Every year Earth Day is celebrated around the world on April 22 to show appreciation and love for the planet that we call home. These celebrations range from big festivals and parades to small community get-togethers and community service activities.

Here in Columbia, Earth Day brings the Columbia Area Earth Day Festival to life. The festival is a free event with the goal to celebrate and inform people about the importance of protecting our planet. The festival includes local artisans, businesses, and food vendors as well as musical performances. The event takes place on April 27 in downtown Columbia and Peace Park. This is the festival’s thirty-fifth year and is funded by the Columbia Earth Day Coalition. 

This week, Battle also features earth day celebrations. This year Earth’s Workshop is putting on the Earth Spirit Week. On Monday, students wore pajamas. On Tuesday, students were assigned to class colors corresponding to the elements, and Wednesday was Dress Like a HippeDay, which saw many students and staff wearing tie dye and their concept of a hippie. Thursday is green day, where everyone is invited to wear green. Green Day music will be played during lunch. For Friday, students will Find the rubber Frogs around the school and keep them. The club put this on in order to show support for our planet and the environment. Be sure to check the daily Spartan Mailer for more information on Earth Week celebrations.