Earth Day Events
Posted Apr 21, 2012 05:56:34 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Earth Day might officially be tomorrow, but for the City of Kitchener, it’s been going on since last month’s Earth Hour. Janice Ouellette, facilitator for Volunteer Resource and Community Involvement for the City of Kitchener, says that they’ve had a contest running since March 31st. The “I Will If You Will Challenge” allows residents to post on the city’s Facebook page their ideas and actions to what they’re doing to reduce their environmental foot print. In return, the people who participate in the Facebook discussions will be put in a draw and a winner will be picked today.
Ouellette informed 570 News, “Mayor Zehr enthusiastically offered up to give a tour of the Kitchener operations facility.”
That facility has one of Canada’s largest solar roofs, a geothermal heat recovery system and an environmentally-friendly lighting system.
The mayor will be your personal tour guide, and then take you out to lunch.
The winner will be picked at one of the many events going on in Kitchener today for Earth Day: the Bloomin’ Earth Festival. With workshops, videos, guest speakers and informational and interactive displays, there’s plenty to do at the festival being held at the Kitchener City Hall.
Ouellette says, “This is a great event and it’s getting bigger every year. One huge part of it is the vintage market.”
The market includes products and crafts that are homemade, made of reusable materials and sold by local businesses and artists.
There’s also the Re-Threaded Fashion Show, an event that inspires designers to use recycled materials to create clothing. “The best outfit with the most creative look to it wins.”
Local designers are encouraged to participate and will be judged.
Also going on today from 10 until noon, is the Community Clean up, sponsored by Tim Horton’s. It’s taking place at McLennan Park, at Ottawa and Strasburg, and while most people only need the satisfaction of doing something good for the environment, the clean up will also include prizes and treats provided by Tim Horton’s. And if that doesn’t entice you, one of the prizes is a brand new bike.
Another event today is at the Huron Natural Area from 1 to 4 this afternoon.
Ouellette describes it simply, saying “Lots of free, fun things.”
There will be Live Birds of Prey shows, bird box building, kids activities, crafts and even do tree planting.
If you want to make the entire day environmentally-friendly, the city is offering free shuttle buses to the events. You can check out the schedule here
