The Rainbow Connection <i>Family Fun Fest</i>

Date: March 4, 2007
Contact: Gary Bremen, 305-230-1144, x3084

With Biscayne National Park’s clear blue waters and bright blue skies, it’s easy to forget the rest of the colors of the rainbow. The March installment of the park’s popular Family Fun Fest series takes place from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 11, 2007 with a look at those “other” colors that complete the park’s beautiful spectrum. The free event takes place at the park's Dante Fascell Visitor Center. Stations located around the visitor center provide a variety of interactive and hands-on activities, including:

• Red — What make’s the perfect sunset so red? Cool demonstrations on a hot color!
• Orange — Make your own take-home sea star while learning all about these amazing animals.
• Yellow — Follow your treasure map to discover some of Biscayne’s “gold!”
• Green — Algae is a lot more than pond scum!
• Purple — What animal feeds on the poisonous purple Portuguese man-o-war?

Participants will receive a paper passport to be punched at each station as they complete the activities. Those who complete all five activities will earn a special button to help remember the day.

Family Fun Fest takes place on the second Sunday of every month from January through May. April’s event will take place on April 15 (the third Sunday) to avoid a conflict with Easter. The series is made possible through a grant from the Captain Bob Lewis Boat Center Yamaha Billfish Challenge, with assistance from the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve. Additional support this month comes from the University of Miami’s Undergraduate Marine Science Department and a host of volunteers.

Future events include:

• Disco Lives! — April 15
  (Third Sunday - this month only!)
  What do Biscayne National Park and disco music have in common? Lots!
• POP: Predators on Patrol — May 13 Everybody’s gotta eat, and that means somebody else has to get eaten!

The Dante Fascell Visitor Center is located at 9700 SW 328 Street, nine miles east of Homestead, Florida. Call 305-230-7275, extension 0 for more information.

ADDITIONAL NOTE: Don’t forget! Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday, March 11!