Terry Robertson is hoping for clear skies this week so his Earth Day event, which brings awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment, can go off without a hitch.
Robertson, IdEA director, is facilitating the student-run event, which brings awareness and appreciation for Earth’s environment, taking place April 22 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in front of Old Main.
The event is one of many events planned throughout the day to promote environmental conservation.
Robertson said the day of activities and music will be appealing to the entire community.
“There are going to be tons of things to do,” Robertson said. “It will be a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.”
With only a few exceptions, the students in his IdEA class organized all of the Earth Day festivities, Robertson said. Proceeds from the event will benefit the South Dakota Wildlife Foundation.
Senior Philip Schonebaum said students will have a variety of events with which to fill their day with.
“It’s going to be a great time,” Schonebaum said. “There will be tons of games, food, a 5K fun run, prizes and a lot of great music.”
While patrons participate in raising environmental awareness they will be able to indulge in food items such as pheasant, beef, buffalo, potatoes, pork and ice cream, Schonebaum said, while Jami Lynn, the Ceadar River Singers, Cashdog and the Greasefires, Paradise Fears, and the Mini Sose Band will be featured musicians.
Robertson said this year’s event has more to offer than it has in previous years.
“I think we’ve got better bands this year, a new venue, and we’ve got over 50 runners signed up,” he said. “It’s really starting to get entrenched into the community, and that’s a good thing.”
The South Dakota Wildlife Foundation has been partners with USD in putting on the Earth Day event for more than six years.
Senior Jared Indahl said the event is a great way to incorporate environmental awareness with fun activities.
“Our slogan is ‘Think Global, Act Local,’ and that’s exactly what we’re doing,” he said. “We are promoting a greener environment, donating to South Dakota Wildlife, and having fun all at the same time.”
The event is a positive way to get students to come together to raise environment awareness, sophomore Shane Gunter said.
Reach reporter Andrew Finzen at Andrew.Finzen@usd.edu.
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