THE City of Surrey hosted its 12^th annual free Earth Day celebration, Party for the Planet, at Civic Plaza last Saturday. The event attracted over 10,000 attendees that wanted to increase their knowledge of environmental initiatives and learn how they can live more sustainably.

This year’s event featured environmental workshops on how to build solar-light mason jars, make beaded moccasin keychains, plant native pollinators, reuse old fabrics to make scrunchies, and more. They also shopped from local vendors at the sustainable marketplace for aromatherapy and skincare products, tea, artwork, jewelry, beeswax food wraps and sustainable cleaning products. 

Additional activities included the Surrey Parks plant sale, which sold over 1,000 shrubs, perennials, ferns and fruit plants. University Drive was filled with families as kids climbed the rock-climbing wall, enjoyed e-bike demonstrations, ate at food trucks, and listened to local live music on the Earth Stage. Children’s performances were held on the TD Bank Group Family Stage, as well as dance battles and lessons on the Community Stage presented by Concord Pacific.

Attendees are invited to provide feedback on the 2023 event for a chance to win $250 to Guildford Town Centre. To take the survey, visit www.partyfortheplanet.ca.