Friday, July 16, 2010

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Waterlily and Lotus Festival

TOMORROW, Sat 7/17 is the annual Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Waterlily and Lotus Festival. It is a small, charming event and this National Park so UNDER attended that I thought I'd give them a big boost this year. Kenilworth truly is a gem in the city.

FAQ:

- Cost?
FREE to attend and participate in most activities

- Family friendly?
YES, kids love it and the oldsters do too!

- What happens at the Fest?
ranger-led tours of the gardens, Buddhist-led prayer chants, Asian dance performances, photo contest, arts and crafts
there is a picnic grove with vendor tables set up (I will be at one of those signing up subscribers to Washington Gardener Magazine) most of these are nonprofits like the Anacostia Watershed Society
and, of course, you get to wander the park grounds and see thousands and thousands of water lilies and lotus in bloom

- What to bring?
camera, water, picnic food, sunscreen
some cash (at the festival there will be some nice items for sale plus usually an ice cream truck parked nearby and there is NO ATM onsite)

- How do I get there?
take metro to Deanwood stop and then walk over (about a half mile) or you can drive. There is plenty of parking. Directions here: www.nps.gov/keaq
you can also paddle down the Anacostia from Bladensburg and dock at the river entrance to the park

- When is best time to go?
early in the day is best as the waterlily and lotus blooms close up in the heat of the day
I also reccomend arriving before Noon as it is less hot for YOU and you will see much more wildlife action

- Wildlife?
don't worry, most of it sticks to the water area including dragonflies, frogs, turtles, birds, etc.

- Mosquitos?
never been bit there and I am a "mosquito magnet"
the abundant wildlife seems to take care of any mosquite larvae that might hatch down there

- Bathroom facilities?
there is a small park building with bathrooms and a water fountain plus small inside exhibit and store

I hope to see you there!

UPDATE:
I uploaded an album of photos from Saturday's event at my Facebook page here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=191591&id=711064260&l=557fa57895.

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