Family Festival

By Melinda L. Lucas

Weather permitting, the staff at the Old Jail Art Center will welcome families into the Stasney Center on Saturday, Feb. 4 for a three-hour celebration of the New Year of the Trees, known as Tu BiShvat.

Starting at 1:00 p.m, participants can enjoy traditional food, art, and games observing the centuries-old Arbor Day tradition from Israel, according to Kirsten Hahn, Family and Public Programs Coordinator at the Old Jail.

“We’ll be celebrating with fun crafts, games, food, music, and more,” said Hahn.

For many Israelites, planting trees has become an important part of supporting their land, and Tu BiShvat is now an environmental holiday, reminding participants of their duty to care for the natural world.

The Old Jail Art Center’s family festivals are free and open to the public, and all ages are invited to participate from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Another upcoming festival, Holi, celebrating spring in India, is being planned for March 11.

Those with questions can contact the OJAC education department at 325-762-2936.