The Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise’s annual Dolphin Dive and Festival will return, noon-4 p.m. Saturday, July 9 at Chase Palm Park in Santa Barbara. The festival is free to attend.
Now in its third year, following a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the festival features a dolphin race in which thousands of rubber dolphins are launched down a 200-foot watercourse. The dolphin that crosses the finish line first takes home the grand prize of $2,500. The race will take place at 3:30 p.m.
The event will feature live music from the Nick Hoffman Band featuring Ally Shiras at noon, and SnapShot at 2 p.m. from the Chase Palm Park stage, with Drew Wakefield as emcee. Children’s activities will be provided by the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara. There also will be a photo booth and face painting.
Elubia’s Kitchen and Kona Ice Hawaiian style shaved ice will have food trucks on site. Beer from The Brewhouse; wine from Ken Brown, Cape D’Or, and Casa Barranca; soft drinks and water will be available for purchase.
A Rotary information booth will offer information about the organization and the programs made possible by the Dolphin Dive and other fundraising efforts.
Proceeds from the Dolphin Dive support the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise Charitable Foundation for humanitarian community service projects in Santa Barbara and worldwide. For more about entering the dolphin race or making a donation, visit sbdolphindive.com.
Event sponsors include Island Sponsor, Minno LLC; Channel Sponsor, Arlington Financial Advisors; Coastal Sponsors, Nasif, Hicks, Harris & Co., LLP, and Kathy Scroggs; media sponsors Noozhawk and EdHat.
Sponsorship opportunities and donations are still being accepted, and there are openings for food vendors, children’s activities, and games.
Learn more about the Dolphin Dive Festival at sbdolphindive.com.