Earth Day Grey Bruce (Image from Earth Day Grey Bruce)
Grey Bruce is holding a number of events to mark Earth Day this weekend.
Set for April 22, the community group Earth Day Grey Bruce, will be holding an all day event at the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market.
The day will start off with people able to view youth climate action project and poster displays at the Owen Sound and North Grey Public Library, which will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with special Earth Day exhibits and booklets available at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery.
Then from 12:45 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., there will be a Water Ceremony at 1st Avenue West, across from the market with Shirley John, Strong White Buffalo Woman of Saugeen First Nation, and the M’Wikwedong Hand Drumming group.
Following the ceremony, attendees can visit climate fair booths and the children area at the market at 2 p.m.
Some of the participating groups include the Grey Bruce Climate Action Network, Grey County Federation of Agriculture, and the National Farmers Union. The children area will feature the Canadian Mental Health Association Grey Bruce, with Jackie Ralph and her puppets, the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, and face painting.
Also starting at 2 p.m., there will be music, dance and theatrical performances at the market, and will run until 5 p.m., when the event wraps up.
Prior to the closure of the event, at 4 p.m. there will be a Procession of the Species Parade, leaving from the market with any anyone welcome to join in.
Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy says he feels Earth Day is important to everyone.
“It’s a time to take the day and stop and learn and reflect on everything from personal waste management to what packaging your are picking for your foods and things you can eliminate waste and eliminate wasted energy, think about climate change, and just reflect on our daily lives and the habits we are in, to try and better the environment,” says Boddy.
Additionally, Kimber Valley Farms is also planning to Celebrate Earth Day with a farmers and makers market.
This Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., residents can attend the open horse arena on the farm, and visit the 30 vendors.
Co-owner of Kimber Valley Farms Lynn Thordarson says they are excited to put a spotlight on the hallmarks of this eco-friendly event.
“By extending an invitation to all the many talented farmers and makers in the area and putting them all under one roof, we can exhibit not only fantastic earth-friendly products for the community to enjoy, but also provide an opportunity for visitors to talk to vendors and discover more about how they positively impact the local environment,” says Thordarson.
Located in Beaver Valley, more details can be found on the farms website here.
The Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre also announced they had partnered up with Bruce Power this week to offer a virtual Earth Week for students.
Additionally, Bruce County is also encouraging starting your spring cleaning this weekend with the Earth in mind, with also getting ready to attend the first House Hold Hazardous Waste event of the year on May 6.