Come to Rhythms at Rainbow Beach from 1-10 p.m. on Sunday, May 27, for Reef Jam, the biggest celebration of coral reef and the marine environment in the Virgin Islands. Reef Jam is hosting its fifth annual event to “encourage marine conservation and stewardship through community education and outreach.” For only $5, attendees get to listen to live music from Kurt Schindler and Fyah Train. There will be tons of raffles throughout the day, as well as a whole line-up of free reef-related activities for the whole family in the Reeftivity Zone.
“Reef Jam is a day for the whole family to come out and dance and play and celebrate the reef!” said Project Manager Melanie L. Feltmate. “We will have tilapia, squid and lionfish dissections, snorkel clinics, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking for all ages.” This is the second year that the event has teamed up with St. Croix Environmental Association for Reef Rap, a contest for High School students to perform original songs written about the reef and how to protect it. “You do not want to miss the Reef Rap” said Feltmate, “the creativity and energy these kids give off is incredible.” Reef Jam also teamed up with the Department of Planning and Natural Resources to have a lionfish derby. “Lionfish are a serious threat to the reefs and our livelihood,” said Feltmate. For $15, lionfish hunters who catch the largest, smallest and most lionfish can win prizes (call the St. Croix East End Marine Park for more details (718-3367).
Janelle Schindler and her husband Kurt founded Reef Jam in 2008 during International Year of the Reef. “Living on an island, every single one of us is affected by the health of our reefs,” Says Schindler. “This event is to celebrate the incredible resource that surrounds us and gives us life.” “We are thrilled to be working with ib Designs which has created a commemorative Reef Jam bracelet that will be selling.” All funds raised at the event go back to the St. Croix community to support projects that encourage conservation and stewardship of the reef.
Reef Jam 2012 is sponsored through generous support from Bellows International, Coors Light, HH Tire, West End Water Sports, The Buccaneer, KSS Entertainment, Gallows Bay Hardware, Above the Cliff, Kurt&Janelle Schindler, Melanie L. Feltmate, Rhythms at Rainbow Beach and endless hours of help from our wonderful volunteers.