Earth Day Aiken Returns
The City of Aiken’s annual Earth Day Festival returns to the Newberry St. Festival Area and The Alley on Saturday, April 22, 2023. The hours are 9:00AM to 2:00PM.
The theme of the celebration is “Preserving for Tomorrow What We All Enjoy Today”. The goal is to engage the Aiken community in a festive atmosphere that promotes environmental awareness, energy conservation and personal stewardship.
The festive event will include guided small group tours thru Hitchcock Woods, the Family Bicycle Ride, a two-mile People Chase Run, exhibits, food stations, music, guest speakers, and many fun filled educational opportunities.
Earth Day Aiken is a family-focused event, to include children, young adults and others seeking information on a variety of science, technology, nature, horticulture and conservation topics.
This event is organized and hosted by the City of Aiken Energy and Environmental Committee, supported by sponsors in the community who provide their financial support.
Earth Day Aiken begins Friday night when local restaurants include energy conservation theme in their dining rooms, frequently by using candles and other forms of reduced lighting.
One highlight of the Saturday festival are guided tours of the nearby Hitchcock Woods, a 2100 acre urban forest. A City trolley will shuttle between The Woods and the downtown Festival area.
A popular Saturday exhibit is the Young Chemists exhibit where visitors are able to apply solutions to science challenges designed (and supervised!) by the Young Chemists.
The SC State Forestry Commission Firewise exhibit trailer is another highlight. The multi-media exhibit is staffed by SCFC Forestry Service Rangers and Aiken Firewise volunteers.
An expanded area for fuel efficient vehicles will be included. Dealers and local owners will have vehicles on display to explain the benefits of these vehicles. Electric-assist bicycles are also included for the first time.
In addition to fuel efficient vehicles on display, solar energy options for homeowners and businesses will be explained.
Local beekeepers, wild turkey growers, Master Gardeners, small animal exhibitors and many others will be present to share their knowledge of nature and conservation.
Craft projects, face painting and a kids inflatable bounce house are also included for the youngest visitors. Family canines on leashes are also welcome.
The City of Aiken Energy & Environmental Committee, joined by many volunteers and exhibitors, are responsible for organizing, raising funds and supporting this annual event. Earth Day Aiken would not be possible without considerable support from the City Public Works and Public Safety Departments.
Generous donations by sponsoring organizations are key to the success of the event.
Join your neighbors for an event that will be both a learning and fun experience.
For more information check the Earth Day Aiken web site, www.earthdayaiken.org.