Alpacas, horses, ponies, birds, and the Wabashiki — oh my!
It’s a challenge to experience everything offered at the 20th Annual Earth Day Festival and Craft Fair, but it sure is fun trying! Expect non-stop entertainment and education from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday, April 28, at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. It’s a free event and there will be opportunities to give a freewill offering at the gates. The first 500 get a free tote bag! Also, Trees, Inc. will be giving away native tree saplings to take home.
New attractions this year include about 50 handmade craft vendors; alpacas showing off their obstacle course skills; Terre Haute Children’s Museum necklace making and Bricks for Kids activities; Purdue University’s Wenjing Guan talks grafted cucumber plants research; a nature trail hike guided by Indiana Forester Stu Haney; and healthy cooking mini-workshops.
Popular favorites returning include pony rides; Silly Safaris’ Angi Cat entertaining all ages with the “animal actors;” Mark Booth’s Take Flight! bird show; an alpaca shearing demonstration; Mari Hulman George School of Equine Studies stable tours; an organic garden tour; fiber demonstrations; Sister Jody O’Neil’s art studio open house; Tai Chi; and Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Shrine tours.
The Farm Store will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you haven’t been in the Farm Store in the last few months you’re in for a wonderful surprise!
Spend the day west of the Wabash River on Saturday, April 28!
At the Wabashiki Fish and Wildlife Area there will be several family events to enjoy and walk-ins are welcomed. Meet at Dewey Point in West Terre Haute at 8 a.m. for the Turtle Trot fun run for ages k-5. The 3rd annual Emily’s Walk begins at 9 a.m. at Dewey Point. This walk is in memory of Emily Herrington, who is fondly remembered for her penchant for walking, dedication to recycling and conservation, and her strong commitment to community service. All proceeds go to the Wabashiki.
And that’s not all! The Wabashiki Art Fest will feature artisans and their art at the Wabashiki and Bill Wolfe's studio all day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
EARTH DAY FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Ongoing Pony rides ($5 per child) Alpaca obstacle course Fiber demonstrations SMTG Shrine tours Farm Store at White Violet Center open until 4 p.m.
Entertainment 11-11:30 a.m. Alpaca shearing 11:30 a.m.-Noon Tai Chi Noon-12:30 p.m. Take Flight! Bird Show 1-2 p.m. Silly Safaris (Angi Cat) 2:30-3 p.m. Take Flight! Bird Show
Tours 11:30-12:30 p.m. Nature Trail Walk with Stu Haney, DNR Forester 12:30-1 p.m. USDA Certified Organic Garden Tour and Grafted Cucumber Research with Wenjing Guan, Purdue University/Purdue Extension 1-3 p.m. Sister Jody O’Neil art studio open house 1-3 p.m. SMWC Equine Studies Stable Tours 1:30-2 p.m. Guided Shrine Tour: Saint Mother Theodore Guerin Shrine 2-2:30 p.m. Nature Trail Walk with Stu Haney, DNR Forester
Mini-workshops 11:30-11:50 a.m. Chocolate Smoothie Class Noon-12:20 p.m. Cooking Class: Healthy Chili 1:30-1:50 p.m. Vanilla Berry Smoothie Class 2-2:20 p.m. Cooking Class: Salad Dressings
Cheryl Casselman is a marketing manager for the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.