Wednesday, April 14, 1999
The University Daily Kansan
Section B · Page 10
East/West
Earth Day celebrants to 'party for the planet'
By Clay McCusition Special to the Kansan
KC zoo promotes event with magic, charity walk
The zoo will be host to a Party for the Planet from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 17, for both entertainment and education. Visitors will be able to watch performances on a main stage or visit dozens of booths showcasing fun ways to help the planet.
All creatures great and small will help visitors at the Kansas City Zoo celebrate Earth Day.
This year Steve Trash, a magician from Ohio, will be featured on the main stage. Trash uses environmental themes as an integral part of his act. City in Motion, a Kansas City dance troupe, will
very natural part of what we are," said Denise Rendina, public relations manager for the zoo. "Kansas City has a nice tradition of having good Earth Day events."
In addition to the main stage events, 50 to 60 booths will be set up, offering contests, prizes and activities. Groups with boots include the Nelson-Atkins Art Gallery, the Kansas City Community Gardens and the Environmental Protection Agency.
The party will be preceded by a charity walk, organized by Bridging the Gap, a local nonprofit agency focused on environmental education.
Proceeds from the walk will benefit the Choose Environmental Excellence Campaign, Bridging the Gap's education program. The three-mile walk through the zoo will begin at 9 a.m. A $15 registration fee is required, and participants will receive admission to the zoo for the day, a tote bag and snacks.
Bridging the Gap also helps organize the Party for the Planet event.
"It makes our message a bit easier to deliver," said Jeanne Calkins, program manager for the group.
Rendina, who started the Party for the Planet three years ago along with Bridging the Gap, said the event had received positive public response. About 7,000 people attended last year.
"She said of her," Rendina said, "it's a really
"It's a lot of fun." Rendina said. "It's a really unique way to celebrate an important day."
The official Earth Day is Thursday, April 22. Photos by Kate Levenson/KANSAN
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