Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services
Great Bend Earth Day Celebration continues to grow, heading into its fourth year with more vendor participation expected this year compared to any previous year. The event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 26 at Great Bend Zoo. Already, there are more than a dozen vendors signed up to participate in the local event, organized to commemorate the worldwide Earth Day effort that raises awareness of the need to protect Earth’s natural resources.
The Great Bend Zoo, Rosewood ECycle and Great Bend Dairy Queen are sponsoring, and invite other organizations and businesses to participate in the celebration. There is no charge for booth set-up. Any group promoting conservation, or providing children’s entertainment and education is encouraged to join.
Several organizations that participated the previous three years have committed to the local come-and-go celebration, which occurs four days after the official 55th anniversary of Earth Day. 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. Additionally, food vendor Freaking Delicious Cheesecake Co. plans to participate this year.
“We’re thrilled to have the increase in vendor interest that we have this year,” explained Great Bend Zoo Director Ashley Burdick. “It’s also nice to have some of our same vendors back for another year. The mix of veteran and new vendors is sure to bring a diversified experience to Earth Day Celebration participants. It’s all shaping up to be a fun Earth Day at Great Bend Zoo this year.”
As the fourth annual event draws closer, Burdick encourages other businesses, organizations and food vendors to sign up prior to the April 1 deadline. Those wanting to participate can contact Burdick at 620-793-4226, or e-mail her at zoocurator@greatbendks.net.
In case of inclement weather, the Zoo will also offer indoor or covered vendor space.