The Virginia Institute of Marine Science will hold its 23rd annual Marine Science Day on Saturday at its Gloucester Point campus from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. This event is free and open to the public and will be held rain or shine.
For one day a year, nearly every corner of the VIMS campus is open to the public. Visitors can speak to scientists and students, while getting a behind-the-scenes look at the research and advisory services VIMS provides for the commonwealth and beyond.
This event features exhibits, children’s activities, seining in the York River, tours, mini-lectures and more. All exhibits and timed activities are included with entry. Food and beverages will be available for purchase on site.
New this year is overflow parking at Abingdon Park. Buses will shuttle visitors back and forth from the VIMS campus to the park throughout the day.
Costume contest
All ages are invited to participate in the Marine Life Costume Contest by wearing original costumes of marine plants or animals. The contest will be held in Watermen’s Hall and check-in will be held from 10:30-10:45 a.m.
Awards will be given for most original plant or animals, most creative use of sustainable materials, best group costume and best representation of a plant or animal.
There will also be a grand-prize winner selected who will receive an official Marine Science Day t-shirt, as well as a Batten School and VIMS prize pack valued at $50.
Timed events
There will be a few timed events throughout the day. The Marine Life Costume Contest Parade and Awards Ceremony will be held from 11-11:30 a.m. at Watermen’s Hall.
The Marine-Related Career Fair will be held from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in the Hargis Library, located in Watermen’s Hall.
The Seafood Cooking Demonstration will be held in the McHugh Auditorium, Watermen’s Hall, from 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Exhibits and Activities
Marine Science Day attendees can enjoy many exhibits and activities throughout the day.
Tours of the Visitors Center Aquarium, Nunnally Ichthyology (Fish) Collection, Acuff Center for Aquaculture, Seagrass Greenhouse, Oyster Nursery Pad, Carl Hershner Teaching Marsh, Coastal Forest Boardwalk, Ken Borkey Native Plant and Pollinator Garden will be available.
Scientific demonstrations will be available for viewing, including fish dissections in the Fish Collection and fish gut content analysis by Multispecies Research Group staff in the Fish Processing Lab.
Educational crafts, activities and games will be held. This will include fish printing, an activity on how to be a shellfish farmer, and face-painting by Mandie’s Fancies.
Seining in the York River will be available throughout the day. Waders will be provided.
BeyondPhotos DC and the Society for Women in Marine Science will have an interactive photo booth, “Picture Yourself as a Scientist,” available.
Visitors can create their own quilt square to be incorporated into the Communal Quilt. This project is led by Steve Prince, Director of Community Engagement and Artist-in-Residence at the Muscarelle Museum of Art in Williamsburg.
Food vendors for the day include Bali Bali Korean BBQ, Dominion Dogs, Cousins Maine Lobster, Don Chido Tacos & Tapas, Short Lane Ice Cream, Northern Neck Popcorn Bag, O’How Sweet Cotton Candy, and Kona Ice.