Full slate of Earth Day events planned in Whitefish
Celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, April 23, with three family-friendly events in Whitefish:
• Join Glacier Bank of Whitefish to help “Clean the ‘Fish.” Grab breakfast in the Glacier Bank parking lot at 319 E. Second St. starting at 8:30 a.m. Trash bags and gloves will be provided for litter pickup beginning at 9:30 a.m. At 11 a.m. head back to the bank for a barbecue lunch and prize drawings. For more information, call Patti at 863-6300.
• From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., enjoy the free Earth Day in the Park festival in Whitefish’s Depot Park. Explore more than 40 booths hosted by local conservation organizations and businesses. Each booth will have a different hands-on activity or craft focused on one of four Earth Day pillars: Grow It, Fix It, Save It and Live It. Those who complete activities at 10 or more booths with their Earth Day Punch card will receive a sweet treat from Montana Coffee Traders.
Festival-goers will be able to:
Grow It: Learn about native plants, beekeeping, worms and compost, fruit tree grafting, forestry, local farms and gardening with local seeds.
Fix It: Get creative with repurposed arts and crafts; learn about historic trail building techniques and Leave No Trace tips; and see how local hardware stores can help you with do-it-yourself projects.
Save It: Explore ways to protect special places; learn how to conserve energy and go solar- or wind-powered; check out skins and skulls from wild critters; see wild birds up close and learn about wildlife rehabilitation and protection; protect and measure water quality; and master how to recycle more.
Live It: Visit the Earth Day pledge photo booth; take the recycling challenge; learn about local Scouting groups; chalk up the sidewalk with Earth Day art; and get involved with trails for walking, hiking and biking the Flathead.
In addition to the booths, the Earth Day Stage will have live music, guest speakers and performances throughout the day. Take your picture with Forest Service mascot Woodsy the Owl or try rock climbing on the 26-foot climbing wall. Local food trucks and vendors will be dishing out fresh lunch and tasty treats.
This lively, fun-filled event is a chance to celebrate and learn about all things green in the Flathead.
Schedule of events:
10 a.m. — Doors open
11 a.m. — Special welcome from Eric Smith, Glacier National Park Deputy Superintendent
Noon — Wild Bird Show with Wild Wings Recovery Center
1 p.m. — Live music with Stikbopik
For more information, visit www.flatheadcitizens.org or call 756-8993.
• Keep the Earth Day celebration going at a family potluck and marimba dance party hosted by Glacier Climate Action from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Whitefish Moose Lodge.
Bring a dish to share, then dance with the vibrant tunes of the Tropical Montana Marimba Ensemble.
The evening will include an Earth Day Art Contest featuring student projects from Muldown Elementary School. Attendees can make their own art out of recycled materials earlier in the day at the Glacier Climate Action booth at Earth Day in the Park to submit for a chance to win.
Find more information at www.glacierclimateaction.org.