Wildlife Photograph

WaterFest attracts over 900 students

Saturday May 26, 2007
Annual event hosted by Water Quality Forum and other partners

The 12th annual WaterFest was held on Friday, May 4 at Ijams Nature Center. Being visited by 900 students and 175 parents and teachers make it one of the busiest and most fun days of the year.  The event was hosted by the Water Quality Forum partners including CAC AmeriCorps, KUB, TVA, City of Knoxville, Knox County, Hallsdale Powell Utility District, UT Water Center and Ijams.

            

Educational activities included Earth Parfaits, where students created their own aquifer and had the joy of being able to eat the confection of ice cream, chocolate sprinkles and soda pop. Water Rockets were very popular as parents, students and teachers experienced the power of water when two liter bottles were rocketed into

the air using water and air pressure.

 

New this year was the Science Magic Show: participants were shown the magic of water and all its properties. Our storytellers, Nancy Brennan Strange, Sean McCullough and Phil Pollard drummed, sang and strummed their way into the hearts of all the visitors. Water in the Dark, Animal Hats, Balloon Toss and Face painting rounded out the AmeriCorps activities.

 

We are fortunate each year to have our local utility companies participate with energy and excitement. KUB brought out their Water Race, Water Creatures and other water skills to entertain and educate our audience. Hallsdale Powell Utility District educators used a fishing game and darts to teach the importance of water as a resource.

 

The highlight of our festivities each year is the awarding of prizes for the Art and Poetry contest that is central to WaterFest. Each visiting student received a T-shirt with the Grand Prize Art and Poetry winners printed on it.

 

Thanks to all of our sponsors, KUB, First Tennessee, Knoxville Writers Guild, BWXT for their continued support.

 

-By Peg Beute

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