Two water taxis will operate from the Urbanna Town Marina on both Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. They will transport visitors to and from their boats anchored in the harbor. Boat tours of the creek also will be available.
The Urbanna Oyster Festival waterfront at the Urbanna Town Marina will showcase the area’s varied history and emphasize the conservation and restoration of the Chesapeake Bay.
Since its days as a crucial colonial port, Urbanna’s waterfront has always been an essential part of town life. In its recent past, its docks were filled with Chesapeake Bay buyboats and deadrise workboats as watermen bought and sold oysters and crabs they had harvested.
During the Oyster Festival, history comes alive at the waterfront. Festival-goers are welcome to board the Lynx, a replica of “an American privateer” sailing schooner that engaged British ships in the War of 1812 and was involved in one of the war’s larger naval battles that occurred on the Rappahannock River.
Waterfront activities
The waterfront area of the festival provides opportunities for visitors to look at the beautiful Urbanna Town Marina and harbor, learn about the marine life of the Chesapeake Bay region, and listen to live music. Come to the waterfront to climb aboard a historic boat, examine marine creatures in touch tanks, and taste some local seafood.
Highlights for this year include:
- A replica of the American privateer Lynx will be open for tours. The original tall ship was involved in the War of 1812.
- A variety of hands-on exhibits from the Watermen’s Museum, the Fairfield Foundation, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, and the Tidewater Soil & Conservation District.
- Music and refreshments.
“Come to the waterfront to look, listen, and learn and you will love your time at the festival,” said Waterfront Coordinator Kathy Swinehart.
On Thursday, Nov. 4, the Marine Science Legacy Program of the Oyster Festival Foundation hosts the Oyster Festival Education Day. This year the Education Day will take place under a big tent at Middlesex Elementary School.
Students from area schools will take their learning out of the classroom and have the opportunity to immerse themselves in hands-on activities that will nurture their understanding and respect for marine history and the environment.
The Oyster Festival Foundation is pleased to be able to bring exhibitors to the schoolchildren on Thursday to nurture an appreciation for the culture of the rivers and bay before setting up at the Urbanna Town Marina for Friday and Saturday, said Swinehart.
