Spring has finally sprung, which means it’s time for the 6th annual Earth Day & Outdoor EXPO taking place on Saturday, April 25th, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Big Spring Memorial Park in Athens (aka The Duck Pond).
In 2009, John Crews, owner of Crews, Inc., approached me with an offer to fund an Open House that might bring more attention to KALB and what we do in the community. We offered a few hours of music, free hot dogs and Pepsi, and information about our organization’s mission, projects, and programs. Because it was such a success, we built on the idea and the first official Earth Day celebration was held in 2010. The event has grown every year since to include games, exhibitors sharing information on local environmental issues, and vendors demonstrating earth-friendly products and services. This information gathering will allow our guests to make informed decisions in their everyday life practices.
For that reason, we thank John Crews for his belief in our organization. Because of his inspiration, we continue to bring this free event to the community, which is highly acclaimed by teachers, parents, and children of all ages. Thank you, Mr. Crews, for continuing to support this event. We consider you the “Father of Earth Day” in Athens!
KALB is also working closely with the Athens-Limestone Tourism Association. Teresa Todd approached us with the idea of adding a new dimension to our event. Exhibitors and vendors will be on hand to showcase local outdoor activities and tourist attractions such as canoeing, kayaking, horse trails, bike trails, the Veterans’ Museum, preservation of Trinity High School, and much more. The Tourism Association wants guests to be aware of the many ways offered to improve quality of life in Limestone County.
Just a few of the activities you will find:
• Music provided by the Athens Dulcimer Group
• Coosa River Science School will provide presentations on raptors and reptiles from stage. They will also be available throughout the event with an animal on display at all times.
• Tennessee Valley Zoo will bring a dozen or more animals including a wallaby, porcupine, calf, sheep, alpaca, and more.
• Peace, Love, and Animals will be present with dogs looking for forever homes.
• Passports distributed to be stamped at Education Stations earning guests a free frozen treat.
• Test your roping skills at the Ardmore Rodeo exhibit.
• Check out AirEvac LifeTeam’s medical helicopter.
• Sit in on Sci-Quests Roaming Dome Force Five exploration of extreme weather. Experience a hurricane, tornado, and storms in the solar system.
• Enter Nexus Energy Center’s tiny green house to learn about energy conservation.
• Visit with Scott Clem, Auburn University Department of Entomology, as he shares information about his insect collection.
• AMSTI- Athens State University will walk you through a hands-on environmental science activity.
• Visit Water Wheels to learn about water conservation and rainwater harvesting using rain barrels.
• Watch as the Alabama A&M University Stream Trailer demonstrates how erosion occurs and how to prevent it.
• Step into a beautiful Bankston Motorhome and dream of future travels.
• Learn how to identify poisonous plants and have your garden questions answered by the Master Gardeners
• More than 50 exhibitors and vendors
Put a big red X on April 25th and be sure to gather family and friends for this amazing free event.
For information call 256-233-8000 or 256-232-5411, or email KALBCares@gmail.com. Follow the event on Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful’s Facebook page for continual updates.
By: Lynne Hart
