Even though the official observance of Earth Day has passed, the public is invited to continue the celebration with an event planned for this weekend at Slippery Rock University.
The annual SRU Children’s Earth Day Celebration and Earthfest is planned for Saturday, April 27 from noon to 6 p.m. at the Macoskey Center for Sustainability Systems Education and Research. All events, part of SRU’s Kaleidoscope Arts Festival, are free and open to the public.
The day will include interactive demonstrations, workshops, arts and crafts, a petting zoo, horseback riding, live performances and games. Food and beverages will be available for purchase and there will be raffles to raise money for Macoskey Center initiatives such as a renewable energy pump to distribute rainwater to community gardens.
Since Earth is an all-ages planet, it’s only fitting that Slippery Rock University’s Earth Day Celebration provides activities, arts, food, entertainment and lessons on sustainability for young and old alike.
“This is such a great event because it’s relatable to all people on their journey to sustainability and made to be accessible to all ages, backgrounds and interest levels,” said Sami Laurence, interim director of the Macoskey Center. “This (event) also brings attention to the Macoskey Center, how it serves people in our community and our campus, and how it can be an asset for educational programs and research opportunities across all disciplines. It takes everyone to create a more sustainable future.”
As part of EarthFest, there will be interactive demonstrations and workshops with local sustainability-focused vendors and an electric car show in the Storm Harbor Equestrian Center parking lot. There will also be raffles to raise funds for various Macoskey Center initiatives and projects, including the purchase of a solar-powered or renewable energy pump to distribute rain water to the center’s community gardens, and picnic tables and chairs produced from recycled plastic bottles.
The live performance and demonstration/workshop schedule includes:
• Bright Star Touring Theatre Company presents “Professor Parsnip’s Lab of Healthy Choices,” a children’s theatre show with an earth-friendly message, 1-2 p.m.
• Dance workshop inspired by the natural world led by Lindsay Viatori, assistant professor of dance, 1-2 p.m.
• Performance by the New Castle Playhouse Mini Stars, 2-3 p.m.
• Birdwatching walk led by a representative from the Bartramian Audubon Society, 2-3 p.m. Binoculars will be provided.
• Interactive performance for children by the Music Therapy Club at SRU, 3-4 p.m.
• Workshop with Ron Gargasz, a local certified organic farmer, about the health benefits of eating grass-fed beef, 3-4 p.m.
• Fermented foods workshop with Natalie Kalmeyer, local business owner, 4-5 p.m.
• Marissa Roberts, a junior parks and resource management major from Lower Burrell, will sing and perform indie rock/pop/folk music, 4:15-5 p.m.
• Performance by Well Strung, a local four-piece bluegrass band, 5-6 p.m.
The Macoskey Center is located at 247 Harmony Road with parking available at the Storm Harbor Equestrian Center and at the McFarland Recreational Sports Complex near the intersection of Branchton and Harmony Roads.
For more information about the Kaleidoscope Arts Festival, visit: www.sru.edu/kaleidoscope.
Photo by EraPhernalia Vintage . . . [”playin’ hook-y”] ;o
