LOS ANGELES, May 5, 2003 -- A classroom in a giant Earth-shaped balloon, continuous stage shows and nearly 20 informational booths and activities helped Riverside County kick off Water Awareness Month at a first-of-its-kind Community Water Festival Saturday, May 3, at the Promenade mall in Temecula.
Day-long events offered lessons to adults and children about water conservation and the environment through interactive activities and shows located inside and outside the Promenade at 40820 Winchester Road. Sponsored by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation as well as local and regional water agencies, the free festival ran from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A 22-foot-diameter Earth Balloon educational module, located inside the mall near Macy's, presented a unique setting for visitors to learn about subjects ranging from water conservation to ecosystems.
Water- and environment-related stage shows ran continuously throughout the festival, including EarthCapades, environmental vaudeville, and Mad H2O Science Fire & Ice, offering bizarre science demonstrations and visual experiments.
Children also were able to meet Phinnious J. Frog, Fancy Fin and Drippy the Water Drop. In addition, a face-painting clown and caricature artist were on hand.
Partners in the water education festival are the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Eastern Municipal Water District, Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Murrieta County Water District, Rancho California Water District and Western Municipal Water District.
Festival supporters include the Lake Elsinore/San Jacinto Watersheds Authority, Mission Resource Conservation District, the state of California Department of Water Resources, the Cities and County of Riverside Storm Water/Clean Water Protection Plan and The Promenade in Temecula.
Another supporter, FROGGY 92.9-FM, broadcasted live from the festival throughout the day.
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a cooperative of 26 cities and water agencies serving 18 million people in six counties. The district imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies, and helps its members to develop increased water conservation, recycling, storage and other water-management programs.
