Looking for a fun, free way to spend time with your family? Head out to the beautiful 80-acre Waterfall Park at 4501 S. Bass Pro Dr., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 2 for lots of free, eco-friendly family fun at the fifth-annual Independence EcoFest – “It’s All About Water!”

This environmental education festival is designed to teach children and families the importance of preserving and protecting our natural resources and the environment in an entertaining and interactive format.

The winner of this year’s t-shirt design contest is Kaila Crosby from Bingham Middle School. Entries were received from students at both Bingham and Bridger Middle Schools, and will be on display at EcoFest. Visitors will collect stickers for their Eco-Passports by answering quiz questions as they visit various exhibit booths throughout the park. Participants will receive a free t-shirt for completed Eco-Passports and there will be lots of free giveaways throughout the festival.

“EcoFest offers a variety of engaging activities that emphasize the importance of water quality, local watersheds, ground water, drinking water, wastewater and storm water (rain water) management, energy and natural resource conservation,” Water Pollution Control Director Dick Champion said.

In addition to the many eco-activities, entertainment will abound. This year’s festival will feature fan favorite eco-entertainers including the EcoStreet characters, Stan Slaughter “Eco Troubadour” and the Green Spirit Band, EcoElvis, and the ReCycle Cycle. The Kansas City Kite Club will again brighten up the park with colorful banners and kites.

Additionally, interactive displays such as edible ice cream aquifers, a stream table demonstrating stream bank erosion and water-themed games will be located along the park trail.

EcoFest is sponsored in partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Little Blue River Watershed Coalition and several local groups.

Admission to Independence EcoFest is free. For more information, visit www.independencemo.org/ecofest or call WPC at (816) 325-7711.