Get out those LEDs – and if you have one, a kayak or paddleboard. On Friday June 2, Tacomans will light up the Thea Foss Waterway with the annual Lantern Paddle for Species, a part of Tacoma Ocean Fest 2022.
With FREE shoreside/inside entertainment from 7-11pm, lantern-making workshop, FREE light art and paddle launch at 9pm, the event isn’t just a cool excuse to rig up lights on your paddlecraft or wave them on land.
You’ll also be helping create a magical twilight moment, celebrating all threatened species – like our own orcas and salmon – and reminding our world what we need to do to protect them from pollution, climate change and extinction.
WHERE: Foss Waterway Seaport, 705 Dock St, Tacoma MAP IT
PARKING: Republic lot north of Seaport
LAUNCH: Launch your SUP or kayak from the Seaport's ramp and dock, or float down from Thea's Park just north.
SCHEDULE
6-11pm: Museum open with hands-on marine science and a sneak peek at this year's Ocean Fest art. Food trucks and beer garden in front parking lot.
7-8pm: PLU Steel Pan Ensemble, plus start of Seventy-48 paddle race (watch them go by!) Make your own glowing ocean-themed DIY lantern inside the museum education area, led by artist Cheryl Rux.
8-9pm: Vuelta La Luna aerial circus
9-10pm: Paddle launch from FWS dock or Thea's Park, and circle in front of Seaport. Wear/bring lights and/or watch on land. Native American flutist Paul Chiyokten Wagner, projection light art and roaming illuminated puppets.
8-9pm and 9:30-11pm: DJ spinning inside the museum
SAFETY
Please stay safe. Wear a lifejacket and know your water limits. Human paddlecraft only, please. Beginners: Stay inside the protected water area beside the dock.
NOTE: Paddling is done entirely at your own risk! We take no responsibility for your safety on the water. If in doubt, stay on land. If sick, stay home.
HOW CAN YOU HELP PROTECT MARINE SPECIES?
- Join the Lantern Paddle and bring/wear something that reminds us of the beauty of ocean life
- Explore our Ocean Actions and make them part of your daily life: refuse single-use plastic, avoid chemicals in your home/yard, support green energy, drive less, save salmon for orcas, eat ocean-friendly and more
- Clean up a beach - do the Beach Cleanup on June 3!
- Talk to your friends about it. Speak up and vote for the ocean.
- Donate to one of our eco-partners that protect local marine wildlife: Harbor Wild Watch, SR3, Communities for a Healthy Bay, Washington Environmental Council, The Ikkatsu Project, 350Tacoma
WHERE TO LAUNCH?
On the west side, there are parking and launch spots at Thea's Park (535 Dock St), the Foss Waterway Seaport (705 Dock St, park in Republic lot), and Dock St Marina (1817 Dock St, park on street or under Museum of Glass - after 8pm.)
LOOKING FOR LIGHTS? PADDLES?
Join our FREE lantern-making workshop with Bell Street Creative, inside the museum from 7-8:30pm. All materials supplied!
Or get creative and bring your own! LEDs, holiday lights, glow lights, luminaria, even just a flashlight or two: Get creative but remember - single-use plastic harms the ocean.
Need to rent paddlecraft.
Foss Harbor Marina rent out next door. Stay tuned for other opportunities.
JOIN: Tacoma Ocean Fest, VT Radio, the East Tacoma Collaborative, Pierce Conservation District and Metro Parks Tacoma CHIP-In for a community cleanup at Swan Creek Park!
Speak up to save salmon from extinction! Join local environmental groups to rally for the removal of Snake River dams to save wild salmon. Speakers, swag, video ops and more. (We'll bring our orca lanterns!!)
Learn how to make TikTok-style videos that grab views and encourage action. Find free software and clips. Led by filmmaker Chhay Mam. Grades 6-12.
Learn new techniques, be inspired by prompts, share work and get the courage to write a poem. Led by poet and educator Gloria Muhammad. Grades 6-12. FREE!!
