By Donna Thornton/News Editor
Earth Day celebrations got their start about 35 years ago, but organized recognition of April 27 in Gadsden came about just last year, according to Stephen Garrison of the local Sierra Club.
The Sierra Club started Earth Day celebrations, and has made plans for its second annual event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 27 at Noccalula Falls Park.
This second celebration will harken back to the first in a unique way. During last year’s Earth Day, local artist Craig Reynolds serves as a sort of artist in residence, setting up an easel and painting a view of Noccalula Falls, under the watchful eyes of interested attendees. He gave the painting to the Sierra Club, Garrison said, and the club has decided to give away the painting (see photo on page 1A) at this year’s celebration. Anyone 18 or older can register, Garrison said.
Also, tee shirts bearing Reynolds’ image of the Falls will be on sale for $5.
Coosa Valley Earth Day Celebration will feature a Farmer’s Market with locally-grown organic produce, vendors, music, arts and craft and activities for children, and an opportunity for everyone to learn more about the environment.
“It’s a grab bag of activities oriented toward environmental causes,” Garrison said. He said Earth Day will give people the chance to learn about local recycling efforts. “This is a way for people to come together in an event that makes a statement about ecology and about being kind to the environment,” Garrison said.
Garrison said there also will be music from the Ox-ymorons, “an excellent folk/country music group. I’ve seen them perform several times.”
At the end of the event, Garrison said he will lead interested parties on a hike below the falls.
The event will proceed rain or shine.