Earth Day Festival and March Highlight Environmental Action

Saturday, Apr. 27

Gannon, along with The Erie chapter of the Climate Reality Project have scheduled an Earth Day Celebration for the Saturday following the April 22 holiday, one that's jam-packed with climate-conscious information and entertainment. After brief opening remarks, Young People's Chorus of Erie will perform. Throughout the day, more than 50 green-thinking vendors will be on hand to talk with guests. Drive Electric Earth Day (DEED), a national campaign seeking to raise awareness about electric vehicles, will have cars on site and have a short presentation. Environment Erie will showcase an interactive story map, an evolving illustration of work going on in the Erie area with current and future projects. Marty Nwachukwu will represent People for a Liveable Erie, a grassroots political organization championing "racial, educational, and economic equity" in our community. A series of short films will be shown, including the animated short "Mini Wiconi" by EUP professor Mike Genz — which focuses on the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Dakota Territory — and "Earth Day is Every Day" by Diane Esser of Plant It Forward: A Community Tree Planting Initiative, I Am A Planet Kid, and addressearth.com organizations. Local indie rock band Cult Classics (featuring yours truly) will take the stage, led by songwriter McKenzie Sprague. The Art For Earth Awards will be presented, a student competition with an environmental focus. After some words from former Erie Art Museum director John Vanco, Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper will introduce Dr. Sherri Mason for her keynote address. The day's events will lead up to a march to honor the 49th Earth Day around Perry Square directly following. — Nick Warren

1 p.m. to 5 p.m., march 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. // Hammermill Center, 620 Peach St. // Free