Invasion on the Bayou 2015 is Saturday

The 2015 Invasion on the Bayou, a family event to promote water safety — and reading literacy for children — will be held on Saturday, March 28, beginning at 9 a.m., at the Bluewater Bay Marina Complex.

The annual event, sponsored by Niceville Valparaiso Rotary Club, Bluewater Bay Marina and Paradise Paddle Boards, features a group “invasion” gathering and photo, SUP (stand up paddleboard) race, Josh the Baby Otter storytime for preschoolers, and US Coast Guard Auxiliary presentation and boat inspections.

Boaters, sailors, canoers, kayakers, SUPs, jet skis and seaplanes are invited to anchor and float on the west side of the Rocky Bayou Bridge for a group photo to be taken at 9:30 a.m. (staging begins at 9 a.m.).

The Stand-Up Paddle Board race immediately follows the photo. The course is Rocky Bridge to Rocky Creek, and back to Tater Tot Island. The suggested registration/donation for racers is $20. Money raised from the project buys the book, Josh the Baby Otter, which is distributed to children at local preschools.

At 11 a.m., Tammy Matz, Principal at Riverside Elementary School, will read the “Josh the Baby Otter” book to children in attendance at on the beach of LJ Schooners Dockside Restaurant.

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary will be available at the Bluewater Bay Marina and boat ramp from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to do safety inspections on your vessel to get you safe on the water.  The Auxiliary’s “Coastie” presentation is at 11:15 a.m.

For more information please call Bluewater Bay Marina at (850) 897-2821.