Tofino whale festival is coming: March 14-22, 2009
Join in the Creation
of the Celebration!
It's that time of year again... time to kick start our seasonal coastal antics and to prepare for another safe season on the water.And time to honour a significant coastal tradition century upon centuries old: the annual migration past our shores of the eastern North Pacific grey whale.
For 23 years running, the Pacific Rim Whale Festival Society has provided an extensive calendar of festivities aiming to educate, inspire, and raise the spirits of the young and young at heart. There's many a reason to celebrate life on the coast, and the grey whale is at the top of our list of highlights - not to mention listed as a species of special concern under the Species At Risk Act.
The annual journey of an estimated 20,000 migrating greys is designed, by nature, for seeking food in cold, nutrient-rich waters in the north, and utilizing warm, safe calving and breeding lagoons off of Baja, Mexico (not a bad plan!). Up and back, to serve their basic needs, they make what is thought to be the largest migration of any mammal on the planet!
For 1000's of years our backyard marine corridor along the coast has been an attractive feeding ground for greys on their journey northbound in the spring. Their history has brought them to near demise, and back from the brink to a relatively stable, healthy current population. Fortunately for them, they are no longer legally hunted here, and fortunately for us, roughly 40-50 find enough food and comfort to dine here, as residents, especially during the spring & summer months. They are joined by countless underwater wonders, like acrobatic, fish-feeding humpbacks right down to the mud-dwelling amphipods that draw them here. There are countless quirks that make this species unique and interesting, and a true abundance of upcoming Whale Festival events focused on celebrating, learning more, and shaking off the winter!
One of the most amazing things about the Festival is that it's put together by a diverse team of volunteers - and we're looking for creative minds, helpful hands, and official organizers for this celebration of coastal life. Talented? Organised? Simply charming, great with children, or have something else up your sleeve that you'd like to contribute? Then your services will be appreciated! Contact our Tofino volunteer director, Danielle Hiscock at 250.522.0225 or danhiscock AT gmail.com.
Sponsors are also encouraged to contribute in many ways, shapes or forms - in fact, we couldn't do it without you - the Pacific Rim Whale Festival is a not-for-profit annual event supported by generous corporate and personal sponsorships. Contact info@pacificrimwhalefestival.com for details.
Find yourself festivalised this March 14-22, 2009 in Tofino, Ucluelet and around Pacific Rim National Park. Take a look at what our communities have created together!
Don't forget to watch the horizon for spouts, and see you in March for a whale of a time!
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Tofino whale festival news: Preparations are on their way for the 23rd annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival in Tofino and Ucluelet.
