SRU offers Children’s Earth Day Celebration, EarthFest April 27
The Children’s Earth Day Celebration will be part of EarthFest April 27 at Slippery Rock University’s Macoskey Center for Sustainability Systems Education and Research. The event is part of the Kaleidoscope Arts Festival.
April 15, 2019
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — 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.
SRU will host its annual Children's Earth Day Celebration in conjunction with EarthFest, from noon to 6 p.m., April 27, at the Macoskey Center for Sustainability Systems Education and Research. Both events, part of SRU's Kaleidoscope Arts Festival, are free and open to the public.
"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."
The Children's Earth Day Celebration will include earth-friendly and interactive demonstrations, including a chance for children to create their own planters and birdfeeders made from toilet paper rolls and egg cartons, as well as solar-powered Frisbee art. Other activities will include a variety of arts and crafts, a petting zoo, horseback riding, live performances and games. Food and beverages, including vendors such as Wieners Gone Wild and baked goods from various student organizations at SRU, will be available for purchase.
"There's a lot going on all day and the kids will get to explore the space at the Macoskey Center," said Deanna Brookens, SRU assistant professor of theatre and director of the Kaleidoscope Arts Festival. "(The day's events are) not just children's activities, but it's for families as well as experiences designed for college students and adults."
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.
MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854 | justin.zackal@sru.edu