One of the region's ever-growing highlights is set to become the destination for family fun with an environmental focus.
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A showcase of creative flare, recycling workshops for children, several sustainability inspired stores, entertainment and a stunning natural location will set the scene for a special event on March 27.
That event is Earth Hour and the location is the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens.
Organisers of the event will be opening the gates to the public for an extended period from 5pm, however, prior bookings are required for those keen to attend due to covid safe requirements.
The Earth Hour celebrations at the gardens coincide with national Earth Hour.
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While there will be a host of activities and attractions on offer, the original focus of the national event is to encourage people to switch of the power for an hour.
In fact the catchcry for the event nationally in 2021 is #SwitchforNature. The intention is to turn off the power to show support for Australia's switch to a renewables-based economy.
Locally Highlanders are encouraged to switch off their household lights for an hour from 7.30pm.
Co-ordinators of the botanic gardens Earth Hour celebrations are especially keen for neighbours of the gardens to flick the switch to off for an hour from 7.30pm.
Gardens CEO Charlotte Webb OAM said that it was a great way for all people to get involved in Earth Hour.
"In fact this is something everyone can do in support of the event," she said.
Residents can immerse themselves in a host of other fun sustainability-focused activities by joining in the Earth Hour celebrations at the gardens on the corner of Old South and Kangaloon Roads in Bowral.
There will be the opportunity to take a closer look at the various sculptures that have been entered in this year's Earth Hour Sculptor competition.
Several prizes are up for grabs in the competition and Ms Webb is especially keen for people to choose their favourite entries for the People's Choice awards.
Voting for the People's Choice award can be done on line or at the gardens during the event. On-line voting will open on March 22 at https://shbg.com.au/event-calendar/earth-hour-sculpture-in-the-gardens/sculpture-voting
Ms Webb said there would be plenty of other attractions on offer.
Activities will begin at 5pm with four 30 minute recycling workshops for children. There will be a $5 charge to take part and prior bookings are required.
Ms Webb said that several sustainability store holders would also be set up in the gardens and entertainment would be presented throughout the evening.
"We invite anyone in the community to join in the fun of the Earth Hour celebrations. They can bring along a picnic or purchase from our sausage sizzle onsite. We will also have a bar service available," she said.
However, Ms Webb said anyone wanting to attend would need to register prior to the event.
"We are a Covid safe site and this is part of our protocol," she said.
Registration to attend the Earth Hour Celebrations at the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens can be made at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=694262&
To register for the recycling workshops go to https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=694276&
Further information and to register for the sculpture competition go to https://shbg.com.au/.../earth.../sculpture-competition-eoi/
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