The year was 1970 when Earth Day celebrations began. Today, over one billion individuals gather every year in one hundred and ninety countries to observe April 22 as this day. The origins of Earth Day can be found at https://www.earthday.org/history/.
These celebrations recognize that many children (and adults) are struggling with climate anxiety. The fear, the despair, the grief, complex emotions around the climate and biodiversity crises cannot be ignored. Earth Day celebrations are designed to help everyone feel supported by their community, not alone. When children see and know that adults are listening and taking positive action, they are encouraged. Music, parades, and festivals have a big role to play in bringing people together.
The Earth Day Grey Bruce 22 Planning Committee is made up of five citizens from Grey Bruce who came together out of mutual concern for the urgency of the climate and biodiversity crisis. Doug Cleverley, Doug Crocker, Joachim Ostertag, Noëlle Rancourt, and Danuta Valleau are to be commended for their ideas, enthusiasm, and organization.
For Earth Day this year, people in Grey Bruce are invited to come together to share, learn, and celebrate everything we want to protect. On Saturday afternoon, April 23, between 1:30 and 5 p.m., there will be a range of child-friendly events, including a parade, live music, craft activities, puppet shows, and dance performances. All of this will take place in and around the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market. Various booths will offer information and resources on greener living, gardening, regenerative farming, mental health, experiencing and conserving nature, and initiatives for climate action.
The event will begin at 1:30 pm. with Shirley John and members of M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre holding a Water Ceremony across the road from the Tom Thomson Art Gallery on 1st Ave. W.
From 2 – 5 p.m., there will be displays by 35+ local community organizations and businesses. The Saugeen Sound Conspiracy will be playing under the canopy. Be sure to join in a sing-along with Oh Sing! and the UkeLadies. Richard Sitosky, Owen Sound’s Poet Laureate, will be on site for a reading.
At 3 p.m., there will be a walking parade based on the theme of wildlife. Everyone is welcome to join in. The parade will be led by the Durham Sauntering Band, feature the Bognor Long Legs stilt walkers, paper maché creations, and giant puppets. It will travel north from the Market, turn left to cross the 9th St. Bridge, walk south along 1st Ave. W., and return to the Market via the 8th St. Bridge. There will be no streets to cross, and volunteers designated as Parade Marshals will help to keep it safe for everyone.
The festivities will end with a live concert featuring Coco Love Alcorn and Drew McIvor that begins at 4 p.m.
At 5 p.m., there will be a closing song by Paul Nadjiwan from M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre.
“Without the support of this community, an event like this couldn’t take place. Come one, come all, and help make this an event to remember,” said organizers.
