If you’re looking for something free to do with your kids this weekend, why not learn more about climate change?
On April 20, the third annual EarthFest event takes place at the Collingwood Curling Club starting at 10 a.m. Collingwood’s Mayor Yvonne Hamlin as well of members of council will be in attendance, with music, information from local environmental groups and activities for kids.
Also unveiled during Saturday’s festivities will be a new Earth Day flag, designed by local youth.
“We want to raise awareness of the need to protect our Earth and our climate for future generations,” said Laura Vermander, director of community engagement with the Collingwood Climate Action Team. “The value is in bringing our community together so they can engage in what we create as a sustainable community.”
A Kid Zone will be set up as part of Saturday’s festivities, with activities and arts and crafts centred around a climate theme. A toy swap-and-shop will take place on-site, where families can bring in old toys, and pick out new ones free of charge. It’s not necessary to bring a toy in order to take one.
“It’s for people to learn about the circular economy and how important it is to not throw plastic toys into the garbage, and instead give them a new life,” she said.
The Collingwood School of Music will perform during the festivities, and will lead a drum circle.
The event has been an evolution with humble beginnings.
“It started as a really small event at the library with just a couple of tables, and it’s expanded,” said Vermander, noting about 200 people attended last year.
“We’re hoping for the same if not more will attend this year.”
The event is a collaboration between the Town of Collingwood and the Collingwood Climate Action Team, with a goal of informing attendees of all the green initiatives underway in Collingwood so far, and receive feedback on where residents feel the town could be doing more to combat climate change.
“I hope people come and see what is already being done in our community,” she said. “We want them to tell us what they want to see for the future.”
For more information on EarthFest, click here.
