November 28, 2005
Thar she glows! Seymour Center lights up
Ms. Blue for the holidays
Ms. Blue will once again be lit
up for the holidays. Whale lighting festivities will be
at 5:30 p.m. on December 3.
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By Sonia Deetz
The 87-foot blue whale skeleton at Long Marine Laboratory will
again brighten the holiday season this year. Fondly known as
Ms. Blue, the massive whale skeleton will glow each evening
in December at the lab's Seymour
Center. It is believed to be the world's largest assembled
whale skeleton on public display.
"The holiday lights on Ms. Blue help visitors truly grasp
her size--I'm always impressed by the way they show off her
magnificence against the dark night," said Julie Barrett
Heffington, director of the Seymour Center.
To celebrate the holidays, the Seymour Center will host the
Jingle Shells Art and Book Festival on Saturday, December 3,
from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the festive "whale lighting"
scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
The festival features ocean-themed books and gifts, live music,
refreshments, free gift-wrapping, and children's activities.
Meet artists and authors, shop for unique holiday gifts, and
explore the Seymour Center's exhibits, aquarium, and touch tanks.
Proceeds directly support marine science education. Entrance
fees to the center are waived for children 16 and under during
the entire day.
The Seymour Center will also stay open for extended holiday
hours until 9 p.m. on Tuesdays, December 13 and 20. From 5 to
9 p.m., visitors can enjoy free admission, holiday treats, free
gift-wrapping on Ocean Discovery Shop purchases, and the opportunity
to behold the glowing glory of Ms. Blue.
Located on the bluffs overlooking Monterey Bay, Long Marine
Lab is dedicated to advancing human understanding of the world's
oceans. The lab welcomes visitors to the Seymour Center--come
explore the endeavors and discoveries of our scientists and
learn about ocean conservation and fascinating careers. The
center's exhibits and aquariums feature research conducted by
UCSC scientists in the Monterey Bay and around the world.
The Seymour Center at Long Marine Lab is located at the end
of Delaware Avenue on the west side of Santa Cruz. Regular public
visiting hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to
5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information,
please call (831) 459-3800 or visit the Seymour
Center web site.
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