Earth Day events set
SANDPOINT — It’s never too early to show the earth a little appreciation.
While Earth Day officially falls on April 22, local conservation organizations are kicking off festivities a few days earlier. According to Shannon Williamson, executive director of the Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper, this year’s Earth Day promises to offer something of interest for every local resident.
The biggest event of the weekend takes place on Saturday, April 20 at Forrest M. Bird Charter School between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This vendor-style spectacle highlights the many conservation-oriented organizations and businesses within the area, while attendees enjoy live music, eco-themed movies, art projects and more. Admission is free.
“It’s definitely the biggest Earth Day event of the year,” Williamson said.
Hosted by Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper, Idaho Conservation League, Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness, Selkirk Outdoor Leadership and Education and the Pend Oreille Basin Commission, the event has some special attractions to engage individuals young and old alike. Fun outdoor activities and challenges like a climbing wall are sure to keep even the most rambunctious occupied.
In addition, Idaho Fish and Game and West Valley Outdoors School employees will give up-close-and-personal demonstrations of birds of prey, Drumatic Innovations will teach the essentials of drumming, artist Holly Walker and local organization Creations will oversee craft tables, Sarah Rusnak will provide yoga instruction and Brietta Leader will lead a special dance performance, “For the Love of Water.”
As with previous years, those who bike or walk to the event will be entered into a raffle drawing for special prizes. The event will also serve as a drop-off point for the prescription drugs take-back program. All batteries except for car batteries will be collected as well.
Local fishing enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Fly Fishing Film Tour on Friday and the Fly Fishing Film Festival on Saturday. Ticket sales for both events will benefit the Panhandle Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the Pend Oreille Water Festival. Entry costs $12 in advance at Big R Fly Shop and Eichardt’s Pub, $14 online at www.panhandletu.org and $15 on the day of the show. The doors open for both events 6 p.m. at the Panida Theater.
Those looking for a healthy dose of exercise Saturday morning will find it at the 5K Fun Run benefiting the Friends of the Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail. Scheduled for 8 a.m. April 20 in Travers Park, the run’s $10 registration fee will assist in making the waterfront trail public land. Runners can pre-register at Sandpoint West Athletic Club or Sandpoint Parks and Recreation. Registration will also be available starting 7:15 a.m. before the race.
Finally, individuals who really want to help the earth for Earth Day can participate in a Sand Creek cleanup or a flowering rush weed pull. Both events begin 10 a.m. Sunday, April 21, at the City Beach Pavilion.