The Great Blue Heron Festival will benefit Alaqua Animal Refuge and its native wild animal programs, education, and rehabilitation.

By the end of 2025, Alaqua will expand its services to provide wildlife veterinary care for rehabilitators throughout the Florida Panhandle. The addition of skilled wildlife veterinarians is crucial for the successful rehabilitation of wild animals, and Alaqua will be equipped to meet this need. This enhanced role in the wildlife rehabilitation community will significantly boost successful reintroductions of wildlife into their natural habitats.

Thank you for supporting our environment and the creatures that inhabit it.

Event Highlights

• YOLO Paddleboard Race & Eastern Lake Clean-up Paddle from 10am to 11:30am
• Silent Auction with one-of-a-kind items to bid on, will close at 1:30pm
• Pontoon boat running groups out all afternoon to see the Great Blue Heron Statue
• Lots of unique local vendors!
• Live local music playing all day!
• Fantastic food and drinks available for purchase from the Old Florida Fish House

A celebration of the life of the one footed great blue heron that called 30A his home!

Race Details

Get Ready for a Day of Fun and Adventure on Eastern Lake ! Join us on Saturday April 26th 2025, for a family friendly recreational paddle board race and Lake Clean up to benefit Alaqua Animal Refuge and its native wild animal programs education, and rehabilitation

Mark your calendars! The race kicks off at 10 AM on beautiful Eastern Lake at the Old Florida Fish House. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or new to paddle boarding everyone is welcome!

Everyone will enjoy the fast paced short 1 mile buoy course with awards for top finishers in each age group. Each registered paddler will receive a swag bag

After the race enjoy live music, local vendors and food available for purchase at the Old Florida Fish House.

Team Race

• Short, Sprint-Style, Buoy Course (Buoy turn around at half way point)
• 4 Person Teams
• 22' Paddle Board 
• $35 Per Person (Add 4x Items to cart to pay for whole team or each racer can pay separately)

Race Schedule

• Check In/Register - 9:00 AM
• Races Begin - 10:00 AM
• Awards - 11:30 AM
• Lake Clean up Paddle - 12:30 PM
• Wrap Up - 1:30 PM