In 1990, the 20th Anniversary Earth Day was observed in 141 countries by 200 million people. In that year, the San Diego Earth Day Coalition presented the first San Diego EarthFair in Balboa Park. It was attended by more than 50,000 people. The EarthFair has been presented each year since with an annual attendance of 60,000 to 70,000.
EarthFair exhibitors and vendors represent every type of environmental organization, governmental program and commercial enterprise with goods, services and causes that address our environment and quality of life. Expect to experience and interact with traditional conservation organizations, wildlife preservation groups, products made from natural and organically grown crops, organic gardening information, alternative energy vehicles, ecotourism opportunities, many alternative and traditional health care products and services, pet adoption services, clean air and clean water products, rainforest preservation groups - the list goes on and on.
In the Children's Activity Area there will be crafts, games, face painting, storytelling, and a hands-on activities for children of all ages intended to educate, entertain and inspire youth in the spirit of Earth Day. This year, participants will learn to make paper, find out about recycling, make gift cards from recycled materials, and learn how to visit wild areas without disturbing the environment. The Children’s Stage will feature youth-oriented performances throughout the day. And be sure to visit the Magic Stage, in front of the Lily Pond on El Prado, for the Dr. Wilderness Family Magic Show. EarthFair will feature five stages with a variety of contemporary music by local artists.
The Children's Earth Parade will start at 10:30am by the Spanish Village and marches through the Park to the Children's Area in the Pan American Plaza. Participants are invited to dress up as endangered species and present their favorite Earth-friendly messages.
The eHome exhibit area will showcase products and technologies that can make the home more environmentally sustainable. Whether you're building a new structure or adding to an existing home, alternative home-building technologies, such as straw bale and steel-frame construction, will be on display in this interesting exhibit.
The eARTh Gallery will feature works by San Diego artists and craftsmen, using recycled materials or showing depictions of "Endangered Spaces" in San Diego County. The artwork will be presented on the lawn area next to Presidents Way and Park Boulevard.
Tired of the nitrate-filled hot dogs and sugar-loaded sodas you usually get at large public events? Then step right up to the EarthFair Food Pavilions in the Plaza de Panama and Park & Presidents Way for a change of pace. You'll find out-of-the-ordinary vegetarian fare that will make you wish it was available in the park all year long.
The Cleaner Car Concourse will feature vehicles of all descriptions that all run on alternative fuels (hybrids included). This isn't just “the future” - these are vehicles being used on the road today. The vehicles will be on display in the Pan American Plaza.
The EarthFair goal is to be a zero-waste event, meaning that everything that is discarded is either recycled, reused or composted. And an event the size of EarthFair can generate tons of waste. Last year, they diverted 90% of EarthFair waste from the landfill and hope to do even better this year.
The San Diego Earth Day Coalition is now San Diego EarthWorks, a dynamic grass-roots 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation run by volunteers committed to a clean, healthy, and prosperous future. In addition to the April Earth Day-related events, the organization has added projects that carry the spirit of Earth Day throughout the year.
For more information, visit: EarthDayWeb.org