A Celebration of Art, Nature, and Community

The Environmental Learning Center (ELC) in Vero Beach, Florida, recently hosted its most successful event to date, drawing a record-breaking crowd of over 2,000 attendees. This annual event brought together people of all ages to honor the beauty and importance of the Indian River Lagoon, while showcasing the creativity of local artists through the Lagoonapalooza Art & Poetry Contest. With perfect Florida weather and a wide range of activities, the day was a memorable tribute to environmental stewardship and community spirit.

Highlights from Lagoonapalooza 2025

Lagoonapalooza 2025 proved to be a huge success, filling every corner of the ELC’s expansive 64-acre campus. From the Pavilion Area and Central Meadow to the Lagoon Gallery and Living Lagoon, guests enjoyed a variety of experiences:

• Live Music: The event featured an impressive lineup of bands, including Murphy Dogs, Johnny Debt, The Prestage Brothers, Ben Prestage, and Sleepin’ Dogz, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the day.

• Pontoon Quick Trips: Guests had the opportunity to explore the Indian River Lagoon on 45-minute pontoon rides, offering a unique perspective on the ecosystem as well as many dolphin sightings.

• Nature Playscapes, Touch Tank & Dip Netting in the Pond: The ELC is well known for its hands-on activities and natural spaces where kids can enjoy unstructured, creative play.

• Community Engagement: Dozens of local environmental organizations hosted interactive exhibits, further educating visitors about conservation efforts and sustainable practices. Fossil digging, water testing, turtle education, CPR training, and reptile talks provided hands-on learning experiences.

Barbara Schlitt Ford, Executive Director of the ELC, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming response, saying, “The beautiful weather, incredible turnout, and enthusiastic participation truly made this a day to remember. It’s heartwarming to see so many people come together to celebrate and support the Indian River Lagoon.”

Art and Poetry Contest Winners

A highlight of Lagoonapalooza 2025 was the Lagoonapalooza Art & Poetry Contest, which celebrated the beauty of the Indian River Lagoon through creative expression. This year’s contest featured an impressive array of submissions from artists and poets of all ages.

Winners of the 2025 Lagoonapalooza Art & Poetry Contest

• First Place: Mia Perez (Youth) and Linda Spencer (Adult) each received two pontoon ride tickets for their outstanding entries.

• Second Place: Bruno Barreirinhas (Youth) and Ella Chabot and Bertelle Brooking (Adult, Tie) were awarded ELC memberships.

• Third Place: Ryleigh Duryea (Youth) and Anne Cahill (Adult) each won $20 Nature Nook Bucks.

• Special Category Winners: Taylan Kommer (Digital), Finn Speer (Poetry), Rand McGrath (Photography), and Jack Engel (Video) each received two pontoon ride tickets.

• Honorable Mention: Parab Dhoka was awarded a Family Pass for a Day.

“We are incredibly proud of all the participants who shared their love for nature through their art and poetry,” said Barbara Schlitt Ford. “Their creativity and dedication to environmental stewardship are truly inspiring.”

Winning participants were recognized and presented certificates at Lagoonapalooza. Everyone’s entries are on display digitally in the Tidal Gallery at ELC and may also be viewed here as a slideshow.

Building Community and Environmental Awareness

Lagoonapalooza 2025 was not just a celebration; it was a call to action. The event helped boost ELC memberships, with over 30 new memberships sold, reflecting the community’s growing support for the organization’s mission to educate, inspire, and empower individuals to become active stewards of the environment. Local environmental organizations played a vital role in engaging attendees with interactive exhibits and activities, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts.

What’s Next for the Environmental Learning Center?

The success of Lagoonapalooza 2025 kicks off an exciting year ahead for the ELC. Visitors can look forward to more engaging events, educational programs, and opportunities to connect with nature on the Indian River Lagoon. To stay updated on upcoming events and programs, join our newsletter or keep an eye on our monthly happenings. 

For more information about Lagoonapalooza 2026 go here or call 772-589-5050. We are currently accepting sponsors for 2026.