Roots is the theme of Earth Day in Maple Ridge in 2024.
Maple Ridge’s Celebrate Earth Day festival is scheduled for April 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Memorial Peace Park (11930 224th St.).
“The Maple Ridge Earth Day 2024 theme, Roots, highlights the past and underlying supports in our community and our lives that are not always visible,” said event Coordinator Leanne Koehn, spokesperson for Ridge Meadows Recycling Society.
“Who we are today and what we see around us are the branches and ‘leaves’ from seeds previously planted and nurtured. Our community has grown from many different people and ideas and initiatives and actions we may never be fully aware of.”
What seeds will you plant today that will become the Roots of the future, she asks.
The Roots theme also celebrates the long natural and indigenous history of the area, and ties in with special events in 2024 including the 150th anniversary of the city, 20 years of the Haney Farmers Market, and Maple Ridge hosting the BC Summer Games – we “root” for our favourite teams and athletes, Koehn noted.
The Earth Day planning committee invites the community to join them in Memorial Peace Park to kick off festival season. Their eco-inspired, family event features hands-on art and activities, interactive displays, and performers celebrating the community and environment.
The Earth Day planning committee is made up of a variety of local organizations, all with a passion for the earth and community. Maple Ridge Climate Hub will be presenting the Third Annual Climate Champion Awards. HUB Cycling will hold their Cycle Recycle Free Bike Draw. The Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association will once again be hosting an Electric Vehicle Display with vehicle owners on hand to answer any questions.
Other Earth Day activities include entertainment stages, Museum on the Move, the Family Freecycle, a Repair Café, flash mobs, Food Trucks, and the Haney Farmers Market which brings local farmers and artisans together.
At 10:30 a.m., the welcoming ceremonies will express gratitude and support to the Katzie and Kwantlen First Nations. Local politicians will bring Earth Day messages and celebrate the winners of the Earth Day Poetry and Photo contests, as well as this year’s Climate Champions.
The main stage will see performances by Caden Knudson, Jax, the Wilds and Electric Dandelion.
Flash mobs will feature ukelekes and Thai Chi, Tinkerbell.
Tinkerbell will rove the site, and SeaStar Faces will paint
“With the 20th Anniversary Celebrations of the Haney Farmers Market this year, you can expect a tip of the hat to some classic market events such as our Dog Days Fashion Show, and the return of the Great Zucchini Races,” said market executive director Ron Gorman.
The market stage will feature Joel David Shoook, the Goodbyes, Savi Isabel and Matt McCrae.
“The market has acted as a wonderful community hub, bringing together many groups within the community, and we will be reaching out to these groups to join us in our celebrations this year,” he added.
