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Leif Erikson park holds Earth Day festival
BY DAVID MAJOR
STATESMAN STAFF WRITER
iISSUE: 78/27
GRAPHIC SUMBITTED BY UMD EARTH CLUB
The celebration of the planet is fast approaching this Saturday, April 19. In light of knowledge sharing and environmental education, the UMD Earth Club is hosting the 3rd annual Earth Day Festival at Leif Erikson Park from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Senior and co-creator of UMD’s Earth Club Anna Sanders said the reason behind the festival is unionism. “It’s bringing people together to see what’s out there,” she said. Senior and co-creator of the club Kris McNeal said the festival will include live music and vendors selling everything from natural cleaning products to glass art. A kubb tournament will also take place and $1,000 worth of prizes will be raffled off, including a weekend stay at the Inn on Lake Superior.
“The money from the raffle, donations and vendor registration fees will go to different environmental education centers in the area,” McNeal said. Junior and Earth Club member Mike Thompson said that Earth Day is about knowledge. “It’s just recognizing that it [Earth] is here” said Thompson. “It’s just taken
for granted.”
According to Veteran Earth Club member, Maudie Johnson, Fitger’s Brewhouse, Burrito Union and the Third Street Bakery will be selling food and drinks throughout the day in Leif Erikson Park. Johnson said that this event is getting people thinking about taking care of the planet. “Earth Day is just a day when everyone can get together and care,” she said. Johnson also said that groups such as the UMD Sustainability Coalition (SC) and the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District will be providing information on different environmental
issues.
Sophomore and UMD Sustainability Coalition member Lauren Kleinberg said that on Saturday their group will have a table set up called “The water challenge.” “We are going to have both tap anad bottled water set out for people,” Kleinberg said. “It’s to get people to stop drinking bottled water.” Kleinberg explained that bottled water is not as environmentally friendly because of the oil costs for shipping.
Sophomore and another UMD SC member Ben Forbes explained that city water is just as good as bottled water, so why not “use it,” he said. Junior Jami Ebert who is a core staff member of MPIRG will also be tabling in Leif Erikson on Saturday. “We are here to promote the freedomocracy summit,” Ebert said. “We want to do our part in helping other people.”
Ebert explained that this pertains to environment, homelessness and free trade. Ebert explained that MPIRG pertains to environment, homelessness and free trade. Club members said that in Leif Erikson there will be a nature hike and craft making for kids, as well as tree planting. Besides the Leif Erikson festivities, UMD is involved in other activities pertaining to Earth Day.
On Friday, the Stormwater Management Committee will have a presentation in the fourth floor Library Rotunda. For more information on the Earth Day Festival contact the UMD Earth Club at www.d.umn.edu/~earthday or e-mail them at umd.earthfest@gmail.com.
