Saluting the planet. (Google Images)
EarthFair, environment, Balboa Park

Celebration and a Call for Activism

By Frank Sabatini Jr.

Touted as “the largest free environmental fair in the world,” the annual EarthFair in Balboa Park returns on April 24 after a two-year hiatus because of Covid.

The heavily sponsored event runs from 10 AM to 5 PM within a layout that features 11 exhibit areas, international food vendors, beer gardens, a children’s area, and four entertainment stages.

This will be EarthFair’s 31st celebration, which ties into the global celebration of Earth Day on April 22.

A favorite spectacle at EarthFair is the Earth Day Parade, which will start at 10:30 AM at Spanish Village Arts Center. It features contingents of environmental groups and marchers dressed as endangered species. (Yes, now is the time to start sewing together those red wolf and pygmy elephant costumes.)

In the spirit of “zero waste,” organizers aim to recycle or compost 90 percent of everything that is discarded from the event. “Setting examples through action is the ongoing strategy for keeping Mother Earth clean and stable,” said one of the planners.