Whale of a Time: Sitka’s Whalefest Celebration

In this episode of "Rav'n About Sitka," host Kathrynn explores Whalefest, Sitka’s annual marine science symposium and festival. She highlights its unique blend of scientific talks, art, music, and community events celebrating whales during their fall migration. Kathrynn discusses the festival’s history, educational activities, and its importance to Sitka’s culture and marine conservation. With engaging stories about whale-watching, student projects, and local traditions, the episode captures Whalefest’s spirit and its role in connecting Sitka’s people to the ocean and inspiring marine stewardship.

Episode Transcript

(00:16):
Hello there fellow raveners,welcome back to Rav'n About Sitka,
the podcast that dives deep,sometimes literally into the
heart and soul of Sitka, Alaska.I'm your host, Kathrynn,
and today we're plunging intoone of Sitka's most beloved fall
traditions. It's scientific.It's community driven.

(00:36):
It's a little salty.And no, I'm not just talking
about our fishermen.I'm talking about Whale Fest.
Every November, just as the stormyseason starts whispering across
the water and the whales aremigrating through Sitka Sound.
The small coastal town comes alivewith a celebration that blends marine

(00:58):
science, education, art, music,and a whole lot of ocean love.
So grab your rain gear.Warm up some salmon chowder.
And get cozy.Because today we're talking about
whale fest where whales may breach.But boredom never does.
First things first.What exactly is Whale Fest?

(01:21):
Well, Whale Fest is an annualmarine science symposium and
festival held right here in Sitka.It's been going strong since the
late 1990s, hosted by the SitkaSound Science Center,
and brings together scientists,students, locals and visitors to
explore the wonders of the ocean,especially our giant blubbery

(01:44):
neighbors the whales at its heart.Whale Fest is a celebration of
marine life and ocean health.It's part academic conference,
part festival, part communitypotluck and 100% Sitka.
You'll find everything frompublic lectures by marine
biologists to whale themed artshows to student poster contests.

(02:08):
It's like Ted talks got lost ina fishing town and decided to
stay for some smoked salmon.And here's a fun fact Sitka is
the place to hold it.Our waters are part of the migratory
route for humpback whales andmany other species like orcas,
gray whales,and even the occasional minke whale.

(02:29):
The smallest of the baleen whalesknown for its elegance and speed.
So when people come here to talkabout whales, there's a good
chance they'll actually see one.Now let's talk science,
because this isn't just a festivalwith a few inflatable whales and
a sea shanty band, though.Don't worry, we have those two.
Whale Fest is known for itsScience Symposium, where leading

(02:52):
researchers give talks that areactually accessible to the public.
No jargon overload here.These are people who can explain
whale echolocation without makingyou feel like you flunked biology.
Past themes have included oceanConnections. Life and science.
Beneath the surface.Mysteries of the deep.

(03:13):
And one even entitled.From Icelands to oceans.
Ecosystem connections in aChanging Climate.
Researchers from NOAA,the University of Alaska, and even
international marine institutes cometo Sitka to present their work.
It's a rare chance to hear from thepeople studying the front lines of
climate change, ocean acidification,and of course, the lives of whales.

(03:38):
Plus, there's usually a panel ortwo that lets locals ask questions.
And yes,someone will ask whether whales fart.
The answer is yes, and it's majestic.Let's take a break from
PowerPoint slides and talk aboutthe stars of the show.
The whales whale festconveniently coincides with the
fall whale migration.That's when humpback whales pass

(04:01):
through Sitka Sound on their waysouth to breed in Hawaii.
Or, as we like to call it,the whale version of Spring Break.
While Sitka Sound isn't teemingwith whales year round,
the waters in late October andearly November are often graced by
the humpbacks tell tale blow or,if you're lucky, a full on breach.
There are also resident orcaswho patrol the area year round,

(04:25):
and occasionally a curious greywhale will swing by like it's
crashing a party.Boat tours and educational whale
watching trips are often part ofWhale Fest weekend.
Bring your binoculars, your cameraand maybe a waterproof parka.
You will get rained on.After all, it's Sitka.
Now, while science may be thebackbone of Whale Fest,

(04:46):
the heart is the community andcitizens know how to celebrate.
Local artists often create whalethemed art for gallery showings,
and Sitka schools get involvedwith the student exhibits and
marine focused projects.There's usually a marine themed art
auction, and if you've never seen aceramic humpback lamp or a scrimshaw

(05:07):
ukulele, you're in for a treat.And let's talk about the music.
Past festivals have includedlive performances from string
quartets to sea shanties.In true Alaskan fashion,
it's not unusual to hear a fiddletune about whales, followed by a
rousing community potluck wheresomeone's aunt makes the best

(05:27):
smoked sable fish you've ever had.Also, don't miss the annual Fun
Run the Whale Fest fluke.Tag five K runners sometimes
dress as sea creatures.Jellyfish costumes are
surprisingly aerodynamic.Whale Fest also puts a big emphasis
on education and hands on learning,especially for students.

(05:49):
There are lab tours at the SitkaSound Science Center, marine
touch tanks, and even classes inoceanography and underwater robotics.
Many kids in Sitka get their firstreal taste of marine science through
this festival, and a few of themgo on to become marine biologists.
Full circle. Right?Plus, there's the student poster

(06:10):
session where middle school,high school, and college students
show off their own research.It's like a science fair, but instead
of volcanoes made of baking soda,you get real data on ocean salinity,
whale vocalizations and fishpopulation studies.
Massively impressive stuff.So why does whale fest matter?

(06:30):
Because it's more than a festival.It's a reminder of our
connection to the ocean.In Sitka, the sea isn't just a scenic
view or a backdrop for selfies.It's food, livelihood,
tradition and future.Whale Fest brings all that together.
It shows how science can liveside by side with art,

(06:50):
how education can be joyful,and how a small town can make
waves in marine conservation.And maybe most importantly, it helps
us remember that whales aren't justsymbols or storybook creatures.
They're real, awe inspiring animalsthat share this planet with us.
And if that doesn't blow yourblowhole.

(07:15):
I don't know what will. Will.Fist is a Sitka original, humble,
brilliant, salty and sincere.If you ever get the chance to attend
it, whether you're a scientist,a sea otter enthusiast,
or just someone who likes whale puns,there's something for you.
And if you can't make it in person,check out the Sitka Sound
Science Center's website.They often share recordings of

(07:38):
talks and presentations,and you can support their
incredible work year round.That's it for today's episode.
As always, thanks for ravingwith me about Sitka.
If you liked what you heard,give us a follow.
Share with a friend or send amessage in a bottle or you know,
just an email to let us knowwhat you want to hear next.

(07:59):
Until next time,keep your eyes on the water and
your heart full of wonder.And remember, whenever life gets
overwhelming, just ask yourself,what would a whale do?
Probably dive deep.Sing a little and keep on swimming.
Stay salty. Friends.