When: Sunday, April 27, 2014 at 4:00 P.M. and Monday, April 28, 2014 at 9:30 AM
Where: Sunday – Peoria Riverfront, in front of the Gateway Building; Monday – Peoria Civic Center Theatre
SUNDAY
What: The Sun Foundation’s 21st Annual Clean Water Celebration will kick off on the Peoria Riverfront. Local and state officials as well as area environmental stewards and educators will be in attendance. This year’s theme is “STUDENT IMPACT: Think globally, Act locally”. The keynote presentation is offered by Pontiac Township High School Teacher Paul Ritter and his students. They will discuss how local efforts can impact the world including their P2D2 program, which is used locally to help dispose of unwanted pharmaceuticals, as well as their endangered species program to save the alligator snapping turtle. Opening ceremonies will begin at 4:00 p.m. at the Gateway Building with a Native American Blessing of the River and a Parade of Waters. The public is invited to attend
and bring water for the blessing.
MONDAY
The Clean Water Celebration will continue on Monday, April 28 at the Peoria Civic Center with an emphasis on educating local students, grades 4 -12, their teachers and the community as a whole. A VIP Tour is offered to the media, key stakeholders and anyone interested in getting a behind-the-scenes look at this event which has educated over 42,000 participants over the last two decades. The event is free for registered classes and offers the keynote presentation, green presentations, storytelling and hands-on exhibits. Participants will have the opportunity to experience Illinois American Water’s Mobile Education Center for the first time in Central Illinois. The 18-foot learning center, which uses science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) related concepts, will offer hands-on experience by testing water through various lab tests.
Information on topics like the water cycle, water quality, water conservation and the value of water service will also be shared. Attached is a fact sheet about the Mobile Education Center.