Earth Day celebration on Saturday

Food, educational exhibits and entertainment are planned as part of local Earth Day observances in Pahrump.

The family-friendly celebration is scheduled for this Saturday at Ian Deutch Memorial Park, 10 a.m to 3 p.m.

The local event, organized by the Pahrump Nuclear Waste and Environmental Advisory Board, will arrive three days after today’s traditional observance of Earth Day.

Board member Mary Duff said all things related to environmental protection and renewable resources will be the main focus of the free 12th annual event.

“It’s about environmental education,” she said. “We will have solar cooking demonstrations, animal viewing and different educational exhibits. We also plan to have musical performances at the park.”

Duff said attendees can also view some of the emergency apparatus used by local emergency personnel as well as vehicles on display by the Pahrump Valley 4 Wheelers club.

Local master gardeners will also have an educational exhibit set up.

Advisory Board Chairman John Pawlak said he plans to introduce a small device that generates electricity from hot water.

“It’s called the Seebeck Generator and it directly converts heated water into electricity,” Pawlak said. “We will be demonstrating it to attendees and this whole event is about teaching and education. We’re going to talk about solar energy and the air we breathe. We’re going to talk about and have educational displays on the most precious resource out here, which is water. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Pawlak said organizers will have a new attraction at the park this year.

“We’re going to have a drum circle and we are looking to get some hula-hoopers, which go well together,” he said. “All we need now is to have a big turnout.”

Officials from Pahrump’s Discovery Park project will also participate to discuss how the new educational site is progressing, as well as several community partners.

Duff said the advisory board wants to provide some new exhibits for attendees this year.

“We will have the local gardening and nature clubs along with Utilities Inc.,” she said. “Home Depot, Star Nursery and Friends of Nevada Wilderness will be there as well. We also plan to have some giveaways too.”

Duff said the advisory board is still looking for those who are interested in becoming an exhibitor at the event, as booths are free of charge.

“Those who want to have an exhibit booth can contact us,” she said. “The booths are free, but exhibitors can’t sell anything because it’s for educational purposes.”

Those interested in having an exhibit booth can call John or Mary at 775-751-9970 ext. 236.