On Behalf of the U.S. Army C.O.E. and the Mark Twain Lake Chamber of Commerce, I would like to invite your school to enjoy a free day of educational demonstrations at the Salt River Expo located at the South Spillway area at a Cannon Dam.  On  Friday, May 14, 2010, the Salt River Expo will offer free admissions to all school groups between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.   Lots of bus parking space, there will be food available on site or there will be plenty of tables for brown-baggers.  Restrooms, hand washing stations, and trash receptacles complete the amenities.  You’ll need all day to see it all, but arrive and leave at your pleasure.  

We are aware of everyone’s funding issues.  Therefore, we have actively recruited representatives who can communicate their subject on many age levels.  A conversation agent might teach kindergarteners how to tell a raccoon track from an opossum; later on explain to young hunters the ecological need to observe seasons and limits; and in between discuss with FFA members how creating the right habitats can help naturally controls crop pests.  Our computer guy can speak both "Pac-Man"  and CAD-CAM, and will offer "hands-on" computer assembly.

Among those committed participants are:  Back Country Horseman, Missouri Department of Conversation, Missouri State Highway Patrol, MoDot, MFA Oil, Hannibal DAR (cards for the troops), American Red Cross, Make a Difference Day ( pillows and sundries for the troops), Civil Air Patrol, Patriot Guard, Barron Aviation (history and demonstrations of gliders and parachutes), the "Horse Whisperer," Starlight Alpacas, 4H Robotics, Shelbina Old Threshers, Carl Heth (oxen demonstrations), "Bozo" the longhorn steer, living history from pre-European to present.

Most learning stations will take about 20 minutes.  Learn how a helicopter flies, how a glider glides, watch a parachute being packed.  See arrowheads made.  Talk with a civil war soldier.  Meet an alpaca.  Watch a steam engine work.  Learn how to be a good camper.  Pedal your way to a banana smoothie.  Visit the "Barnyard Moms."  The computer and robot assembly stations will require about 40 minutes to complete the hands-on practical application.

As you can see, we appreciate the value of fuel, and have worked hard to create a one-stop student "stimulus package" close to home.

We know that is graduation weekend for many of you, but we hope you can join us Friday, May 14, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for a fun day of exploration.  Please bring a "friendship" or "thank you " card for all the D.A.R. to forward to troops overseas.  Homemade cards are most welcome.  See discovery Day for registration forms, map and/or more information on the website link below.