Earth Day, marked on April 22 this year, has become an international tradition, with people throughout the world taking time to honor the health and well-being of Mother Earth. An estimated one billion people in 192 countries are expected to participate in Earth Day-related activities this year alone.
To mark Earth Day, Boyertown will once again be host to ‘Earthfest,’ an annual celebration of the Earth Day holiday. The event, slated for this Saturday, April 27, will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, at Boyertown Community Park, 419 South Madison Street, Boyertown.
One of the highlights of the day and new to this year’s event is an electronics recycling event, sponsored by the Girl Scouts of America and handled by Responsible Recycling Services of Kutztown. For a small donation, items including cell phones, DVD players, LCD televisions and computers can be brought to the park for recycling.
For a minimal fee, larger items such as refrigerators, air conditioners and washers and dryers will also be accepted. All electronic items submitted will entitle the bearer to a free coupon to an Earthfest activity, including crafts, pony rides, a butterfly release and guided nature tours.
Questions regarding items for submission can be directed to Responsible Recycling Services at 484-641-5156.
Returning again to Earthfest is the Community Shredding Event, sponsored by Gerhart, Hartman & Ritner Insurance Agency of Boyertown. Proshed mobile shredding trucks will shred sensitive documents from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.. for a suggested donation of $10 for two (paper) grocery bags’ worth of personal or business documents.
If you are looking to part with gently used books or DVDs, the Boyertown Community Library will be on site to accept them. If you have any questions regarding the types of books and DVDs being accepted, the library can be contacted at 610-369-0496.
Also returning to Earthfest is the tree and flower sale — including a variety of perennials and annuals — and the free evergreen seedlings giveaway, compliments of Building a Better Boyertown. The BBB will also be on hand to award the winner of their annual photo contest at noon.
If information is what you are seeking, guided nature tours and educational nature programs will help to educate both the novice and expert gardener. Hungry gardeners can also take advantage of food and baked goods provided by local vendors!
Finally, in conjunction with Earthfest, the Boyertown YMCA will be hosting its 18th annual yard sale at the park from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Anyone wishing to sell his or her treasures can rent a space for $15. For additional information, contact Tessi Melchior at 610-367-9622, ext. 227.
Earthfest will be the first official event held in the park since its recent renovation, which includes the addition of a one-mile walking trail, two exercise pads and a locally-renowned disc golf course. The Boyertown Parks & Recreation board, sponsor of Earthfest, invites the community to come out and enjoy the park’s beautiful new landscape.
For additional information about Earthfest, you may contact Lori Carnes at 610-367-9821 or lcarnes@dejazzd.com.
