OREANDA-NEWS. April 14, 2015. In celebration of the eighth-annual National Safe Digging Month, Marathon Pipe Line LLC (MPL) and The Children’s Museum of Findlay opened a hands-on, pirate-themed exhibit. The exhibit focuses on the importance of safe digging practices and always calling 811 before beginning any digging projects.

Families are invited to join MPL and the exhibit’s mascot, Pirate Jack, at The Children’s Museum of Findlay anytime between April 1 and April 30. At the exhibit, children of ages two and up get the opportunity to dig through mess-free Kinetic Sand™ to find a key, while avoiding any of the underground utilities. The key unlocks a treasure chest full of free “Call 811 Before You Dig” prizes.

Children also have the opportunity to participate in a poster contest. The young artist who creates the poster best representing the importance of safe digging and reinforces the “Call 811 Before You Dig” message will win a \\$50 gift card.

Nearly 20 million miles of underground utilities are buried throughout the U.S, with many less than two feet beneath the surface. Before beginning outdoor projects such as planting trees, installing a fence, or building a deck, a free call to 811 alerts the appropriate underground utility owners to mark the specific locations of their utilities with paint or flags. National Safe Digging Month was established to remind all residents of the importance of calling 811 before beginning any digging project.

The Children’s Museum of Findlay is located at the Findlay Village Mall at 1800 Tiffin Ave. in Findlay, Ohio. To plan a visit, visit the museum’s website at http://www.cmfindlay.com.