Upcoming Earth Day celebrations educational, appetizing

“The wealth of the nation is its air, water, soil, forests, minerals, rivers, lakes, oceans, scenic beauty, wildlife habitats and biodiversity…that’s all there is. That’s where all the economic activity and jobs come from. These biological systems are the sustaining wealth of the world.” These words, spoken by Earth Day cofounder Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson were passionate and well-founded, although they initially seemed to fall on deaf ears within the Kennedy administration when attached to a Kennedy-era federal environmental reform and policy. But in 1969 Nelson looked closer at the success of small organizations promoting environmental issues locally with activities like protests and teach-ins. He proposed a one-day environmental “teach-in” nationwide on April 22, 1970, and as a result, 20 million people celebrated that first “Earth Day.” Ultimately, this event directly influenced the formation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Water, Clean Air and Endangered Species acts. Today, 41 years later, the celebration has grown to an estimated 750 million people in 175 countries, including festivities taking place this month in Spokane, Cheney, Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint. Here’s a run-down of the free family-oriented events: * Friday, April 22: 4th Annual Sandpoint Earth Day Festival, 4–8 p.m., Sandpoint Events Center, 102 S Euclid Ave. “Earth Day is a huge community event, fun for the whole family,” said Susan Drumheller, Earth Day coordinator and North Idaho associate, Idaho Conservation League. Festivities take place in and outside the center, including 20-plus local conservation groups and vendors. Kids’ fun includes a “Leave No Trace Workshop,” arts and crafts, an eco-friendly movie and face painting. Visitors can enjoy music, food, coffee and adult beverages. Author and Earth Day co-founder, Doug Scott will speak on “Earth Day and the Emerging Environmental Movement in the 1970’s – A Founder Looks Back.” In return for a donation to the Bonner Community Food Center’s “Empty Bowls” program, visitors can receive a meal created from local ingredients and a unique, hand-crafted bowl made by local artist Dan Shook and his students. Free valet bike parking is available plus raffle prizes for those who walk/bike to the event. Battery recycling will also be offered. For more info: 208-265-9565 or www.idahoconservation.org. * Saturday, April 23: 21st Annual Spokane Earth Day Festival, 11 a.m.–midnight, Main Street at Main & Browne (street will be blocked off) The Earth Day committee has brought back last year’s popular party in the streets, with music, vendors, food, kids’ projects and more. “Being amidst places such as the Community Building, Main Market, Kizuri…it’s the perfect place to bring equity, community and sustainability together,” said Jessica Anundson, Earth Day Spokane chair. Speakers include Spokane Mayor Mary Verner, Taylor Weech, coordinator of Youth Sustainability Council, and Brian Estes, proponent of local farmers markets, and others. There will also be electric car demos, youth projects including the “Youth Passport Series” and the traditional “Procession of the Species,” where kids make animal masks and join a parade. Visitors can enjoy local artwork, spoken word presentations and an open mic on Isabella’s rooftop. Entertainment includes B-Radicals and the Angela Marie Project, plus the Malidoma World Dance troupe. After dark, other fun includes flaming hula hoop performances, and an electronic dance party in the Community Building warehouse. For more info, visit Earth Day Spokane on Facebook or www.earthdayspokane.org. * Saturday, April 23: 11th Annual Coeur d’Alene Earth Day Festival, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Coeur d’Alene Public Library, 702 E. Front Ave. Festivities include yoga, roller derby, bike rodeos, live music, art, electric car demonstrations, and children’s activities. “With the theme ‘Earth Day Every Day,’ we’ll spotlight the importance of daily habits essential for our health and our planet.,” said Sharon Bosley, Earth Day Coeur d’Alene coordinator. Admission is free and if you arrive on foot or bicycle, you’ll receive a free raffle ticket for a variety of prizes. For more info, contact Sharon at (208) 869-1730 * Friday, April 22: Eastern Washington University’s Earth Day Event, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. EWU Central Mall area, 526 5th Street, Cheney. This event combines Earth Day and Arbor Day as the City of Cheney will receive its 1st Tree City USA Award from the Arbor Day Foundation. EWU President Rodolfo Arévalo will help plant a new tree on campus to commemorate the event. Also on hand will be informational booths/vendors including Spokane Transit and Barr-Tech Composting, plus music and food. For more information, call Jeff at (509) 359-2245.