The 16th Earth Day Festival will be presented Saturday, April 26. The event will take place from 10 am-3 pm on the front lawn of Newtown Middle School, 11 Queen Street.

As in years past, the festival is a day full of family fun and learning designed to highlight Newtown’s abundant natural resources while also helping the community learn how to become a bit “greener.”

Dan Holmes is the founding member, president and chairman of the festival.

“Each year our goal is to host an event that is equal parts education and fun,” he said. “The festival provides a venue for the community to become more engaged in our collective consciousness. It truly is a memorable day for the whole community that definitely brings lots of smiles.”

New Additions

This year, festival planners are excited to feature two new activities they hope attendees of all ages will want to take part in: Christine’s Critters “Birds of Prey” Presentation and Energize CT’s Energy In Action Mobile Interactive Exhibit.

“We are always trying to change up the festival,” said Holmes, “and as much as possible we want to have people walk away having learned something new. And what better way to do that than through something fun and exciting.”

Christine’s Critters “Birds of Prey” Presentation is a highly interactive and immersive experience that will bring festivalgoers face-to-face with four or five incredible birds of prey, including hawks, owls, and falcons, as well as rescued reptiles from the exotic pet trade.

A dynamic, interactive journey into the world of raptors and reptiles, attendees will learn about their vital roles in the ecosystem, the challenges they face due to human impact, and how everyone can contribute to their conservation. The experience will deepen an appreciation for raptors and reptiles while highlighting the critical importance of wildlife conservation.

Energize CT’s Energy In Action Mobile Interactive Exhibit is an innovative mobile learning experience. The 28-foot mobile classroom features hands-on education that helps teach children how to become an energy-efficient generation by making smart, energy-saving decisions daily.

Festivalgoers will learn how to make decisions that will not only manage energy, but will help the planet, too. They will also learn the benefits of becoming an energy-efficient community by being introduced to green energy sources that can help improve the future of our planet.

Make A Day Of It

Supported by Newtown Parks & Recreation, Media Sponsor WPKN, and several local businesses, Newtown Earth Day Festival features a range of kids’ activities, tasty food options, and a diverse Vendor Fair full of local businesses and town organizations.

The Earth Day Stage will again feature live music from Newtown High School Jazz Ensemble, The Barn Rats, The Dirty Doorknockers and SunDad.

A Silent Auction will again provide great packages and offers from dozens of Newtown businesses.

To help make a difference throughout the year, a portion of all monies collected will fund a “green” scholarship via a collaboration with Newtown Scholarship Association. It is earmarked for Newtown High School graduates interested in environmental/ecological studies. Over the last several years their efforts have generated funds to support dozens of students attending colleges across the country.

The primary mission of Newtown Earth Day Festival is to foster education and awareness of environmental stewardship through project participation and collaboration with local associations. Championed by a small but mighty group of environmentally conscious residents and friends, the festival brings together schools, municipal and charitable organizations, sustainable vendors, and nonprofits, in a synergistic celebration of good deeds for our space on the planet.

Newtown Earth Day Festival is officially a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Vendor spaces and sponsorship opportunities are still available.

For additional information and event updates visit newtownearthday.org or facebook.com/newtownearthday.