Fin and film fun at Sharkfest - Aug. 2

photo At the Massive Megalodon activity during SharkWeek at the aquarium, kids can check out the jaw size of the prehistoric shark species.

IF YOU GO• What: “Great White Shark 3-D” movie screening and SharFest events• When: Friday Aug. 2. Movie at 5 p.m., SharkFest events 6-8:30 p.m.• Where: Imax Theater, 201 Chestnut St., and Tennessee Aquarium, 1 Broad St.• Admission: Imax movie and SharkFest, $18.50 nonmember adults, $13.50 nonmember children 3-12; $6 members SharkFest only, $12.50 nonmember adults, $7.50 nonmember children; no charge for members.• Phone: 800-262-0695• Website: www.tnaqua.org

They may not be showing “Sharknado,” but Tennessee Aquarium staff members are still planning a whirlwind of underwater fun for SharkFest on Friday, Aug. 2.

“It’s the one time each year that we pull out all the stops to celebrate sharks,” says Thom Demas, curator of fishes. “This year we have everything from new baby epaulette sharks to an extensive ancient shark tooth collection on display.”

TAKE A VIRTUAL DIVE

The evening starts with a screening of “Great White Shark 3-D” in the Imax Theater, an underwater adventure that takes audiences to four of the world’s hotspots for the species. Moviegoers will see a 16-foot great white leap out of the water and others cruise silently past scuba divers. The movie’s purpose isn’t to scare viewers, says filmmaker D.J. Roller, but give them a deeper appreciation for the ocean and a new perspective on the feared great white. This special screening is optional; visitors may choose just to attend SharkFest.

KIDS FUN

A half-dozen events to thrill children will start at 6 p.m. in Ocean Journey.

Cowboy Kyle’s Shark Roundup: Watch cownose rays surround epaulette shark pups in a saltwater corral.

Dr. Bernie’s Travelin’ Shark Show: See and touch musuem specimens such as an angel shark.

Fintastic Shark Hairdo/Temporary Shark Tattoos: Kids can create their own dorsal fin with a gelled hairdo. Add a great white shark tattoo to bring out their toothy grins.

Massive Megalodon: Kids will be amazed at the jaw size of this prehistoric shark species.

Interactive Shark Dive Programs: Watch fearless divers in the tank with the sandbar and sand tiger sharks, then quiz them on the experience.

Shark Cart Program: An aquarium educator will give kids a chance to have some “jawsome” fun with shark bio-props

FEEDING FRENZY

At the end of the evening, each guest will receive a free scoop of ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery in a special flavor: Shark Week Frenzy.

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