Kid Energy USA Visits Mississippi with Burnie & Earl (Day 1)

The message of the 811 campaign has two exciting characters taking the lead in teaching safety and the importance of calling before you dig. Burnie and Earl, the creation of Louisiana-based Kid Energy USA, is sharing with schools the importance of knowing what is under your feet, and Mississippi is the first stop of what will be a nationwide tour for the two characters.

"We are excited to have been chosen by Kid Energy USA to spearhead this new project," says Cyrus Webb, publicist for the project and a Mississippi native. "I have seen firsthand how the message is being received, and this gives me optimism about how the rest of the country will respond."

The tour kicked off on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at John Hopkins Elementary School in Jackson, MS at the invitation of educator Damon Hoskins. His class was the host room for the k-3rd graders to watch the educational film about 811 featuring Burnie and Earl as well as the characters themselves. 

"I was glad to be able to have Cyrus and Kid Energy visit our school," says Hoskins. "Anything that inspires the kids and teaches them valuable information is always welcome."

One by one Webb introduced Burnie and Earl and the importance of 811 education to various groups at John Hopkins. "It was thrilling to watch not only how the kids got the information but how they were excited to learn," he says.

After spending three hours with the elementary school the Kid Energy USA team headed to Rankin County and Visions Academy in Brandon, MS where two dozen students gathered to learn about 811 safety. 

In each location the students were given activity books to color and have fun with. The book also included the story of Burnie and Earl and how they learned about 811 safety.

On Wednesday, January 23, 2013 the group will be headed to Yazoo City. 

For more information visit www.burnieandearl.com. To get additional information about the tour contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.