The Turd Toss

There was a big celebration at Lake Padden Park today to mark the 40th anniversary of the park's opening. It was attended by the County Executive, Jack Louws, who read the official proclamation of Whatcom Water Weeks, a program to educate citizens about ways to help keep local streams and lakes clean.

Activities included guided birdwatching and plant identification hikes, free use of kayaks, a birthday cake, a group swim across the lake and educational booths with hands-on activities for kids.

The Turd Toss wasn't hands-on in the way you're probably imagining. It was designed to educate kids (and adults) about the importance of proper disposal of dog poop. Participants were shown how to pick up a realistic replica in a plastic bag and then tried to throw it into a garbage container. Successful attempts were rewarded (appropriately?) by a Tootsie Roll.

The character in blue watching this attempt is Wayne Drop -- get it?