CoastFest returns to Brunswick Oct. 5

CoastFest, coastal Georgia’s premiere educational festival, will return to Mary Ross Waterfront Park in Brunswick from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019. The event is free to the public and hosted by the Coastal Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

In it’s 25^th year, CoastFest brings together exhibitors ranging from environmental nonprofits to government agencies to celebrate Georgia’s natural assets, socio-cultural heritage and recreational resources. Attendees will have the opportunity to see wildlife up close, learn about Native American heritage with performances by Jim Sawgrass and his Creek tribe family and interact with a wide variety of exhibitors. Touch tanks, birds of prey, cannon firings, archery and much more also return this year.

“CoastFest is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for families and Coastal community members to learn about our environment, see native wildlife and experience all kinds of interactive exhibits,” said Tyler Jones, CRD’s CoastFest coordinator and communications specialist. “We’ll have more than 50 exhibitors and we’re excited to celebrate our 25^th year of hosting CoastFest.”

New this year will be a climbing wall sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America Coastal Georgia Council and live music from jazz band Tonic Blue and bluegrass band Blue Grass Nation, sponsored by the Georgia Natural Resources Foundation. Staple favorites like the Fish Rodeo sponsored by DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division and performances by magician Arthur Atsma are also returning.

This year’s student art contest will be held in the Brunswick Library on Gloucester Street across from Mary Ross Waterfront Park, with space generously provided by the Marshes of Glynn Library System.

Parking will be provided by the Brunswick Landing Marina with plenty of room for attendees. Vehicles should enter from U.S. Highway 341 just north of Newcastle Street and the Glynn County Harold Pate Building. Signage will mark the entrance. Local residents are encouraged to ride their bicycles with free bicycle parking provided by the Jekyll Island Authority. Due to the presence of wild animals, pets are not allowed.