Community group plans downtown Lock Haven Earth Day Festival for April 22
By LaKeshia Knarr
LOCK HAVEN – Since its beginning in 1970, the annual April 22 Earth Day celebration has brought Americans – and the world – together in a variety of ways to celebrate the earth and promote sustainable practices. Fittingly, organizations in Clinton County are joining forces to celebrate the earth and natural environment this Earth Day.
Organizers of the local Earth Day Festival promise the event will feature fun activities for the whole family. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. the public is invited to attend the event at Triangle Park in downtown Lock Haven, located at the intersection of Main Street and Bellefonte Avenue, across from the post office.
Being planned by the community advocacy group SPARK (Supporting Public Action And Reliable Knowledge) and the Lock Haven University Environmental Club, the festival lineup includes special speakers, informational booths, live music, children’s activities, interactive games and more.
“The goal of the Earth Day Festival is to bring members of the community together, including families, for a day to celebrate the environment,” said Karen Elias, a member of SPARK who is spearheading the event.
“And to remind people of the importance of the environment, which benefits us all,” added Pam Dillett, another SPARK volunteer.
Elias, Dillett and Lauri Schaitkin explained there are many exciting parts of the event being planned.
A few of the highlights include live environmental education music performed by Gary Gyekis beginning at 11:30 a.m.; children will be making solar ovens from donated pizza boxes – and cooking s’mores in them; and people can learn to make seed balls from Penn State Master Gardener volunteers.
Herbalist and self-care product artisan Sue Morris of Sue’s Salves will speak about “Healing from the Earth”, and poet Jared Conti will recite lyrics about the natural environment. In addition, Clinton County Commissioner Paul Conklin and state Rep. Mike Hanna Sr. are also expected to speak.
Representatives from various organizations will provide information about local resources, including: Citizens Climate Lobby; Climate Reality; Clinton County CleanScapes; PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources forester; Tussey Mountain Outfitters, Bellefonte; Penn State Extension Master Gardeners; Lycoming Audubon Society; and Lycoming Audubon Society; among others.
Other booths will help attendees explore their creativity – and express themselves. Attendees will be able to paint rocks with Carol Liddick, write “Letters to the Earth” to inspire others, and vote for their favorite endangered animal for a donation, with proceeds benefiting the World Wildlife Federation.
For complete event details, find the Earth Day Festival event page on Facebook or contact Elias at eliaskaren100@gmail.com.
