VIMS Marine Science Day is full of activities and a costume contest – June 1, 2024

VIMS Marine Science Day

Marine Science Day – Saturday, June 1, 2024
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
FREE Event
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Watermen’s Hall, Campus-wide 1375 Greate Rd. Gloucester Point, VA

Full day of events, costume contest, food trucks (food for purchase), tours, river seining, hand on activities – don’t miss it!

Grab your budding marine biologists and little lover’s of science, water and the great outdoors and head over to the 22nd annual Marine Science Day open house event on Saturday, June 1, 2024. This is an annual event where for one day only, nearly every corner of VIMS is open to the public and you can speak to their scientists and students. Plus you and your family will get a behind-the-scenes look at the important research and advisory services VIMS provides to the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond!

This is a fun-filled family-friendly event featuring exhibits, children’s activities, seining in the York River, tours of our labs and facilities, seafood cooking demonstrations, mini-lectures, and more. This event is completely free, open to the public, and takes place rain or shine! All exhibits and timed activities are included with entry. Food and beverages will be available for purchase on site throughout the event. Advance registration is greatly encouraged and appreciated. The event is FREE and open to the public.

Schedule of the events at VIMS Marine Science Day 2024

• 10 AM – 12 PM: Communal Quilt Project with Steve Prince, Director of Community Engagement and Artist-in-Residence at the Muscarelle Museum of Art
• 11 – 11:20 AM: Fish Gut Content Analysis Demonstration in Fish Processing Lab
• 11 – 11:30 AM: Marine Life Costume Contest Parade and Awards Ceremony
• 12 – 1 PM: Seafood Cooking Demonstration with Chef Winslow “Win” Goodier, Executive Chef and Culinary Director of Nuttall’s Store
• 12:30 – 1:30 PM: Marine-Related Career Fair in Hargis Library
• 1 – 1:20 PM: Fish Gut Content Analysis Demonstration in Fish Processing Lab
• 1:30 – 2:30 PM: Seafood Cooking Demonstration with Chef Win Goodier

List of the Marine Science Day Exhibits & Activities

• Tours of our facilities – including the VIMS Visitors Center Aquarium, Nunnally Ichthyology (Fish) Collection, Acuff Center for Aquaculture, Seagrass Greenhouse, Oyster Nursery Pad, Carl Hershner Teaching Marsh, Riparian Forest, Native Plant and Pollinator Garden, and more!
• Scientific exhibits where you can learn more about the amazing research being conducted by VIMS scientists from pole to pole!
• Scientific demonstrations including fish dissections in the Fish Collection and fish gut content analysis by Multispecies Research Group staff in the Fish Processing Lab
• Educational crafts, activities, and games in the Marine Advisory Program Pavilion
• Seining in the York River – jump into waders and get up close and personal with charismatic Chesapeake Bay creatures (crabs, fish, and more!) while seining on the VIMS beach
• Photo opportunities with TapSnap interactive photo booth and the Society for Women in Marine Science (SWMS) at VIMS “Picture Yourself as a Scientist” exhibit
• Art project opportunities at the Community Art Mural tent and the Communal Quilt Project

Costume Contest: All ages are invited to participate in the MSD 2024 Costume Contest by wearing original costumes of marine plants or animals.  Awards will be given for:

• most original plant or animal
• most creative use of sustainable materials
• best group costume
• best representation of a plant or animal
• Grand prize: Grand Prize winner receives store merchandise valued at $50 from the VIMS Gift Shop.
• Register for the Contest here

More info on this event and to register to attend. Keep reading for info on food trucks.

ood Vendors (Food and drink available for purchase all day!)

• Avocargo
• Piha Aloha
• Gloucester Kiwanis Club (burgers, hotdogs, and veggie burgers)
• Short Lane Ice Cream will be serving special shark and marsh-themed flavors!
• Pop’s Kettle Corn
• O’How Sweet Cotton Candy

Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point Campus (just north of the Coleman Bridge)
For more information call 804-684-7061. All activities are free, as is parking. The event proceeds rain or shine. Advance registration is greatly encouraged and appreciated (on website).- More info

Advance registration is greatly encouraged and appreciated. The event is FREE and open to the public.

MARINE SCIENCE DAY
Saturday, June 1, 10am-3pm

Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Watermen’s Hall, Campus-wide 1375 Greate Rd. Gloucester Point, VA

Advance registration is greatly encouraged and appreciated. Learn more and register now.