The 29th annual Sitka WhaleFest, a science festival to celebrate the area’s abundant marine wildlife, is scheduled Nov. 7-9.
The core of the festival is a science symposium that blends local knowledge and scientific inquiry of the rich marine environment. Surrounded by community and cultural activities, the weekend events include science presentations, marine wildlife cruises in Sitka Sound, a marine-themed artisan market, music, local foods, art show, interactive student sessions, and the WhaleFest Run.
From mid-September until mid-January, humpback whales ply the waters of Sitka Sound. Biologists believe they’re building up food reserves before migrating to tropical waters. The humpbacks attract watchers from boats and the shore along Sawmill Creek Road, between town and Sawmill Cove in Silver Bay. Whale Park, about six miles south of Sitka on Sawmill Creek Road, is a popular viewing spot, with walkways and scopes.
Sitka WhaleFest, a program of the Sitka Sound Science Center, is at 834 Lincoln Street. Its phone number is (907) 747-8878 and the email address is whalefest@sitkascience.org.
