13th Annual Children's Water Festival
Thursday, May 8, 2008
History and Background
The GMB is comprised of thirteen local government units in the Metropolitan Lansing Area and was established in 1983. As a local policy board, it's members work together to educate and encourage better use and protection of water.
The festival was created due to a large demand from local school districts for assistance in educating students on environmental issues. This one-day event provides information to over 70 different classes within the tri-county region. The festival introduces basic concepts of groundwater protection in hopes to positively affect students' MEAP scores, CAT scores, and overall understanding of groundwater.
The first Children's Water Festival took place in 1995 at the Brody Complex on Michigan State University's campus. Close to 800 fourth and fifth grade students from local elementary schools attended. Presently, the festival takes place at Wells Hall on MSU's campus and the overall record for attendance was set in 2002 with 2,200 students. More than 23,500 students have attended the festival in its twelve-year history.
The festival focuses on educating students through interactive activities. Each student is given the opportunity to participate in two hands-on lesson plans and attend a musical concert by Billy B, an environmental performer. Billy travels around the country visiting schools and events spreading his musical message about environmental protection. His popularity in the Lansing area have students, teachers, and sponsors requesting to see him at the festival each year! Billy’s program includes songs and dances that teach students important lessons about nature while giving them a chance to interact.