This year it was two great celebrations on one day! The first annual Earth Day & Art Walk event brought together over 60 local exhibitors, art displays, live music, DJ & FUN raising emcee, raffles, food trucks, a flash mob dance crew, and a diversity of activities for the entire family. Mayor Juan Carlos Bermudez, presented the Earth Day Proclamation, upholding the City’s commitment to protect the environment and continue encouraging sustainable practices and calling for our community to get involved and continue to attend events that provide residents with the opportunity to be educated on the preservation and protection of the environment.
More than 1,200 attendees enjoyed innovative displays by local artists, live musical performances, giveaways from eco-friendly exhibitors, and samples and activities from sponsors. One of the art vendors, “Embajadores del Arte”, had five international artists working on a live painting demonstration on a 36” x 60” canvas. Also, the Kids Art Zone, sponsored by Color Motion Art Studio, exposed kids to acrylic paint and allowed them to create their own canvas. This activity was very popular throughout the event and gave the kids an art keepsake to bring home. Kids were also able to drop some love in the “Jar of Hearts” by painting hearts on a giant canvas. “Jar of Hearts” is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children overcome trauma through creative art expression.
Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970, and was organized by Denis Hayes, an environmental leader and renewable energy expert who is also the author of “The Official Earth Day Guide to Planet Repair.” In his Guide, he discussed our individual and collective choices which can help prevent, diminish, and cease the emission of green-house-gas (GHG) in our atmosphere. Throughout the years, over 20 million Americans have participated and contributed by creating awareness of key environmental issues. The creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the passing of landmark cases such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act have all contributed to support and strengthen the movement. Now over one billion people in 192 countries participate in Earth Day activities, making it the largest civic observance in the world. The theme for the 47th Anniversary of Earth Day, as per the Earth Day Network, is the newly launched campaign for global environmental and climate literacy. Their intent and goal is for every graduating high school student around the world to take action and be a voice for change, serving as environmental and climate literate citizens.