Cottonwood AZ (October 6, 2010) – Over 110 volunteers, 19 teachers and 436 local elementary students participated in the 4th annual Verde Valley Water Festival at Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood today. The Water Festival is part of Project WET (Water Education for Teachers), a free teaching and learning resource for all 4th grade students and teachers in the Verde Valley. This years event, two hours of hands-on education teaching about water conservation, groundwater, watersheds and the water cycle was coordinated by Yavapai County administrative aide, Chris Moran.

“The 2011 Water Festival was provided at no cost to the schools,” explained Moran. “Verde Valley communities and businesses came together and donated funds and supplies.”

Yavapai County supervisor, A. G. “Chip” Davis remarked, “The 2011 Water Festival was a huge success! We can’t give everyone enough thanks. The Verde Valley Water Festival is a model for all other festivals throughout the State of Arizona.”

The 2011 festival volunteers represented the City of Cottonwood, Yavapai County Government, Town of Jerome, National Park Service, Verde River Basin Partnership, The Nature Conservancy, Natural Resource Conservation District, Tender Hearts Senior Care, Mingus Union High School, Southwest Groundwater Consultants, Verde Valley Land Preservation Institute, Arizona State Parks, Prescott National Forest, Coconino National Forest, Salt River Project, Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District, Verde Watershed Association, Bridgeport, Cornville, Beaver Creek and the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. Volunteers are tasked with planning the event, hauling equipment, presenting the lessons, serving breakfast and lunch, registration and clean-up.

Event coordinator Moran and Yavapai County Supervisor Davis recognized Acme Pizzeria, Randall’s and Verde Lea Market of Cottonwood for helping keep the Water Festival volunteers fed and happy.

“We appreciate all the generous support of everyone involved. You make our jobs easier and allow us to bring a great event to the Verde Valley.”

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