You know what feels good? Throwing a party for someone who deserves it. Like, really deserves it. Someone who doesn’t always get the recognition she deserves. Someone who at times, has been dealt a pretty bad hand.
That’s why each year when spring rolls around we start looking forward to Surrey’s annual Party for the Planet. It’s an Earth Day festival that celebrates this incredible planet we call home.
The holiday commemorates what many consider to be the birth of the modern environmental movement. Earth Day was founded in 1970 by a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin named Gaylord Nelson. He was moved to make a difference after a massive oil spill ravaged Santa Barbara, California in 1969. He was also inspired by the passion of the anti-war movement and realised that if he could combine that same fire with an emerging public consciousness about air and water pollution, environmental protection could become a part of the national political agenda. He was right.
Today over 5,000 environmental groups in nearly 200 countries are raising awareness for this important cause and igniting a desire for real environmental change.
BC’s largest Earth Day celebration returns to Surrey Civic Plaza on Saturday, April 29, 2023, for a day full of entertainment and family-friendly activities.
Entertainment for the day includes a full schedule of live, local musicians, dance troupes, Indigenous performers and an appearance by the Urban Safari Rescue Society. Kids’ activities include rock climbing, the Sport Surrey activity zone, the Downtown Surrey BIA craft zone and a Family Stage.
Be sure to check out the environmental workshops including “How to Make Rope from Plants in Your Garden”, “How to Plant for Pollinators”, and “How to Make a Beaded Moccasin Keychain”. Take part in the clothing swap by bringing 1 – 3 clothing items that need repair and learn how to fix them yourself. And be sure to visit the exhibit and sponsor booths throughout the event to learn about sustainable initiatives happening in Surrey.
Shop local at the Sustainable Marketplace. From art and jewellery to skincare products, home decor, clothing and food there’s something to appeal to almost everyone. And let’s not forget about the food! There will be a variety of food trucks on site serving vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Entertainment highlights include Andy the Musical Scientist, the Royal Academy of Bhangra, the Kwel Eng Sen Dancers, The Wee Drams, Stars of the North Drum Group, Sleep Gonzales, and Bollywood dancers, Flare Dance Company.
Pick a few native plant friends for your outdoor space at the popular Surrey Parks plant sale. Introducing native plants to your garden is a sustainable approach to gardening as they require less water, do not need fertilizer are naturally resistant to garden pests and help support local wildlife like birds, bees and butterflies.
This Earth Day join in person and ‘be the change’. It’s for a good cause… it’s loads of fun … and it’s free!
Party for the Planet
Saturday, April 29
11 am – 7 pm
Surrey Civic Plaza