It’s 1996 all over again – without the huge flooding. :) In March 1996, the community toasted the opening of Vancouver’s Water Center at Splash! On Tuesday, March 22, the community is invited to return to Splash! Back 20, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Vancouver’s Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way.
Like its namesake, Splash! Back 20 will feature fine foods and beverages, available for purchase, along with live jazz in the Water Center’s community room overlooking the Columbia River. Downstairs, Splash! Back 20 will offer Water Center activities, information about Water Center programs and more.
And since March 22 is also World Water Day, a portion of the script sold will go to WaterAfrica and Vancouver’s Help to Others (H2O). Representatives for both charitable organizations will share how the community’s support can make a difference in providing clean water to those in need.
Like the first Splash! 20 years ago, exhibit-browsing is free, and so is the opportunity to learn about Water Center activities and programs. Or sit back and enjoy the George Mitchell Trio, with George Mitchell on keyboards, Ron Steen on drums and Kevin Dietz on bass – all renowned local musicians in their own right.
Splash! Back 20 will include a brief tribute to the many volunteers who have given countless hours of time helping to foster stewardship of our community’s vital water and other natural resources. The public will also be invited to share their fond Water Center memories of the past 20 years, whether that was enjoying Sturgeon Festivals, exploring at Critter Count, viewing the Declaration of Independence traveling exhibit, playing at Puddles Place, celebrating at a wedding reception, attending a teachers’ training, or learning about aquifers as part of a visiting school class.
RSVPs are requested by March 17, though not required, to ensure there’s enough fine food and beverages for all who plan to attend Splash! Back 20. Email [email protected] or call 360-487-7111.
Carpooling is encouraged. Plans are also underway for a small shuttle to run at 30-minute intervals between City Hall, 415 W. Sixth St., and the Water Center. Shuttle pickups from City Hall will start at 4:30 p.m., and run on the half hour, with the last return trip to City Hall leaving the Water Center by 8:30 p.m.
This is the third in a series of events celebrating the Water Center’s 20 years in the community. The Water Center kicked off the year with a special Vanport Flood Exhibit, which opened in January and runs through June.
