Ever had the desire to touch a human brain? Want to learn how to make a battery with a lemon? Interested in yoga, judo or feeding undersea animals?
Santa Rosa Junior College’s community education fair, Day Under the Oaks, returns with all of these activities and more for families, friends and community members from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 5.
Admission and parking are free. Sonoma County Bike Coalition will also provide a bike valet service to encourage alternative transportation to and from the event.
Event coordinator Toni Bodenhamer highlighted the importance of showcasing SRJC to elementary students. “The seed is planted when they are little,” she said.
Due to budget constraints, the event hasn’t happened since 2008. This year’s funding largely came from the SRJC Foundation’s $30,000 donation. Bodenhamer also found sponsors: Exchange Bank, Western Farm Center and PG&E each of whom donated $5,000.
James Cason, a chef and instructor for the Culinary Arts Department, said culinary students will sell empanadas and strawberry shortcake at the Burdo Culinary Arts building across the street for about $5. SRJC clubs will provide hot dogs, burgers, kettle corn and more.
The Oak Leaf newspaper will host a cakewalk.
The health center will provide more wholesome alternatives. SRJC souvenir cups will be sold for $1 to keep people from using multiple disposable cups.
Sonoma County Youth Group will perform a traditional Native American dance in ancestral garb.
SRJC’s science departments have many offerings: the biology department will have exhibits about different languages, the anatomy department will display human bones and organs and the history of the Pepperwood Preserve will be showcased. Curator Ed Megill will hold shows every 45 minutes at the Lark Hall Planetarium.
The Public Safety Training Center will demonstrate how rescue teams cut people out of cars by putting a local DJ in a demolished vehicle.
Event director Robert Ethington, said this event provides an opportunity to open minds to the idea of going to college at SRJC.
“If you want to be successful in the future, you’re going to have to receive some sort of higher education,” Ethington said.
Whether you remember Day Under the Oaks from years past, or you’re new to the event, plan on attending this year’s festivities bringing unity to SRJC’s community.
