By Louis Zylka
The 830 Times
Del Rio’s Earth Day kickoff event encouraged kids and families to learn about resources and
activities for healthy and natural living.
In preparation for celebrating Earth Day on April 22, members of Del Rio city departments and
local organizations had booths in the Pecan Ballroom at the Del
Del Rio Civic Center. The free event included several city department staff members and
agencies to provide games and giveaways.
Rio Civic Center, where they
set up booths and tables featuring educational games and prize giveaways.
Peter Ojeda, the city’s communications and marketing director, said the kickoff event had a
good turnout with a “steady flow of people” visiting their booths.
“We had a lot of departments within the city coming out on Saturday for the community to have
a kickoff event for Earth Day,” Ojeda said.
Members of the city handed out bags with coloring books and snacks to teach kids how to eat
healthily. Other interactive activities at the event included rock painting and kite making.
Members from several city departments were in attendance, including Del Rio Animal Services,
Del Rio Transportation, the Del Rio Fire Department, the Del Rio Police Department and the
City of Del Rio Public Works Department. Other groups that attended were Platform Waste
Solutions, Texas Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program and representatives of the
Consul of Guatemala.
The groups at the event provided resources to teach kids and families about safety hazards
during fires, waste management and environmental sustainability. Animal Services staff
members brought cats and dogs to be adopted, and Ojeda had a raffle for pollinator plants and
drought-tolerant mountain laurels.
Ojeda said they worked with the Consul of Mexico to provide activities for people who were
also attending the Autism Awareness Day. Both events provided a whole morning of family
bonding and learning.
