Earth Day Festival
Arbor Day and Earth Day celebrated together
Being "Good and Green" was the message delivered to the thousands of residents who came out for Sunrise’s Earth Day Festival at Sawgrass Sanctuary Park.
The first 1,500 received a reusable shopping tote and water bottle, which came in handy at the refill stations. Festivities kicked off with a tree-planting ceremony in observance of Arbor Day. Entertainment included music by Bushwood, Country Line Road and Sun Ghosts. Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz was among the dignitaries who stopped by to lend a few words of support.
The Kids’ Korner expanded for youngsters to participate in arts and crafts and learn inside the Water Venures Mobile Lab, as well as find out ways to be om ce a Butterfly Hero and Water Champion. Visitors stopped by the Sustainability Sunrise booth to take the pledge to action. Those who stopped by a series of vendors to get their passport stamped received a butterfly garden starter kit complete with a few plants.
Rosemarie Marco, director of Leisure Services, says they are twice the size they were last year. She attributes this to her team working closely with the sustainability office and sustainability officer Chelsea Albucher, who had a wealth of contacts.
“We’ve got more groups we haven’t had before,” Marco said. “It’s a perfect day. It’s a perfect festival. We have great music on the stage. Just to see people wandering and happy, this is what it’s all about. I hope this makes some sort of impact on what they do at home.”
Many of the tables were selling handmade creations, natural and herbal products, shirts, custom jewelry and other items. Therewas also a health component with the Adopt-a-Bike Foundation teaching bicycle safety, massage stations, and a session of Zumba from Baptist Health.
Derrick Mayfield of Weston
brought his 2-year-old, Aubrey, for the festivities.
“It’s incredible that the city offers something like this,” Mayfield said. “There are a lot of activities for the kids. I also like the amount of vendors that are here. He likes some of the animals he was able to see. I literally drove by and saw the Earth Day sign. Glad I
decided to investigate further. We are pretty conscious about recycling and recyclables.”
Natalie Jimenez, of Coral Springs, decided to come with her own children. They made sure to take advantage of the giveaways and activities.
“We got some plants and tree even though we don’t have a garden, but this is a nice way for us to start one,” Jimenez said. “This even really teaches the kids
at an early age about environmental issues in a fun way. They learn the little things they can do to help. This will help their generation and future generations to come.”
Engaging youth about preserving their surroundings is a mission shared by the Youth Environmental Alliance. Kristen Hoss, executive director of the Davie based organization, was happy to share a space with Piper High’s Environmental Club.
“This is a step in the right direction when it comes to getting residents thinking about climate change and environmental issues,” Hoss said. “Getting theword out is very important. We actually go into the schools for a lot of these programs. You reach a different kind of audience out here. There are lots of different age groups and a wider audience.”