Celebrated every April 22, Earth Day is the largest, most celebrated environmental event worldwide.
In Summerland, Earth Day has grown into Earth Week to accommodate the abundance of events during April 15 to 22. It will be a week of family fun and raising environmental awareness with a variety of events in various locations.
A dedicated group of volunteers has been busy planning activities since last fall to ensure that this third annual event is second to none, and provides an opportunity for positive actions and results.
“Most importantly, it’s about residents of Summerland and surrounding areas coming together to have fun and learn more about what they can do to make a difference,” said Lisa Scott, one of the event organizers.
Organizers are confident in stating that Summerland’s eight-day event represents one of Canada’s largest Earth Week celebrations per capita.
Events will be held throughout the community and range from films, demonstrations and expositions, to crafts, readings and planting events for the whole family.
Food sustainability is one focus of the 2012 Earth Week events. Toni Boot is hosting a square foot gardening workshop at Grasslands Nursery on Sunday, April 15. Boot, who is also on the organizing committee, feels this style of gardening can be practiced by anyone anywhere, regardless of space, age or other perceived limitations.
The award winning documentary film, The Future of Food, will be shown at Centre Stage Theatre on the evening of Monday, April 16.
This film delves into food security and the impact of genetic modification and industrialization on the security of our food supply.
The monthly Philosopher’s Café, held Wednesday, April 18, follows this theme with host Andrea Gunner, chair of the Food Action Society of Vernon.
Gunner will lead a lively discussion of Vernon’s local food sustainable policies and how local programs ensure food security for community residents.
A second documentary film, The Silent Invasion, will also be shown at Centre Stage Theatre on the evening of Thursday, April 19.
This award winning film details the destruction of our most precious places when strange, exotic plants and animals arrive.
A discussion after the film will explore ways we can protect the Okanagan Valley against invasive species.
Alternative transportation is the theme of the Friday, April 20 afternoon Street Festival. Children are encouraged to decorate their bicycles with recycled materials and participate in a parade on Main Street.
A scavenger hunt, food vendors and displays will keep all ages entertained.
Saturday, April 21 events include a local Business Exposition at IOOF Hall; story time, book display and reading of Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax at the library; and children’s crafts at Imagination Station hosted by the Art Gallery.
The week will culminate with planting of native trees and shrubs at Prairie Creek within the Dale Meadows Sports Complex on Sunday, April 22.
A display area will feature information on endangered wildlife and habitats, landscaping with native plants, bird boxes, invasive plants, wildlife trees and more. Kids will be entertained with face painting and crafts.
This year will mark the six year celebration for this hands-on family event.
Summerland’s Earth Week planning committee includes representatives from the local business community, arts and culture groups, environmental organizations and the District of Summerland. For further information on Earth Week contact Julie McGuire at 250-404-4049 or jmcguire@summerland.ca.
Details on Summerland activities and other events across Canada can be found on Earth Day Canada’s website: www.earthday.ca.
