Park celebrates astronomy

Published 6:43 pm Sunday, March 11, 2012

Celebrating the Earth and Stars takes place from 1 to 9 p.m.  May 19 at Dr. T.K. Lawless Park southeast of Vandalia.
The schedule includes: a NASA speaker, Raptor Education Center’s Live Birds of Prey on Exhibit, John Dudley magic show, walking tours with a naturalist, plant magic — natural indoor plant care presentation, telescope primer, Lost Road Ramblers bluegrass band, Gravel Creek bluegrass band, Midwest Energy’s EnergyWise trailers, mobile bike repair, Native American artifact exhibit, speaker Jim Hopkin’s What’s Up in the Sky, spring constellations, Friends of the Park food vending, Owl Prowl with Jon Wuepper, local vendors and educational displays, a Grand Rapids ArtPrize and, for the first time, a recycled art contest.
Cash prizes are sponsored by Nelson’s Herb Garden and the People’s Choice computer award sponsored by BDE (Bridges to Digital Excellence).
Be a part of the event by entering your recycled art, setting up an educational booth for a non-profit organization, selling your natural arts and crafts or exhibiting your eco-conscious local business.
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Volunteers are needed: call (269) 506-8334 or e-mail bluegreenr@gmail.com to help out.
Early responders for booth exhibits include: American Arbor Tree Service, Bair Lake Bible Camp, BDE, Cass County Water Resources, DTE Energy, Friends of the St. Joseph River, Green Party, Plant Magic, Satori Salon and Spa, South West Michigan Land Conservancy, Westside Landfill and a recycled bag craft maker.
Celebrating the Earth and Stars is sponsored by the Earth Day Planning Committee, Michiana Astronomical Society and Cass County Parks and Recreation.