Get stoked for Earth Day

HURON TWP. — Erie MetroParks will celebrate Earth Day again this year with a family-friendly event filled with activities, giveaways, food, entertainment, live animals, exhibits and more. The 2026 Earth Day Extravaganza is presented by Erie MetroParks in partnership with the Erie Conservation District and Ritter Public Library. Designed to shine a light on the area's love of nature, the event builds on past years' successes and provides education to the public while offering fun, entertainment and activities for the entire family. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, at Osborn MetroPark, 3910 E. Perkins Ave., Huron. Erie MetroParks will also host the fifth-annual Ohio Wildlife Youth Art Show, which will showcase artwork from local students. The art show will be judged by a panel of local area professionals. The awards ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. on the day of the event. For the Earth Day early birds, there will be a beach cleanup at Main Street Beach & Park in Vermilion, sponsored by the library. Supplies for the cleanup will be offered through the conservation district's green bean trailer. The cleanup starts at 9:30 a.m. and will conclude at 10:30 a.m. at the beach, 480 Main St., Vermilion. To register for this great volunteer opportunity, head to ritterpubliclibrary.libcal.com. After your hard work at the beach cleanup, be sure to head to Osborn MetroPark to enjoy free caricatures, bounce houses, a photo booth, the United Titanium Bug Zoo and so much more. There will also be various craft stations, live animals and a miniature horse. Erie MetroParks will also be giving away native tree saplings and custom bandanas while supplies last. Several other organizations will be giving away Earth Day-themed goods and offering free activities. There will be food by Russell Boys Vending LLC, Chloe's Pit Stop, Strawberry Cow, Great Plains Bison Burgers, MacaRonnie's, Gram's Goodies, The Gaucho & The Gringa, The Cameo Truck, Kona Ice of Lake Erie Shores & Islands and Buzzy's Sweet Treats. There will also be shopping options by Maria Leng Art, Themis Jewelry, Green Dragon Crochet, Leaf and Tallow Co., Kali Bear Co., Elements Bakery, Sweet P Designs, MJ Body Works, The Pink Loaf, Meadow of Essence, Stein's Honey, Renewal by Anderson, True Nature Wellness, Pedego Sandusky, Lakefront Naturals, Studio by the Bay, Ace Insurance Agency and EarthSpice. In addition to activities, food and shopping, there will also be several local organizations showcasing their efforts in the community and offering unique activities. Organizations attending are Goodwill Industries of Erie, Huron, Ottawa and Sandusky Counties, the Erie County chapter of the Ohio Horseman's Council, the Ohio Division of Wildlife, Shores & Island Ohio, the Huron Public Library, VacationLand Federal Credit Union, Crystal Rock Campground, Erie County Master Gardeners, the Sandusky River Valley Beekeepers Association, Monroe Preparatory Academy, Girl Scouts of North East Ohio, the Erie Conservation District, Wild Ones Ohio Islands to Inland (Seedling) Chapter, Friends of Erie MetroParks, Erie County LifeWise Academy, the Milan-Berlin Library District Bookmobile, the Ritter Public Library, the Firelands Audubon Society, Scouting America Troop 831, Bridle Riders 4-H Club and Friends of Old Woman Creek. It is sponsored by Shores & Islands Ohio, VacationLand Federal Credit Union, Friends of Erie MetroParks, Pedego Sandusky, Monroe Preparatory Academy, FirstEnergy Corp, Crystal Rock Campground, Friends of Old Woman Creek, Rock & Roll Express Entertainment Co., True Nature Wellness, RG Inflatables and Buzzy's Sweet Treats. Earth Day is an annual celebration that honors the achievements of the environmental movement and raises awareness of the need to protect Earth's natural resources for future generations. Erie MetroParks' mission is to conserve natural resources while connecting the community with nature through education and exploration. The park district hopes the community will join the celebration and learn new ways to invest in our planet. Many local businesses and organizations have contributed to the Earth Day Extravaganza to make it one of the best Earth Day celebrations in our region. We hope you will join us. The event will happen rain or shine.