CAPE MAY – The Nature Center of Cape May was the focal point of the City’s annual Harbor Fest celebration June 14.
This annual celebration of the harbor, its culture, ecology, and the bounty that this precious resource provides to the City of Cape May and region drew in hundreds to enjoy the many events and attractions. Festivities commenced on Friday evening, June 13 with the “Blessing of the Waters” ceremony at the Fisherman’s Memorial. This ecumenical ceremony commemorates the loss of local fishermen while asking for blessings for a safe fishing and boating season.
There were plenty of special children’s programs and activities to enjoy on Saturday including: arts and crafts, games and a corn hole tournament. Other events included ‘Explore the Shore’ featuring seining on the harbor; critter talks in the lab; the always popular ‘Coastie Corner;’ and even a visit by none other than Santa Claus! A naturalist from the Cape May Bird Observatory offered a special program featuring the favorite local avian, the Osprey, from the deck of the Nature Center; and a live water rescue demonstration by the Townbank Fire Department also took place.
Seafood took center stage at the Nature Center with the world famous Lobster House’s raw bar; and a demonstration by the ‘Lazy Chef’ on ‘no-hassle’ cooking methods utilizing ‘under-utilized’ local seafood species.
Paddle for a Purpose, a journey through our local marshes and paddle a kayak, canoe or SUP paddleboard with other paddlers, raised funds via sponsorships for the Nature Center’s Good Neighbor Fund, which provides summer program scholarships for Coast Guard dependent children.
Since its inception as a whaling village in the 17th century, Cape May’s economy and culture has been linked to the sea. But with the promise comes a challenge. The annual Harbor Fest celebration is intended to heighten awareness and appreciation of this fragile resource. Additional information about Harbor Fest is available on the web: www.capemayharborfestival.com.
For more information about the genesis of Harbor Fest, or how to participate and support the important missions of the Nature Center, contact the Director, Gretchen Whitman at 609-898-8848 or by email: Gretchen.whitman@njaudubon.org.
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