Newtown Observes 5th Annual Earth Day With A Bright Green Celebration

By Kendra Bobowick

Looking across the sun speckled lawn where children wove dandelion wreaths or chased balloons between vendors’ tables and displays, Parks and Recreation Director Amy Mangold said, “It’s starting to become what they envisioned.”

In its fifth year, the Newtown Earth Day Festival on the middle school lawn included vendors, interactive demonstrations, environmental projects and crafts, music, food, and more, drawing a crowd.

Civic and town groups set up tables alongside local businesses, student groups, organic treats, recycled art, games, and lessons on home energy, gardening, or conservation between 10 am and 4 pm on April 28. Lions Club member Jerry Cole sold tickets to his group’s upcoming fundraising event, the annual Duck Race held in Sandy Hook Center. Representing the Fresh Air Fund, resident Marie Athans offered information to prospective families who might want to host an inner-city child for a fresh air vacation this summer.

Wrapping his hand in a sock puppet was student Jack Buchler, who donated the day’s proceeds to charitable organizations. Holding handmade signs as they walked through the crowd were Sandy Hook school students Kaitlyn King, Hannah Groonell, Colleen Phaneuf, and Hannah Daly, who promoted a fresh water project to build wells in third-world communities. Touting products to detox the environment were Jane Tallman and Deb Kreter, while a few booths away and standing behind “mystery plants” were friends Katie Kost and Alex Quinby. Through a donation, they said, “you plant the plant and don’t know what it is until it grows.” Friends Emily Toby and Hanna Holmes recycled pull tabs into strands for bracelets, while nearby, Aidan Ford and Colin Dunn created static with balloons.

Dan Holmes with the Newtown Earth Day Committee agreed: the day was again a success.