Earth Day observed locally with mix of events
The first Earth Day was held April 22, 1970. Initially seen as a day to focus on the beauty and bounty of the environment – and the threats to both – the event has grown into an international celebration.
The Inland Northwest has marked the day with creative events since Earth Day’s inception 41 years ago. This year is no exception as illustrated by the events below.
• Sandpoint’s Earth Day Festival - Information from more than 20 local conservation groups and vendors, kids activities, electric car demos, food, and no-host beer and wine bar. Sponsored by Idaho Conservation League, Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness and Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper. Today, 4-8 p.m. Sandpoint Events and Business Center, corner of Pine and Euclid streets, Sandpoint. Free. (208) 265-9565 or www.idahoconservation.org.
• EWU Earth Day Fair - Music, vendors and participation from campus organizations and businesses. The event will be outside if the weather is nice, with an indoor venue if necessary. Today, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Eastern Washington University, 526 5th St. (509) 359-2245.
• Earth Day Gala - Pledge your support for conserving, protecting and restoring the environment in North Idaho. Event will feature a dinner, live auction, music and information about innovative community conservation projects. Keynote speaker is Sue Brown of the National Wildlife Federation. Today, 6:30 p.m. 2362 E. Bozanta Drive, Hayden Lake. $60. (208) 667-9093.
• 21st annual Spokane Earth Day Festival - Party in the streets, with music, vendors, food, kids’ projects, electric car demos, the traditional “Procession of the Species,” where kids make animal masks and join a parade. Saturday, 11 a.m.–midnight. Downtown Spokane, Main Avenue and Browne Street. Visit Earth Day Spokane on Facebook or www.earthdayspokane.org.
• Earth Day Everyday! - Coeur d’Alene Earth Day celebration includes live music, art, presentations, children’s activities, yoga, roller derby, bike rodeos, and resource information to help care for our planet. If you arrive by foot or bicycle you will receive a free raffle ticket. Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Coeur d’Alene Library Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave., Coeur d’Alene. Free admission. (208) 869-1730.
• “A Founder Looks Back” - Featuring Doug Scott, author and Earth Day co-founder, presented by the Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society. Saturday, 9:45 a.m. Sandpoint Community Center, Sandpoint. Free. (208) 946-9127.
• Great Cloth Diaper Change - a project to provide awareness of cloth diapering. People across the country will be working to set a goal of the most simultaneous cloth diaper changes. One child (under 39 inches) per one adult, only purchasable/commercially available (online or retail) diapers will count. Loaners available. Saturday, 9 a.m. (But please arrive at least 15 minutes early.) Sun People Dry Goods, 32 W. Second Ave., Suite 200. (509) 483-5570.