Louisiana Earth Day

• By CYNTHIA V. CAMPBELL
• Travel editor
• Published: Apr 17, 2009

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Louisiana Earth Day is for young sprouts and old limbs. Anyone, any age can have fun at the 20th annual event from noon till 8:30 p.m. Sunday, April 19, in downtown Baton Rouge at the river end of North Boulevard next to Galvez Plaza, Governmental Plaza and the Old State Capitol grounds.

The theme of the event is the founding slogan, “Think Globally, Act Locally.” One of the nation’s largest environmental celebrations, Earth Day encourages Louisiana residents to lead the way as stewards of our globe. Few places in the United States offer as many opportunities to enjoy this Earth better than Louisiana. Paddle through the wetlands on a sunny morning, watching herons overhead and gators gliding through the water. Walk along a woodland trails surrounded by tall pines and beech trees. During Earth Day, climb the earth-mounded levees on the Mississippi River and drink in the beauty of the water flowing to the Gulf of Mexico.

Earth Day activities are about recognizing and preserving what we have and sharing our knowledge with others, nationally and locally. Mayor-President Melvin L. “Kip” Holden said families from across the state are invited to Baton Rouge to learn more about the value of each and every citizen’s leadership in environmental awareness efforts.

Brenda Nixon, Earth Day president, said, “I’ve been with Earth Day since the beginning, and it’s gotten bigger and better than ever.

This year, the event broadens its focus with a sustainable Louisiana pavilion, ‘Going Green in Red Stick.’” Look for exhibits on green building materials, sustainable design, alternative energy, sustainable gardening, recycling, local environmental issues and more.

Highlights of the festival include the wetlands tent, recycling fair, earth market, international pavilion, natural health and healing, earth friendly habitat, nature and the neighborhood and children’s activities.

Nixon said, “The ‘Earth for Children,’ sponsored by ExxonMobil, will have a plethora of activities this year.” Participating will be teachers, environmental experts, LSU Cain Center, BREC/BRAS/LSU Observatory, St. Louis King of France Environmental Awareness Club, Association for the Education of Young Children at LSU and Baton Rouge Audubon Society.

“Barry Guillot has a group, La Branche Wet Watchers, and they bring their animals with them to Earth Day,” said Nixon.

Musical groups entertaining on the Earth Stage will be Flatbed Honeymoon, Chris LeBlanc Band, and Tab Benoit. Performing on the Louisiana Heritage Stage will be Steve Bing and the Bayou Hotshots, Paul Daigle and Cajun Gold and Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie.

Serving festival food will be Jambalaya by Shake, Fun Time Concessions, Banawa’s, Ruben’s, Zachary SnoBiz, Ronnie’s Ribs, Krazy Kajun, LA Tailgator and Snoball Mania.

Louisiana Earth Day Inc is produced by more than 300 volunteers and numerous sponsors, business, education and government groups. For more details visit http://www.laearthday.org.

Earth Day entertainment schedule
Earth Stage
1 p.m.:    Flatbed Honeymoon
3 p.m.:    Chris Leblanc Band
5 p.m.:    Tab Benoit (co-presented by Baton Rouge Blues Foundation)
7 p.m.:    Cowboy Mouth

Louisiana Heritage Stage
1 p.m.:       Steve Bing and the Bayou Hotshots
3 p.m.:       Paul Daigle and Cajun Gold
5:30 p.m.: Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie

Earth Day education activities
All kids’ activities and education exhibits close at 5 p.m.