Nature Fest at Prairiewoods
Outdoor Family Fun for People and Pets!
Celebrate Prairiewoods’ 15th Anniversary, get close to nature through kid-friendly activities and have a blessing bestowed on the four-legged members of your family during Nature Fest at Prairiewoods on Sunday, October 2.
Both people and pets are invited to honor Earth and connect with the natural world through this afternoon of family-friendly entertainment. In addition to the traditional Blessing of the Animals and ice cream social, the event will include storytelling, face painting, live music and a multitude of family-centered activities.
The festivities will begin at 1 p.m. with performances by both Bob Ballantyne and the Deep Dish Divas and with a variety of games and nature activities. Celebrate the beauty of October and experience the bounty of Earth by taking part in environmental games, creating art from nature, having your face painted to look like a wild animal (for $5–$10 per face) and taking guided hikes on the woodland trails. Members of I-Renew will provide on-site tours of Prairiewoods’ renewable energy features.
Ice cream will be served at 1:45, followed by a short message by State Senator Rob Hogg. He will speak on a message dear to the heart of Prairiewoods: living with environmental awareness. Storytellers will then engage the imaginations of kids and parents alike with traditional creation stories.
At 2:45, Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders will bless your pets in our traditional St. Francis Day Blessing of the Animals. Little Paws Dog Rescue will also be on hand with a number of dogs available for adoption. They will even microchip your pet in case it ever gets lost—just bring $20 and proof of ownership, such as a vet record.
Throughout the day, you will also be able to enjoy environmental art and poetry from the Iowa winners of the 2011 River of Words. This is a competition for youth aged 5 to 19 that allows them to express their personal experiences in the natural environment. Prairiewoods is the only eastern Iowa host of the 2011 River of Words, so you won’t want to miss this opportunity to see it!
Nature Fest celebrates the 15 years of commitment Prairiewoods has made to its mission of furthering the vision of its sponsors, the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, and the Franciscan tradition by offering a theological and spiritual framework that connects the human with the natural world. This is done by offering space and opportunities for spiritual growth joined to a belief in the sacredness of all of creation.
We hope to see many of you, our friends, as we celebrate these first 15 years of our history! This party is free, although there will be a charge if you chose to have your pet microchiped ($20) or your face painted ($5–$10). Please bring your pets on leashes or in carriers (and their clean-up bags), your lawn chairs or blankets, and your willingness to have a great time! For more information, contact Prairiewoods at 319-395-6700.
SCHEDULE
1:00 Music by Deep Dish Divas and Bob Ballantyne, Games, Face Painting, Nature Tours & Outdoor Activities
1:45 Ice Cream Social
2:00 Message from Senator Rob Hogg, Storytelling
2:45 Blessing of Animals
3:00 More Music, Games, Face Painting, Nature Tours & Outdoor Activities
4:00 Closing
