Thousands attend Party for the Planet’s Earth Day celebration at Surrey Civic Plaza

THE City of Surrey hosted its eleventh annual free Earth Day celebration – Party for the Planet – at Surrey Civic Plaza last Saturday. The event attracted thousands of attendees throughout the day as they learned about new environmental initiatives, how to lead more sustainable lifestyles and experienced local live entertainment and dance performances.

“The City of Surrey is committed to being an environmental leader through educating residents and showcasing the many green initiatives led by our Engineering and Parks, Recreation and Culture departments.” said Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum. “Thank you to everyone who came out and made the return of Party for the Planet such an immense success.”

Sponsored by TD, this year’s event featured hands-on environmental workshops including: planting with pollinators; how to make a dreamcatcher; how to make a solar-light mason jar; and how to paint a Métis paddle. The speaker series offered attendees the chance to learn about the salmon life cycle, the history of Bannock, education about honeybees, and how to use the iNaturalist app. Attendees also shopped at local sustainable marketplace vendors including for aromatherapy products, natural healing soaps and massage bars, homemade dog treats, handcrafted reusable bags, Indigenous art, dreamcatchers, and beeswax food wraps.

“More than a celebration, Party for the Planet allowed attendees to meet with experts and learn how they can help to create a more vibrant and sustainable world,” said Chris Sirovyak, TD District Vice President for Surrey. “TD is thrilled to be Party for the Planet’s presenting sponsor. The event brought people together from across the Lower Mainland to enjoy one of the most memorable Earth Day celebrations in the City of Surrey’s history.”

Additional activities included the Surrey Parks plant sale which sold over 1,000 native plants. University Drive offered a free rock-climbing wall, road hockey and plant-based food trucks. Live music was performed across three stages by Post-Modern Connection, DACEY, Josh Bogert, Candace Curr, and Raj Singh. The Concord Pacific Community Stage featured a full day of dance battles, and performances by North Surrey Dance and Royal Academy of Bhangra.

Party for the Planet is supported by the Province of British Columbia. All event activities met health and safety guidelines as set out by the Provincial Health Officer, Worksafe BC, Fraser Health and appropriate industry associations.

For more information, visit www.surrey.ca/partyfortheplanet.