For The Sentinel

SELMA - Plenty of sunshine made for a beautiful Earth Day event April 23.

The threat of rain was a concern by organizers, with dark clouds on the preceding day - but mother nature proved to be welcoming of the festivities in Selma.

The fourth annual Selma Earth Day brought out a larger crowd than last year, says organizer Melissa Harding, the city's recycling coordinator who is also affiliated with the Americorps Volunteers in Service to America program.

More informational booths were available than last year, and the day's events included live music by the Saltwater Merchants, recycled "earth-friendly" craft-making, prizes, dance performances by the Second Street Dancers, story-telling, and children's games.

"These events are designed as a way for individuals to learn more about how to care for the environment while having fun," Harding said in a release.

Highlights included rounds of "Environmental Jeopardy!" which quizzed volunteers on recycling and conservation; recycled artwork contest from students of several of Selma's elementary schools; and presentations by organizations including San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District to educate the public on issues such as burn restrictions.

Harding worked on putting the Earth Day event together for the past several months and setup booths for recycled crafts, recycled products, recycled oil and environmental games for kids. Dozens of community volunteers pitched in to make the day possible.

Winners of the recycled artwork contest, where students used cans, recycled paper and crafts to create art projects were:

- kindergartner Arion Becker from Indianola Elementary School;

- second-grader Jose Garcia from Eric White;

- third-grader Haley Stump from Cathedral Christian School;

- fourth- and fifth-grade category winner Ashley from Roosevelt Elementary School;

- and winner of the California Refund Value award was Alexis Bryant from Indianola Elementary School.

Some organizations setting up booths were:

- Selma Police Department

- Fresno County Department of Resources

- Native Plant Society

- Department of Water Resources

- San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District

- Tree Fresno

- Selma High School Art Club.

(April 30, 2005)