BELGRADE -- The Belgrade Lakes are an economic engine for the region.

But the tourism and development they attract also serve to put greater stress on the lakes and a danger of compromising the water quality of the entire watershed, lakes' advocate Maggie Shannon said.

Saturday's Aquafest celebration -- an event geared for children and adults alike -- is an effort to raise awareness of the Belgrade Lakes and the threats to their health, Shannon said.

Events will run from 8 to 3 p.m. -- most of them staged at the Center For All Seasons site on Route 27.

Shannon, executive director of the Maine Congress of Lake Associations, said the effort to preserve the water quality of those lakes is never-ending.

"These Belgrade Lakes, all seven of them, are on a list the (Department of Environmental Protection) keeps of lakes at risk," Shannon said. "What that means is if we don't take effective steps to reduce runoff and protect them in other ways, their water quality will be a problem in 20 years."

Rather than doom and gloom, though, Aquafest is an attempt to highlight the richness and wonder of the Belgrade Lakes, Shannon said.

The events planned for Saturday speak to those qualities.

A number of water activities are scheduled, ranging from kayak clinics to a family swim. There also is a farmers' market and artisan exhibit slated by the Village Inn.

But probably the most intriguing activity -- and the best opportunity to learn about the lakes -- will take place on the Melinda Ann Floating Classroom.

The Melinda Ann is 30-foot pontoon boat operated by the Maine Lakes Conservancy Institute.

Phil Mulville, a lake science educator, is one of two staff members from the Conservancy Institute who will be on the boat.

Mulville said he plans to take groups of 12 on Great Pond -- the rides are free -- from the waterfront by the Center For All Seasons.

Once aboard the Melinda Ann, passengers will get a hands-on lesson on what lies beneath the surface of Great Pond.

Mulville said plankton are abundant in the lake and the plan is to provide a firsthand look at those microscopic organisms.

He said a net will be used to catch the plankton, which then will be placed under a microscope.

"Most kids think that you don't find plankton in fresh water," Mulville said.

The Melinda Ann also will make use of an ROV, or remotely operated vehicle, that Mulville describes as a $7,000 device featuring lights and video cameras that can provide a view of Great Pond's depths -- even the lake bottom where mussels reside.

Mulville said the Melinda Ann will make several trips during the Aquafest.

Colin Hickey -- 861-9205

chickey@centralmaine.com