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All Departments Administration Corrections Development Services Facilities Management Human Resources Information Technology Library Services Management and Budget Services Natural Resources Management Neighborhood and Human Services Parks and Recreation Public Safety Public Works Veterans Services Waste ServicesEscambia County is proud to be a partner for the City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation Department’s inaugural Pensacola Outdoor Adventure and Recreation Festival, OAR Fest, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23 at Bayview Park, located at 2001 E. Lloyd St. in Pensacola.
Overlooking Bayou Texar, event attendees will be able to participate in free kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, windsurfing and rowing instructional demonstrations. OAR Fest’s mission is to showcase paddling and outdoor opportunities within the Pensacola Bay area and provide environmental education that ensures these recreational opportunities will be available for generations to come.
The festival will offer race opportunities for both veteran paddlers and those interested in trying the sport for the first time. The competitive race will take place at 8 a.m., and participants must pre-register. A fun race open to all skill levels will take place at 12 p.m. with a $10 entry fee. More details and online registration are available at OARFest.com.
The event also provides an opportunity to highlight the Carpenter Creek and Bayou Texar Watershed Revitalization Plan, which is currently under development. Escambia County and project staff will be in attendance during the event to talk about the plan and the issues surrounding Carpenter Creek and Bayou Texar.
Local vendors will be onsite to showcase outdoor recreational opportunities, outdoor gear, and promote environmental stewardship and education. Concessions from local food truck vendors will be available for purchase.
Businesses that offer outdoor recreation, health and fitness, and environmental stewardship programming or education are encouraged to apply to become a vendor. registration is free for any vendor who provides free information, instruction, activities or services to the public and open until Oct.15 Interested vendors may contact Paul Pipes at 850-436-5692 or [email protected] for vendor information and registration. Limited sponsorship opportunities are still available. Interested sponsors should contact Shawn Brown at 850-433-0750 or [email protected].
The OAR Fest is made possible thanks to the generous support of Beck Partners, Clark Partington Attorneys at Law, the Florida Paddling Trails Association, Paddle the Gulf, Lamar and Keep Pensacola Beautiful. The festival will be hosted by the City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with Florida Sea Grant, the Pensacola and Perdido Bay Estuary Program, Pensacola Rowing Club, the University of Florida IFAS Extension, Escambia County and Visit Pensacola.
The OAR Fest is an outdoor event that will follow enacted COVID-19 safety guidelines and protocols. To learn more about the OAR Fest, visit OARFest.com.
The mission of Escambia County government is to provide efficient, responsive services that enhance our quality of life, meet common needs and promote a safe and healthy community.
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