Earth Day is recognized as the planet’s largest annual civic event, celebrated each year on April 22. Events are coordinated globally to the impact of 1 billion people celebrating the day in more than 193 countries. 

The official theme for the official 53rd anniversary of Earth Day is “Invest in Our Planet.” Central Kansas will be able to celebrate this worldwide event on the local front.  

Great Bend Earth Day Celebration is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, at Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo. The local event, now in its second year, is shaping up to be a fun event. The Great Bend Zoo, Rosewood ECycle and Great Bend Dairy Queen are hosting the event, which is geared toward children, but all family members are welcome to participate.  

“We want people to come spend quality family time with us at the Zoo, while also gaining an appreciation for the environment,” said Great Bend Zoo Curator Ashley Burdick, about Earth Day Celebration festivities. “We want to get people excited about the impact they can have from doing their small part in creating a greener world. It’s an important day and an important event, but also a fun opportunity that we are excited to bring to our community.”  

Besides the three sponsors, five more businesses and organizations are participating in the celebration this year. They are Heartland Farm, Kansas Wetlands Education Center, Luna the Therapy Dog, Great Bend Zoological Society, and Wheatland Electric. A new T-Rex character will be roaming the Zoo to entertain children. Amelia’s Tacos will sell food in a food truck out front of the Zoo. 

It’s a convenient lunch option in between enjoyment of event activities. Great Bend Dairy Queen will issue a coupon for a free small ice cream cone to the first 500 youth participants that day. In addition, there will be giveaways to the first 500 children in attendance.

“Excitement is building for our sponsors and participating organizations,” said Burdick. “We’re ready to put on a wonderful event for the children. There will be plenty of displays and booth interaction to keep them entertained and engaged. It’s an inexpensive way to enjoy, what we hope will be, a beautiful spring day in Great Bend.”