The Red Deer River Watershed Alliance (RDRWA) and partners will be putting on a family-friendly event at Fort Normandeau on Earth Day, April 22nd, titled ‘Splash’.
The event is a celebration of the role that water plays and has played within Canada and Canada’s history over the last 150 years.
“We made the decision to go ahead with a big event with partners, but with some pretty key twists to it,” said Jeff Hanger, executive director of RDRWA.
The event will focus on three themes – love, stories and place.
They will have something called a ‘living library’, acting as the story theme, which will see a dozen storytellers telling their stories firsthand.
“Instead of taking a book out you actually get to drink coffee with these people who tell their stories,” said Hanger.
He said stories range from history to water and more.
The second aspect, representing the theme of love is the love letters, which he said is an important part of what they’re doing. They’re asking adults and children, including students at schools across Red Deer, to write a love letter to the river, lake or water resource.
“It might sound a bit crazy but this is actually a pretty important part of where we are as the Watershed Alliance.”
He said recognizing the value of nature they see and the way it works, is the first step towards protecting it.
The love letters can be written that day or beforehand (a template is online at rdrwa.ca).
The love letters will be made into a sculpture on that day, and four $50 gift certificates to Mastermind Toys will be awarded to those who create love letters. Participants must be present for the draw at 2 p.m.
Representing the place theme are the many organizations who will be present with displays and activities for participants. The place itself being Fort Normandeau also represents the theme, offering activities for families interested in learning about history across Central Alberta.
Splash is hosted by RDRWA, the Waskasoo Environmental Education Society and the City of Red Deer.
carlie.connolly@reddeerexpress.com
