Earth Day has caught on in Summerland to such an extent that an entire week is needed to accommodate the celebrations.
Events will be held throughout the community from April 15 to 22, and range from films, demonstrations and expositions, to crafts, readings and planting events for the whole family.
“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 that Summerland’s eight-day long event represents one of Canada’s largest Earth Week celebrations per capita.
Food sustainability is one focus of the 2012 Earth Week events. Toni Boot is hosting a square foot gardening workshop at Grasslands Nursery this Sunday.
The award-winning documentary film The Future of Food will be shown at Centre Stage Theatre on Monday evening. 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, on Wednesday follows the same theme with host Andrea Gunner, chair of the Food Action Society of Vernon. Gunner will lead a lively discussion of 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 Thursday evening.
Alternative transportation is the theme of the Friday 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.
Next Saturday’s events include a local Be Green - Buy 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 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.