ACUA to Hold South Jersey’s Biggest Earth Day Festival April 23

The Atlantic County Utilities Authority invites the community to join them for their 31st Annual Earth Day Festival on Sunday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Environmental Park located at 6700 Delilah Road in Egg Harbor Township. ACUA’s festival is the largest and longest-running Earth Day Festival in South Jersey. The Authority expects to welcome around 10,000 guests for the celebration of our collective home, Earth. The festival will include more than 150 local vendors and crafters, exhibitors, interactive entertainers and musicians. ACUA’s Earth Day offers a range of activities for all ages. Visitors can tour ACUA’s Recycling Center, take a hayride to the top of Atlantic County’s landfill, and take a free shuttle to tour the wastewater treatment plant while learning how wind turbines and solar panels help to power the treatment process. Other fun activities for kids include Touch-A-Truck, interactive performances, live animal shows and a petting zoo. There will also be free seeds and seedlings, composting demonstrations, a guided tour through the native plant garden, mini yoga sessions and a sound bowl session. It is a perfect opportunity to learn about the environment while having fun and enjoying the day with family and friends. The Earth Day festivities offer plenty of activities for children. Free workshops are scheduled throughout the day covering a variety of topics, including canine interactions for children, an introduction to homesteading, frogs and toads of South Jersey, an informational session about the spotted lanternfly, an overview of the Stockton University Maple Project and a rain barrel demonstration. “We look forward to welcoming everyone to celebrate Earth Day with us again this year,” ACUA President Rick Dovey said. “The celebration has grown each year with help from community partners and thanks to the enthusiasm of our visitors." "The event helps to instill an appreciation for the environment, educates the community about the important work we do here at ACUA, and highlights the accomplishments of many community groups and organizations in our area,” Dovey added. Guests may visit the festival throughout the day and can park at ACUA’s facility or at an off-site parking area with shuttle service from the Airport Commerce Center at 6550 Delilah Road. The Earth Day Festival will be held rain or shine. It takes many sponsors and volunteers to continue the wonderful festival. ACUA particularly acknowledges platinum sponsors Atlantic City Electric, New Jersey American Water and South Jersey Gas for their generous contributions. Visit www.acua.com/earthday for a detailed list of vendors, a schedule of activities, and to learn about volunteer opportunities at the event for local youth, environmental or service organizations. A petting zoo is one of the attractions.