Earth Day Celebration!

The fourth annual Great Bend Earth Day Celebration is a free come-and-go event, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, April 26, at Great Bend Zoo. A fun-filled day is in store with more than a dozen vendors, face-painting, free popcorn, plenty of give-aways, and of course, an opportunity to visit amazing Zoo animals.
“We’re ready and excited for Saturday,” said Ashley Burdick, Great Bend Zoo Director. “There is so much diverse vendor involvement this year and we have amazing food options with Freaking Delicious Cheesecake Company and Avast Ye Java setting up at our Raptor Center. I’m so glad to see this event growing in its fourth year.” 
Once again, Earth Day Celebration sponsor Great Bend Dairy Queen will issue a coupon for a free small ice cream cone to the first 500 youth participants on Saturday. Co-Sponsor Rosewood ECycle will provide the opportunity for participants to plant tomato seeds to grow their very own tomato plants. 
In addition to involvement by the three sponsors, Kansas Wetlands Education Center, Heartland Farm, Great Bend Zoological Society, Women For Kansas, Sunflower Recycling Center, along with ‘Read With Me’ program members Luna and Glenn, are participating again. Though they are not expected to bring a character this year, Smoky Hills PBS is also returning with fun activities planned for children. Barton Community College STEM Club returns, along with Bart The Cougar. Kansas Children’s Services League, and Fuller Industries are joining the celebration this year, along with a car club, as well as a model train set-up. 
There is a chance of rain in the forecast for Saturday, but rain or shine, Burdick said the event will go on as scheduled. Organizers will make adjustments for vendors and participants, if they are needed, due to storms.