Celebrate Our Waters Returns for 13th Year

ORLEANS – For more than 20 years, the Orleans Pond Coalition has dedicated itself to educating people on the importance of protecting the town’s waterways. But the nonprofit’s mission comes to life every year in September.

“Celebrate Our Waters,” the coalition’s flagship event, rallies the community together around the goal of environmental stewardship through three days of events and initiatives. This year’s 13th annual event kicks off Friday, with events scheduled throughout the remainder of the weekend.

On Friday, residents and visitors can partake in a free tour of the town’s wastewater treatment facility on Overland Way. From 3 to 5 p.m., people can check out the facility, which first went online in March 2023. Other free events planned throughout the weekend include yoga on the beach, bike rides, bird walks, tours of the Putnam Farm wetland restoration and a local cranberry bog, hikes, environmental discussions and an art reception at the Addison Gallery. There also will be a free concert and bonfire Saturday night at Nauset Beach.

This year’s family fun tent at Rock Harbor will offer games and events for children of all ages, including a scavenger hunt, music, puppets, T-shirts, shell painting and environmental education.

The coalition stages the annual three-day event in partnership with the town of Orleans. Funding comes by way of membership donations, as well as those from local community groups and organizations.

Read more about “Celebrate Our Waters” in the Second Summer supplement in this edition. For a full schedule of this weekend’s events, visit www.orleanspondcoalition.org.