SeaFest attracts plenty to the Salton Sea
MECCA — If people are going to fight for something, they need to love it.
While the restoration of the Salton Sea has gained quite a dedicated following in recent years, a majority of people have yet to understand the significance of the sea — yet alone actually visit it.
On Saturday, the SeaFest event, held at the Salton Sea State Recreation Area, drew in hundreds of guests to the sands and shores of the Salton Sea. Though more importantly, the all-day event highlighted what makes restoring it such a priority.
Running from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., SeaFest was highlighted by a Great California Balloon Race, tethered balloon rides, canoe paddling and a vintage car show.
A farmer’s market was also held throughout most of the event, with local foods, clothing and informational booths available.
Performing during the market was Kerry Morrison, a musician who sang with just as much passion as he has for the Salton Sea.
“It’s actually really beautiful. Getting people here is one of the most important things we can do to help the Salton Sea and this has done just that,” expressed Morrison on the importance of SeaFest.
Morrison has been tracking the restoration of the sea for the past seven years, and has even founded an organization titled EcoMedia Compass, which brings awareness to the lake through music, art and science.
“A lot of people came because they’ve heard of the Salton Sea recently and they wanted to learn what everyone was talking about. I’ve heard a lot of comments from people about being pleasantly surprised by how beautiful it is,” said Morrison.
Running an informational booth during the farmer’s market was Tom Sephton, who enjoyed the positive publicity SeaFest has brought to the Sea.
“We’ve seen lots of pictures of dead fish and whatnot, but the Salton Sea is so much more than that. For every dead fish, there’s 10 live fish out there,” noted Sephton, who is also the president of the organization Sephton Water Technology.
“The event brings people to the fact that it’s a beautiful place. It’s where people can come and have a good time and enjoy being at the Salton Sea and no, it doesn’t smell bad,” said Sephton. “That’s the impression I get everyday working on the Salton Sea. I’d like more people to get that idea and I think SeaFest is contributing to that.”
Jasmyn Phillips, a vendor at the farmer’s market who sold jewelry, T-shirts and even fish bones from the Sea, also enjoyed how SeaFest proved the significance of the lake.
“I think this event brings a really positive energy for the Salton Sea restoration because when people come here, they see how beautiful it is and recognize its importance.”
For Phillips, running her clothing and jewelry booth meant more than just an extra form of income.
“I’m selling jewelry because I want people to come and see the Salton Sea as a jewel in the desert,” stated Phillips, who also acts as a strong advocate for its restoration.
“People think it’s toxic, but it’s really not because of the high salinity, it actually kills a lot of the bacteria that comes in. The state park and water agencies rate the water quality as Recreation One, so just like any other lake in California,” explained Phillips.
Strong winds during the morning forced the scheduled balloon rides to be cancelled. The hot air balloons were then inflated during the evening, concluding the event with a colorful display of about 10 balloons just as a beautiful as the seashore they flew over.