NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher moves annual Femme in STEM to Independence Mall

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher will host its annual Femme in STEM event at a new location this year as the aquarium undergoes renovations and expansion.

The 8th Annual Femme in STEM is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Independence Mall Center Court in Wilmington.

The free community event is designed to introduce children and families to careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics through hands-on exhibits and interactive activities.

Aquarium officials are currently seeking exhibitors to participate in the event. Organizers are encouraging professionals, educators and organizations in STEM-related fields to apply with exhibits that inspire curiosity and engage young learners.

The event has been held by the aquarium since 2019 and has grown to attract thousands of visitors and nearly 100 exhibitors each year, according to the aquarium.

This year’s event will take place at Independence Mall, where the NC Aquariums recently opened Discovery Bay, a temporary mini aquarium created while the Fort Fisher facility undergoes a multi-year renovation and expansion.

Aquarium officials said they expect the new venue to allow even more exhibitors and families to participate.

In addition to promoting STEM education, exhibitors will be encouraged to participate in the aquarium’s sustainability efforts by supporting environmentally friendly practices during the event.