Friends of Vander Veer and Davenport Parks and Recreation will kick off their summer theme for Vander Veer Botanical Park and Conservatory at a grand opening event on Tuesday, May 28 at 1:30pm at the Enabling Garden at Vander Veer, 214 W Central Park, in Davenport.  The theme for 2013 will be "Candy Land", featuring Hasbro's Candy Land board game and all of the Candy Land characters.  This fun and educational summer exhibit will be at Vander Veer from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and is intended to provide children with a unique park experience, and help them develop an appreciation for aesthetics, nature, plants and science.

The "Candy Land" exhibits will feature interpretive signs, plant labels with candy related names, scents or colors, backpacks to check out filled with educational components linked to each "Candy Land" character and site, character cut-outs and display items, and special programs for families, children and adults.

Redesigned characters and components for the "Candy Land" theme were done by local artists and Central High School Art students who were recipients of a Quad City Arts ArtDollars Grant.  Character components relate to science, botany, nature, water ecosystems, color and senses.   Characters will be located throughout Vander Veer and paired with an educational component.

Additional programming offered throughout the summer based on the "Candy Land" theme will include :

· Gooey and Good- June 13th 5:30-6:30pm (Family class about making healthy snacks)
· Minty Concoctions- June 27th, 5:30-6:30pm (Adult class about making refreshing summer beverages using mint from the garden)
· Sweet Secrets of Modern Flavorings- July 11th, 5:30-6:30pm (A secondary youth class about the history and origin of spices and flavorings such as vanilla, chocolate, cinnamon)
· My Little Wheelbarrow- June 12th- July 24th, 10-11am (Youth program with nature, gardening, and science)

What: "Candy Land" Grand Opening

When: Tuesday, May 28, 1:30pm

Where: Vander Veer Botanical Park Enabling Garden  214 W Central Park, Davenport IA

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