate New York
