Description

“The Maple Ridge Earth Day 2024 theme, ROOTS, highlights the past and underlying supports in our community and our lives that are not always visible,” says Event Coordinator Leanne Koehn, “Who we are today and what we see around us are the branches and ‘leaves’ from seeds previously planted and nurtured. Our community has grown from many different people and ideas and initiatives and actions we may never be fully aware of.” What seeds will YOU plant today that will become the Roots of the future? 

The Roots theme also celebrates the long natural & indigenous history of our area and special events in 2024, including the 150th anniversary of the incorporation of Maple Ridge as a township; 20 years of the Haney Farmers Market bringing community, farmers, and artisans together; and Maple Ridge hosting the BC Summer Games (we “root” for our favourite teams & athletes!). The Earth Day planning committee invites EVERYONE to join them in Memorial Peace Park on April 20th to kick off festival season! 

Our eco-inspired, family event features hands-on art & activities, interactive displays, and performers celebrating our community & environment. The Earth Day planning committee is made up of a variety of local organizations, all with a passion for the earth and community. Maple Ridge Climate Hub will be presenting the 3rd Annual Climate Champion Awards, HUB Cycling will hold their Cycle Recycle Free Bike Draw, and the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association will once again be hosting an Electric Vehicle Display with vehicle owners on hand to answer any questions. 

Other Earth Day activities include entertainment stages, Museum on the Move, the Family Freecycle, a Repair Café, flash mobs, Food Trucks, and the Haney Farmers Market, celebrating their 20th anniversary. “With the 20th Anniversary Celebrations of the Haney Farmers Market this year, you can expect a tip of the hat to some classic market events such as our Dog Days Fashion Show and the return of the Great Zucchini Races,” says Market Executive Director Ron Gorman, “The Market has acted as a wonderful community hub bringing together many groups within the community, and we will be reaching out to these groups to join us in our celebrations this year!” 

At 10:30am, the Welcoming Ceremonies will express gratitude and support to the Katzie First Nation & Kwantlen First Nation for their continued presence and resilience, and for caretaking the land around us since time immemorial. Federal, provincial, and municipal representatives will also be in attendance to give their perspectives on our ROOTS theme and celebrate the winners of the Earth Day Poetry & Photo contests and this year’s Climate Champions. Deadline for Climate Champion Award nominations is Sunday, April 7 and nomination forms can be found at https://www.mapleridgeclimatehub.ca/workshops-events/climate-champion-awards

Celebrate Earth Day 2024 welcomes all community groups, environmental groups, green businesses, and residents to be part of our event! Sign up to have an interactive booth or activity, volunteer and meet other awesome people, or audition to be one of our performers. Participant, Performer, & Volunteer registration forms available online at www.mrearthday.ca