PUBLIC INVITED TO SUN FOUNDATION'S CLEAN WATER CELEBRATION April 19 & 20

The Sun Foundation’s 22nd Annual Clean Water Celebration will kick off this Sunday, April 19, 2015.  Events, which are free to the public, will begin at 4:00 PM at the Gateway Building on the Peoria Riverfront.  This year’s theme is “Water Wisdom from around the World.”

Sun Foundation founder Bob Ericksen said, “People who live close to the land share a deep respect for the earth and her creatures. This reverence is best expressed in their stories and songs. This year’s theme focuses on that unique experience.”
On Sunday afternoon, a Native American Blessing of the River will be offered by Hayna “White Beaver” Sine, Ho Chunk leader. There will also be a Parade of Waters and the public is invited to bring water to be blessed.

The kick off will be followed by a keynote dinner at 5:30 p.m. at the GAR Hall, located at 416 Hamilton Blvd.  The organic dinner and lecture is $25 and the lecture alone is $15.  For reservations, please contact the Sun Foundation online at www.sunfoundation.org.
The Clean Water Celebration will continue on Monday, April 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Peoria Civic Center.  The event is free and offers a keynote presentation, presentations on green initiatives like recycling and conservation, storytelling and hands-on exhibits.  Keynote presenters will be offered by storytellers Brian “Fox” Ellis, Oba William King, Anne Shimojima, Jo and Jimmy Lakota.   According to Ericksen, the presenters “will take participants on a journey for a deeper appreciation of our wet, watery world and a deeper connection to the earth.”

Making Waves Awards will also be presented at Monday’s events.  The 2015 Making Waves Award winners are:
- Farmington School District 265 for their solar panel project
- Hollis Grade School for their participation and volunteerism during the Clean Water Celebration
- Brian "Fox" Ellis for his environmental education and commitment to the Clean Water Celebration as an emcee, presenter, key note speaker and compiling the Clean Water Celebration "How To" booklet
- Hayna Sine for giving the Blessing of the Waters during the opening ceremonies of Clean Water Celebration, as an artist, elder from the Winnebago Ho-Chunk tribe
- Gifts In The Moment for providing fresh food to those in need in the Tri-County area
- Fen Bilimleri Anatolian High School, Turkey for using vermicompost to recycle organic waste in Turkey.

The public is invited to celebrate Earth Day and their local water source through the Sun Foundation’s Clean Water Celebration on April 19 and 20.  More information can be found at www.sunfoundation.org

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