Judy's Day is in memory of Judy Abrams (1940-1996), our friend, teacher, and mentor, and a wonderful, giving person. Her family and friends have made this program possible to celebrate Judy's love of life, work, kids, and the natural world. The Saquish Foundation and the SIRUS Fund have provided generous gifts to support the program.
Beginning in 1997, we have organized this one-day festival to celebrate our vital connection with plants. In the scenic setting of our arboretum, we explore unique themes, bringing them alive through exhibits, activities, crafts, music, and more. View past Judy's Days.
This year’s theme was plant traditions from around the world. Our young visitors and their families explored and learned about plant traditions from South America, Asia, Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, India, Native Americans, and more. Popular activities included choosing petals from buckets of colorful flowers to create elaborate mandalas in the India tent, decorating chocolate skulls connected with the Day of the Dead booth in the Fiestas y Juegos tent, and the
Judy’s Day family festival takes children around the world
With over 50 booths, each associated activity seemed to be a favorite. Guests were amazed as they scraped pineapple leaves, exposing fiber that is made into gowns in the Philippines. Families learned about tsampa--the national food of Tibet, voted on the real shamrock in European tent, made whistles from the important Ti leaf in the Polynesian culture tent, and attended a tea ceremony in the Hint of Japanese Way tent.
Many of the activities created for the event will now be developed into programs that we will deliver to local schools next year.
For more information about this program, please Contact our Youth Education Coordinator, (607) 255-2407.
