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Join the Parade at the Oxbow’s 12th Annual Earth Day Event April 23

April 22, 2016
Celebrate planet Earth with the Oxbow Eco-Center’s 12th Annual Earth Day event on Saturday, April 23, 2016 from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

This free event features local reggae music, live raptors and reptiles, and dozens of interactive exhibitors. Because Earth Day is as much about the human community as it is the wild community, the Oxbow is expanding its exhibitors to not only include conservation organizations and nature centers, but will also host healthy living and community resource organizations here in St. Lucie County. You’ll even ‘Bee A-Mazed’ with the creativity of Indian River State College students as you walk through their maze and test your environmental acumen.

From the stage you’ll be able to hear the sweet voices of the Friends Chorus of the Treasure Coast, a group of specially challenged kids who find power and friendship in song. The Hichiti Dancers will perform a Native American dance routine; and Amazing Grace Dance troupe will wow you with a variety of modern dance routines. And the Deaf and Hard of Hearing of the Treasure Coast will be providing a program on ‘Dangerous Decibels’ while providing sign language interpretation throughout the festival.

For the kids (or young at heart) there will be storytelling sessions, crafts, face painting, an eco-challenge and butterfly scavenger hunt, a ladybug release, and Three Little Birds’ early childhood music and movement sessions.

Join the Parade

The hallmark of Oxbow’s festival is a Procession of the Species parade, a widespread event throughout the world to celebrate Earth Day and the great diversity of life on the planet. Participants choose a species and create a costume or display representing life from marine anemones to sea turtles and lily pads to owls. The founders in Olympia, WA have encouraged the spread of this celebration to other communities and provided three guidelines to follow: No motorized vehicles (except wheelchairs), no pets, and no written words. Drummers and drumming groups are especially encouraged to parade with us and provide the heartbeat of the celebration.

This year, prizes will be given for the best wildlife costumes. Youth categories include costumes for ages 2-6, 7-11, and 12-16. Adult categories include best individual costume, best team costume and best costume made primarily of recycled materials. The parade will take place a noon and winners will be announced on stage directly following. Be sure to arrive early, so you don’t miss out!

Pay it Forward

And so you don’t forget the essence of Earth Day, there will be several ways you can give back and make a difference in the community. Bring an old instrument you’re not using and the Blues Alliance of the Treasure Coast will get it in the hands of local students so everyone has a chance to be part of the band. Bring a non-perishable food item for United Against Poverty. Arrive by bicycle or do an act of kindness during the festival and our Good Stewardship roamers may spot you and give you a reward. 

Brought to You By…

Be sure to visit our sponsor booths – companies and agencies who care about the community they are a part of and who share your passion of the environment. Stop by to thank Whiticar Boat Works, Ampersand Graphics, Rick Carroll Insurance Company, Fort Pierce Utilities Authority, Cargill Industries, the City of Port St. Lucie and the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners. Without their support and that of dozens of volunteers who have been working tirelessly in the planning phase, this festival could not take place.

The Oxbow Eco-Center is located at 5400 NE St. James Drive, Port St. Lucie (across from the Publix Shopping Center). For more information call the staff at 772-785-5833 or visit www.oxboweco.com.