More than 4,000 people came down to Memorial Peace Park last weekend to celebrate the environment and enjoy the variety of entertainment at the city’s Earth Day celebration.
The event kicked off with speeches from local dignitaries, which included Maple Ridge-Mission MLA Bob D’Eith, who said he was so proud of how Maple Ridge represents the theme of this year’s Earth Day, which was ‘roots’.
“When you look at our community network, our seniors network, it’s like everything is connected in Maple Ridge,” said D’Eith. “It has those roots, it’s like a mycelium connection.”
Pitt Meadows councillor Mike Hayes also spoke on behalf of Mayor Nicole MacDonald, saying that Earth Day holds even more significance for communities like Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.
“We have mountains, forests, farmlands, lakes, and rivers. Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows are located within such precious natural surroundings,” said Hayes.
“We’re not simply residents living in our two communities, but stewards of these lands that surround us. Land stewardship is a collective responsibility for all of us to carefully and responsibly manage.”
Following the speeches, awards were given out for the annual photography and poetry contests, as well as the Maple Ridge Climate Hub’s climate champion awards.
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There was also a wide range of entertainment available throughout the park, with live music performances, tai chi flash mobs, face painting, crafts, circus acts, a bike draw, an electric vehicle display, a Repair Cafe, and much more.
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At the far end of the park, the Haney Farmers Market was present with executive director Ron Gorman calling it a great day for the return of the market.
“We had 60 vendors, almost double last year’s number, and sale numbers were almost three times more than last year,” said Gorman. “We are looking forward to our official opening on Saturday, April 27, where we will also be hosting the torch-lighting ceremony for the BC Summer Games.”
Earth Day event coordinator Leanne Koehn said that the celebration was a fantastic success thanks to the hard work of the many vendors and volunteers.
“The sunny weather always brings out lots of people and we were so glad they could all join us to celebrate Earth Day and kick off festival season in Maple Ridge,” said Koehn.