1. Children’s Water Festival to be held March 24

The Tacoma-Pierce County Children’s Water Festival returns for its third year. More than 1,000 5th graders from six school districts and 12 schools from across Pierce County will participate in a fun-filled day of water-related activities at Pacific Lutheran University on Thursday, March 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“It really takes a group effort and a huge amount of coordination among the sponsors to organize an event like this,” said Michelle Cox of the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. “But the response from teachers, students and volunteers who participated in our previous two festivals was so encouraging it makes it all worthwhile.”

The event is sponsored by the Health Department, Pierce County Environmental Services, City of Tacoma, Tacoma Water, Regional Water Association and the Puget Sound Action Team.

Shortly after arriving, students will break into small groups and be escorted by community volunteers to their first activity. Volunteers from more than 35 government agencies and local businesses will be presenting lessons on ways to conserve and protect water.

Activities will include “Water Dance,” a lesson on water conservation taught by representatives from the Lakewood Water District. Staff from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will present a lesson on water quality. Tacoma Pump and Well Drilling Company will be on site with a drill rig to demonstrate equipment used to drill a well. Students will also tour an exhibit hall filled with interactive games and displays.

“Our goal is for every student who attends to have fun and to learn more about things they can do everyday to protect our drinking water and the waters of Puget Sound,” said Stephanie Leisle, environmental educator with Pierce County.

Surveys completed by students and teachers will be used to evaluate the festival’s success and be used in planning for next year’s event.