Party for the Planet 2019 Powered by the LG&E and KU Foundation

Louisville Zoo Seeks Trashformation Contest Entries and Eco-Partners for Earth Month

CONTACT: Kyle Shepherd
Direct: 502-238-5331  |  Media Only: 502-744-5639
kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov

The Louisville Zoo invites students in preschool and grades pre-K – 12 to get involved with the seventh annual Trashformation: A Trash-to-Treasure Art Contest for Students. The annual contest is part of the Zoo’s Party for the Planet: A Month-Long Celebration of the Earth powered by the LG&E and KU Foundation. The event takes place in April.

Students are encouraged to communicate the importance of recycling and sustainability through art.  Using only recyclable items, students’ art submissions should express or interpret “Reuse, Reduce and Recycle.”

Back by popular demand, the Zoo is partnering with the Louisville Orchestra’s MakingMUSIC Landfill Orchestra program and has a category encouraging students to create a playable musical instrument from recycled materials. Students submitting a musical instrument will be invited to participate in a jam session with their instruments led by Louisville Orchestra Music Director Teddy Abrams at the awards presentation press conference on March 23 at 11 a.m.

Trashformation is open to all public, private, parochial and homeschool students in preschool and grades K–12.

One winner from each category will be chosen by a panel of judges and announced at a press conference during the Earth Month kickoff celebration at the Zoo on March 23. Winners will receive a one-of-a-kind painting by one of the Zoo’s animals.

Nonmusical instrument submissions must be no larger than 12”x12”x12” if three-dimensional and weigh no more than 8 pounds with a rigid base or can be 18” x 18” if flat. All entries must be made from recyclable materials.  Registration is appreciated for the contest by Feb. 11. Each student or group may enter only one project.

Visit www.louisvillezoo.org/trashformation for registration material and a full list of rules and categories.

Educational Eco-Partners/Exhibitors for Earth Day Celebration

The Louisville Zoo is seeking educational eco-partners/exhibitors for its Earth Day Celebration on Sunday, April 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Earth Day Celebration is part of the larger Party for the Planet: A Month-Long Celebration of the Earth powered by the LG&E and KU Foundation.

The Zoo seeks exhibitors who have an educational component about the earth or sustainability. Categories of exhibitors are Animal Action, Clean Air/Clean Energy, Water Conservation and Loving the Land. No retail sales, food sales or collection of donations are allowed on Earth Day.  The Louisville Zoo reserves the right to review and approve applications, displays, exhibits, giveaways and literature for appropriate content and in accordance with Zoo policies and procedures.

The Zoo’s Earth Day celebration is often a heavily attended day with a reduced admission price of $8.25 and free parking.

There are a limited number of free spaces for nonprofits (based upon approval). For-profit companies interested in exhibiting should contact the Zoo’s event department at (502) 238-5376. The Zoo will provide one six foot banquet table and two chairs. Cover will be provided during inclement weather as this is a rain or shine event.

Visit www.louisvillezoo.org/eco for additional details or to download an application.

Sponsorship of larger display areas is available for an additional charge. For cash sponsorship opportunities call the sponsorship department (502)238-5330.

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The Louisville Zoo, a nonprofit organization and state zoo of Kentucky, is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

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