7 September 2005
Join the residents of Simon's Town on the Cape Peninsula as they celebrate the fifth annual Penguin festival.
With the theme this year of "Earth, Fire, Water and Wind", the festival organisers promise a host of activities and a riot of colour, sound and culture.
The festival takes place over 17 and 18 September.
Boulders Beach Ecosphere in Simon's Town is home to one of the world's most famous, and accessible, penguin colonies. It is also the only national park land in the country that is situated within a city.
The birds are treated as honoured guests in the town, and have affected everyone with their spirit. The town has even installed a "penguin crossing" so that the birds can cross Main Road in safety.
The Festival organisers hope to raise money for the South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), and other local environmental organisations.
A craft and flea market will be held in the centre of the historic naval town, Jubilee Square, with other events, including activities for the both sports enthusiasts and culture vultures, located conveniently close by.
Participants in the Anything That Floats competition will have three hours to construct a boat before setting off on a harbour crossing. The compatition is always one of the highlights of the festival, and this year's winners stand to win cash prizes.
A fun run, cycle race, golf challenge and paddle are all planned for the weekend.
Of course, there are also environmental talks and guided tours through the penguin colony.
The Festival opens on Saturday 17 September with the Penguin Opening Parade, a carnival style parade featuring minstrels, floats and boats, a fire engine and more.
SouthAfrica.info reporter
