Whether it’s acting as a catalyst for disaster with the recent flooding or as a cure for the raging wildfires, water is at the nexus of life on Earth.
The Children’s Water Festival, Aug. 7 at Polson Park, seeks to entertain and educate Vernon youth about the importance of water conservation.
“It’s important, especially this year with the fires and floods, to remember it’s not just us that need the water,” said Tanya Lipscomb, aka Kiki the Eco Elf, who will be at the festival. “As an eco elf, I think it’s my responsibility not only to entertain children but to inspire awareness and educate through music and art.”
The free family event is host to crafts and activities centred around the theme of water. Internationally renowned ecologically-minded artist Evelyn Roth invites participants to dress in costumers, hats and masks to take part in an ocean-themed nylon zoo, with an water and aquatic creatures storytelling session inside an inflatable salmon.
“I love her vision,” Lipscomb said of Roth. “It’s so beautiful what she does. It’s so important to combine art with powerful messages.”
Lipscomb originally had prior engagements to attend, but after being approached about participating in Children’s Water Festival, she knew what she had to do.
“This is way more important to me fundamentally,” Lipscomb said. “I’m so looking forward to this. It’s going to be fun.”
Also on offer is the opportunity to design and create a segment of a Winding Mosaic River, with artist Gabrielle Strong, which will become part of a downtown public art installation celebrating Canada’s 150th and RespectFest.
“It’s a lot of awareness and education, but it’s done in a fun format,” Lipscomb said of the event.
And it’s all with the purpose of entertainment and educating Vernon on respectful use of water and aquatic ecosystems.
“We’re very blessed as we live in a place with an abundance of water.”
The Children’s Water Festival is at Polson Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 7. Bring a chair or blanket, a picnic lunch and water bottle. A water dispenser will be available for refills.