General Planning

In planning your event you will want to answer questions like who, what, when and where. The water festival will be your event; however, the date needs to be when the general public can attend. The best time to host a festival for the general public is during the early evening hours or on a Saturday. For schools, the times usually need to fit with their bus and daily schedules. Check around the community to see what that you don't have any calendar conflicts.

Location

Select your location. It's best to host this type of event near water. This can range from a scenic river to a pond or local lake. Whether using public or private land, always ask permission. If you host the event at a public location (e.g., state park), it's always good to work with the park staff and ask them how they want to be involved. It is important to involve other people and groups to help promote and assist with the festival.

Advertising

When advertising the event through news releases, newsletters, website, flyers and other media venues, make sure you describe what a water festival is, what the participants will be doing, what other groups will be participating. Make sure that your advertisement clearly indicates your date, time, location, rainy day plan, and a contact number for additional information. If you want your audience to R.S.V.P. for an approximate number of attendees, let them know how to register. Also, remember to invite the media. Have a press packet to give to them at the event. Your goal is to get people involved and learning about water. The more you promote the festival, the more opportunity you will have to achieve this goal.

Partners and Sponsors

Involve other groups in the county or surrounding areas. Contact local organizations and agencies that can set up displays, conduct a hands-on-activity, and offer information for the participants. Some suggested groups would be: watershed organizations, river coalitions, conservation clubs, Extension colleagues, religious groups, civic organizations, and the state Department of Natural Resources.

Activities

Some suggested displays to set up are: Ground Water Flow Model, EnviroScape Model, Streamulator Model, and Rain Simulator. Partners and sponsors can give financial and/or in-kind services, including food and refreshments. Some suggested sources for hands-on activities could include: Project WET; Healthy Water, Healthy People; Project WILD Aquatic; Project WILD; Wonders of Wetlands; and other resources. The more interactive the displays and activities are, the better!

News Releases

After the event, be sure you send articles with pictures to the local papers and newsletters. Make sure you include information about water, watersheds, soil, and soil erosion so the reader can learn more about it. This will get people thinking and hopefully wanting to attend upcoming events sponsored by your organization. Remember to follow up with thank you notes to those involved so they will return another time. And lastly, enjoy the festival.

Websites

The Groundwater Foundation: www.groundwater.org

Project WET: www.projectwet.org

United States Environmental Protection Agency: www.epa.gov

United States Geological Survey: www.usgs.gov