Mid Michigan Waste Authority will host its annual Earth Day celebration on Sat., April 22, 2017, from 10 am to 2 pm at the Children’s Zoo at Celebration Square in Saginaw. This environmentally-themed event promises a fun-filled day for children of all ages and their families. To make the festivities even more appealing, MMWA is offering free admission to the first 400 people who bring a recyclable beverage container.

The eco-experience starts at the entrance gate with a visit to the Waste Management recycling truck, as zoo visitors turn in their recyclable containers. Inside the zoo, MMWA and more than a dozen community partners will offer free resources, games, activities, face painting, a recycling-themed scavenger hunt, educational exhibits and trash-to-treasure crafts in the event area near the horse barn. All children’s activities are free, thanks to sponsorships from Waste Management and 1st State Bank.

Participating organizations include the Saginaw Valley State University Greenhouse, the Downtown Saginaw Farmers Market, SVRC Industries, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Consumers Energy, Saginaw County Parks and Recreation, Chippewa Nature Center and more.

Free re-useable market totes made from recycled plastic bottles will be handed out by MMWA, one per family while supplies last. This giveaway is made possible thanks to the support of ReCommunity Recycling and Roberts, Boehler, and Fisher, PC.

April 22 is the first day the zoo is open to the general public this year, so the Earth Day event is a great opportunity to be among the first visitors of the season to enjoy more than 10 acres of beautiful tree-filled parkland, animal exhibits, colorful gardens, the beloved miniature train, the region’s only hand-carved carousel, and so much more. Visitors will also get to meet Izzy and Rachel, the endangered Mexican wolves who became part of the zoo family in December.

For visitors who do not arrive in time for the free admission, entrance to the zoo is just $5 per person, and free for infants 11 months of age and under. The zoo is located at 1730 S Washington Avenue in Saginaw.

Mid Michigan Waste Authority is a government entity providing comprehensive residential solid waste services to approximately 70,000 households in 34 communities across the greater Saginaw Valley. To learn more about MMWA and the Earth Day event, visit www.recyclemotion.org.