It was all hands on deck for Texas Tech Public Media (KTTZ) this past July, as all station employees pitched in, as well as recruited friends and family, to host a free PBS KIDS Summer Safari event for the small community of Lubbock, TX. Held at the Science Spectrum-Omni Theatre, a local science museum and education center, the event provided local families with entertainment and PBS KIDS STEM and literacy-based activities, including:

•    Screenings of new WILD KRATTS episodes, followed by two live animal demonstrations on stage

•    PBS KIDS app station

•    Costume character appearances, including Clifford the Big Red Dog

•    KTTZ Summer Safari activity books and sheets

•    PBS KIDS reading center

•    Educational activities provided by the Science Spectrum

A small station, Texas Tech Public Media would have considered the day a success if the station had been able to attract 500 kids and parents to the event. To their surprise, this happened almost three times over. Attendance peaked at more than 1,200, with the station adding extra WILD KRATTS screenings to accommodate all of the local families.

The PBS KIDS Summer Safari event also proved an effective acquisition tool for the KTTZ Kids Club. The station was able to sign up more than 200 families on site at the event for future events and engagement.

As the event partner, the Science Spectrum was also happy with attendance and the level of engagement at the event, and has already reached out to KTTZ about future STEM-oriented community events to be held at the museum.