By Kelsey Carper

There is live music being played by the Holiday Brass Ensemble, various displays depicting world traditions, and a station where guests can create their own gift wrap paper from recycled materials.  There is also an appearance by Santa Clause near the end of the evening, and he poses for pictures and hugs the children present.  Oddly enough, the setting of this scene is at the National Aquarium in Baltimore.

The program is a part of Fridays After Five which offers discounted admission for $5 to the Aquarium after five p.m. on Fridays.  The first Friday of every month also features a cultural series which celebrates international traditions in art, music, literature, dance and cuisine through special activities and performances.  Cherise Cannon, an employee of the Aquarium, said, “The number of visitors on Friday nights has increased pretty dramatically thanks to this program.  It’s been very successful, and it’s likely to go one for a long time.”

The Aquarium is a non-profit organization that opened in 1981 and is home to about 16,500 specimens and more than 660 species of animals.  It welcomes approximately 1.5 million visitors annually, and prides itself on inspiring people to enjoy, respect and protect the aquatic world.  There is a dedication to education and conversations, and this message is conveyed through more than a dozen programs that serve the environment and the community.

There are currently a few notable exhibits, including the new dolphin show entitled “Our Ocean Planet,” which teachers the message that what visitors do at home affects the larger watershed and, eventually, the dolphin’s home, the ocean.  Loyola University Maryland junior Arianna Valle said of the show, “The whole thing was incredible.  It loved the dolphins, especially when they flipped.”  Another exhibit, “Jellies Invasion: Oceans Out of Balance,” was a favorite of Loyola sophomore Vicki Pelletier.  “The jellies looked so creepy, but it was really interesting to watch them.”  A final exhibit, the “Australia Wild Extremes,” exhibit, depicts the amazing stories of survival of an extreme environment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zlekn_db4-I" rel="rokbox" title="Beth Fridays After Five">

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSULk-Ub2UI" rel="rokbox" title="Shiv Fridays After Five">

The next Friday in the cultural series, taking place on January 7, features Asian-Pacific Cultures, and visitors can enjoy a Chinese lion dance, Tai Chi and Kung Fu demonstrations, and a Polynesian floor show, as well as a special exhibit on the art of the kimono.  Tickets can be purchased at the Aquarium, which is located at 501 E. Pratt Street, or online at the interactive website.