It’s been a busy week of earth-friendly events for Summerland residents with more to come during the weekend. Summerland’s eight-day celebration is one of Canada’s largest Earth Week celebrations per capita.
“The challenges facing our society require action and participating in Earth Week is a positive step towards our commitment of reducing community greenhouse gas emissions in Summerland,” said Julie McGuire, Planner with the District of Summerland.
McGuire is also one of the Earth Week organizers.
“As a society, we are dependent on fossil fuels to maintain our way of life.
“By reducing the amount we drive or the amount the electricity or natural gas we use, we lessen our carbon footprint. When you ride your bike in the Earth Week parade or plant vegetation in Dale Meadows Park, you are making a positive contribution to your environment,” said McGuire.
Alternative transportation is the theme of Friday afternoon’s 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. Join the festivities between 3 and 6 p.m.
Saturday events include the second annual Be Green – Buy Local Business Exposition at the Odd Fellows-Rebekah Hall. This trade show runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will showcase local businesses that are socially conscious and tend to preserve environmental quality.
Children’s events are planned for Saturday, including Imagination Station from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Summerland Arts Centre.
Kids of all ages can create bugs, caterpillars and creepy crawlies from recycled materials.
At Summerland Library families can enjoy the re-enactment of the famous Dr. Seuss story, The Lorax.
The play will be offered every half hour from 1:30 to 4 p.m., under the big red tent outside the library. Also taking place at the library is Wild and Wonderful Storytime. There will be active and fun readings of how we can save the earth starting at 2 p.m.
The week will culminate with the Sixth Annual Earth Day Celebration on Sunday at Dale Meadows Sports Complex from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Enjoy getting your hands dirty for a good cause. Native trees and shrubs will be planted and invasive species will be removed along Prairie Creek. 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.
For further information on Earth Week contact McGuire at 250-404-4049 or jmcguire@summerland.ca. Or visit the District of Summerland website at summerland.ca.