The Earth Day Fair will bring crafts, live music, presentations and educational activities to South Park on Saturday.
From 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 22, the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department and Watkins Museum of History will host several informational events, including collaborative art pieces, plant pressings, solar oven-baked s’mores and more.
The price of admission is one empty recyclable aluminum can per person to benefit the Cans for the Community drive. The organization hopes to raise money by recycling 5,000 pounds of aluminum and donate all proceeds to Lawrence elementary schools.
“More than ever, it’s important for all of us to work together in saving our planet and local communities,” Will Haynes, director of engagement and learning at the Watkins Museum, said via email. “Since last year, the Watkins Museum has embarked on an exciting partnership with the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department to hold events that promote our community’s green spaces and improve livability for residents.”
Earth Day began in 1970 with the goal of educating the public on the problems of pollution. Saturday will mark the 53rd annual celebration.
The city’s Earth Day fairs focus on a different aspect of environmentalism. This year’s theme — “Invest In Our Planet” — highlights the importance of everyone working together to combat climate change and solve other environmental issues.
“United together, we’ll drive a year of energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to a sustainable and equitable future for our planet,” the city’s website reads.
Earlier Saturday — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Prairie Park Nature Center will host a free Earth Day event. “Bring the whole family to enjoy three exciting animal programs, a seed bomb catapult, crafts, carnival game with Earth-friendly prizes and gift cards, and Natural Grocers giveaways!” according to a news release from the city.
The city and other organizations are hosting Earth Month events throughout April. An itinerary and a list of suggestions of sustainable ways to celebrate the Earth can both be found at this link.
In case of bad weather, the fair will be rescheduled for May 6.
See a full lineup of groups and activities planned for the Earth Day Fair at this link. Follow the Watkins Museum of History and the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department on Facebook to stay in touch with upcoming events and event postponements.
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Chloe Anderson (she/her) contributed to The Lawrence Times from August 2022 through May 2023. She is also published in Climbing magazine, Kansas Reflector and Sharp End Publishing. As a recent graduate of the University of Kansas, Chloe plans to continue her career in photography, rock climbing and writing somewhere out West.
You can view her portfolio, articles and commissioned work here. Check out more of her work for the Times here.
