Pollinator Promenade

What's Happening at the Event:

July 11, 2026 from 10 AM - 1 PM

at the Elkhart Environmental Center

Free Admission

Celebrate pollinators with this fun "run" event! Compete in friendly competitions around our 4-acre wildflower prairie, including a pollinator-themed costume contest, speed walking race, and scavenger hunt. Enjoy local vendors, food, and info booths from local conservation and education organizations. Check out fun kids activities, games, and grab some delicious food. The event is free to attend. To compete in any of the competitions, please register online or at the event.

For more details about this year's event (or for ways to be a part of it!), check out the info below:

Costume contest at Pollinator Promenade event

Native plants as prizes for race winners at Pollinator Promenade event

Participants in costume contest at Pollinator Promenade event

Plant sales booth at Pollinator Promenade event

Racers and volunteers for Scavenger Hunt race at Pollinator Promenade event

Announcer dressed as bumblebee at Pollinator Promenade event

Finish line for race at Pollinator Promenade event

Elkhart Environmental Center and Registration Booth at Pollinator Promenade event

Finish line for speed walking race at Pollinator Promenade event

Wild Ones booth at Pollinator Promenade event

Finish line for scavenger hunt at Pollinator Promenade event

Brown butterfly on vendor table at Pollinator Promenade event

Black-eyed Susan flower at Pollinator Promenade event

Fun "Run" - Costume Contest

Our first fun "run" event! Contestants will make their way around our newly planted prairie, dressed as your favorite pollinator!

Registration coming soon.

All ages welcome.

Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

Fun "Run" - Speed Walking Race

Our second fun "run" event! Contestants will make their way around our newly planted prairie, as fast as you can without running!

Registration coming soon.

All ages welcome.

Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

Fun "Run" - Scavenger Hunt

Our third and final fun "run" event! Contestants will make their way around our newly planted prairie, working to fill out a scavenger hunt card as you go–be as accurate and quick as you can!

Registration coming soon.

All ages welcome.

Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

Local Food Vendor

Check back for details about this year's food vendor!

Kids Activities & More!

This event will have all kinds of fun activities and games! Also, enjoy free face painting!

Fun, interactive booths!

Come check out booths and activities by local vendors and organizations that support pollinators and pollinator products!

If you are interested in having a booth at the event, please contact EEC staff at EECmail@coei.org or call 574-293-5070.

Volunteer

Volunteers help with setup, cleanup, and/or event shifts such as judging the competitions, kids activities, parking, and more. Bring friends and family with you!

Volunteers get first pick of a free tree and lunch/snacks throughout their shift(s).

Sponsor

Support this free, family-friendly event that celebrates our local pollinators! Together, we can a fun, educational event for the community (along with native seeds and wildflowers!). Support and sponsorships from community organizations truly make this event possible and special.

Please call 574-293-5070 or email EECmail@coei.org for details about our sponsorship opportunities.

Table

Be a part of our Pollinator Promenade event! We're looking to support local vendors and exhibitors who support pollinators: from local plant and food growers, beekeepers, craftspeople, and more--if you have ties to pollinators and plants, you belong at this event!

Cost:

Informational booths: FREE
Vendor booths: $20

Please call 574-293-5070 or email EECmail@coei.org for more info.

Elkhart Environmental Center

1717 E Lusher Ave, Elkhart, IN 46516
Phone: 574-293-5070
E-mail: EECmail@coei.org

Staff Hours: Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM
Trail/Grounds Hours: Dawn - Dusk Every Day