Want to see how cows are milked, meet furry goats, learn ways to keep water clean, play games and win great prizes while supporting a local food bank?
A chance to do just that is coming up at the The Huron Perth Agriculture and Water Festival’s second annual open house Wednesday, April 11 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Seaforth and District Community Centre and Seaforth Agri-Plex.
It features live farm animals, a giant mystery faucet display, active games related to water conservation, wildlife displays, and door prizes. A milking demonstration will be held at 7:15 p.m. in the Seaforth Agri-Plex. Admission to the open house is by donation of a non-perishable food item, which will be donated to the Seaforth Food Bank.
About 600 students from Huron and Perth counties are expected to attend the HPAWF during their school day April 11 and 12.
This event has evolved from Slice of Huron, an agricultural festival that started in 1992.
The open house allows the entire community to have a chance to experience what the students do during the day.
“This year we have some exciting new exhibits and an opportunity for both youth and adults to win a prize,” said Jenni Boles, 2012 festival co-ordinator. New this year is the Skills Opportunities Showcase Trailer, which allows families to explore agriculture and the environment through computer games.
Participants will receive a passport that can be stamped at the various activities with their named entered into the draw.
“This is a great opportunity for families to enjoy a fun and active evening out while learning more about this fantastic region where we live,” Boles said.
HPAWF provides students in Grades 3 to 5 with hands-on learning opportunities to learn about agriculture and water, their importance in our local environment, and role in our everyday lives. Water activities deal with conservation and protection of our finite water resources. Agricultural activities profile various aspects of field crop and livestock production and being safe on the farm. In addition, the open house provides a chance to meet people who work in the agriculture- or water-related fields locally.
Teachers attending also receive an HPAWF Teacher’s Guide with activities that can be used in the classroom.
The HPAWF is organized and delivered by a committee of volunteers representing a number of community organizations that recognize the importance of agriculture, water, and the environment to Huron and Perth counties.
Please visit the HPAWF website to find out more information about the festival.