PHOTO PROVIDED This photo was taken at last year’s Earth Day festival in Triangle Park and shows some of the many family friendly activities that will again be offered this year.

From staff reports

LOCK HAVEN — Lock Haven will continue a newly-established tradition of honoring Earth Day by holding its second-annual Earth Day festival at Triangle Park on Saturday, April 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Inspired by Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring” as well as by the devastating effects of an oil-spill the year before, the annual tradition of honoring Earth Day was started in 1970 to celebrate the environment and raise awareness about protection of our natural resources.

The first Earth Day celebration was part of a rising acknowledgement of environmental problems that resulted in the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by Richard Nixon at the end of 1970. Since that time, Earth Day has gone global, with events now celebrated in more than 193 countries worldwide.

“Although Earth Day is officially April 22, we decided this year – since the 22nd is Easter Monday – to hold the festival on Saturday, the 27th,” said Karin Sutherland, a member of SPARK (Supporting Public Action and Reliable Knowledge), the group hosting the event. “We are excited and grateful to have received support this year from Climate Reality and from First Quality Tissue, and we’re hoping this year’s event will attract even more members of our community to come celebrate with us.”

Last year’s event drew over 100 participants.

“We’re pleased,” said Pam Dillett, who will be serving as master of ceremonies for the event, “that this year’s festival will also be family friendly, with lots of kids’ activities, as well as plenty of prizes and free give-aways.” This year will feature a scavenger hunt, a chance to vote for your favorite endangered animal, rock painting, origami folding, writing letters to Mother Earth, a bee display, making chia heads, exploring pond water, and testing your climate knowledge on the Wheel of Fortune.

The celebration will also include two food trucks, as well as live musical performances by local band, “The Twisted Racquet-Tears,” and by musician extraordinaire, Eric Ian Farmer. In addition, Vicky Schenandoah, member of the Oneida Nation, will open the festival with a Thanksgiving address. She will also talk about her native traditions, lead participants in a Friendship Dance and will display her hand-crafted jewelry.

Speaking at this year’s event will be Clinton County Commissioners Jeff Snyder and Paul Conklin. Sylvia Neely, from the Citizens Climate Lobby, will say a few words on climate change and what we can do about it. And Jared Conti will read his environmentally friendly poetry.

Educational materials on pertinent environmental topics will be available. Representatives from a variety of environmental organizations will also be present to share their knowledge and introduce participants to their next outdoor adventure. Come ask about bee keeping, tree planting, compost making, and water protection.

“This year we’re delighted that Carol Parenzan, one of the winners of PennFuture’s 2019 Women in Conservation Awards, will be with us, representing the Middle Susquehanna River Keepers,” said Karen Elias, one of the event planners. “Come out on Saturday, the 27th, to welcome spring and celebrate the earth!”

The event is free and open to the public.