Well, COVID-19 really guano’d Bat Fest up for us! Due to the current pandemic, community health guidelines, and the safety of our staff and animals, we will NOT host our traditional FL Bat Festival at Lubee. Instead, we are going to offer something for everyone by hosting in-person and virtual events all week.
For those that would like to enjoy Bat Fest from the comfort of their home, we offer you our week-long virtual event, “Conservation from the Couch”, a chance for everyone to take part in bat conservation and stay socially distant at the same time. All October long, Lubee live-streams (#LubeeLive) will take place every Wednesday at 11am EST on Facebook &/or Instagram. During the week of October 18th - 24th, each day will be filled with new interactions that allow our virtual guests to enjoy something fun every day! We’ll then end the week of Bat Fest with a BANG!!! On Sat, OCT 24th there will be NEW live-streams between 11am - 3pm EST from Lubee & Blackadder Brewing Company. During the month of October we will also reveal new educational materials and activities you can create from home! Check calendar below.
And now for the REALLY fun part….
Let’s have a “marathon”!
“The Quarantine Level Endurance 0.5K YOU CAN DO IT! Marathon”:
Thank you to all those that participated in our marathon!! We had so much fun!!
In partnership with our friends at Blackadder Brewing Company, we are extremely proud to announce "The Quarantine Level Endurance 0.5K YOU CAN DO IT! Marathon”!!! Do you dare to challenge yourself to "walk" the 0.5K??! This hilarious 0.5K marathon will take place on Sat, OCT 24th, starting and finishing at Blackadder Brewing Company.
Can't make it or live out of state? No Worries!! We have virtual racing available too!
Groups of up to 6 people can walk, run, skip, etc, every 10 minutes at a chosen time slot between 11am - 3pm. Participants will need to register by 12pm on Wednesday, OCT 7th to ensure they have a shirt ordered for them. {Registration after OCT 7th will receive their shirt at a later date and the registration cost will be $35 to include shipping costs.} Choose between two levels of racing, The Underachiever or The Mediocre VIP and pick a ridiculously named time slot in order to participate. Online registration will end on Wednesday, October 21st at 12pm.
Walk up marathon participants on OCT 24th will need to register in person and pay the $35 registration donation. Swag bag items will be mailed at a later date as needed.
All proceeds go to Lubee Bat Conservancy in support of our ongoing bat conservation. Prizes or trophies will be awarded for the:
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Silliest Walk Across the Finish Line*
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Best Themed Group (prize is for the group to share)*
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Best Costumed Individual - bat themed considered heavily (1st, 2nd, 3rd place)*
*Prizes or trophies will be awarded after each Bat Colony race.
Be sure to REGISTER for the hilarious, “Quarantine Level Endurance 0.5K YOU CAN DO IT! Marathon”. Spots are limited so register early!
Bat Appreciation Day at Blackadder Brewing Company
Whether you participate in the “grueling marathon” or just want to stop by for a brew, Lubee staff will be on hand at Blackadder Brewing Company on Sat, OCT 24th from 11am - 3:00pm to talk All Things Bats. Be sure to speak with our Bat Experts, watch Live-streams of the Lubee bats on the big screen from Explore.org, take part in a Bat House Building Seminar, plus games & activities! Don’t forget to check out the Merchandise and Raffle table!
During the marathon and Bat Appreciation Day festivities, Blackadder Brewing Company & Lubee Bat Conservancy will be complying with all health, safety, and social distancing guidelines. There is limited indoor seating at Blackadder as this is primarily an outdoor event where we strongly encourage social distancing. Masks are required unless seated or actively participating in the marathon.
The Florida Bat Festival is a highly anticipated event every year in central Florida and generates a significant portion of our annual revenue. Unfortunately, this year Lubee will be missing out on those funds. We ask that you take part in our modified event with a small donation, similar to what you would give the day of.
