Celebrate Earth Day (and Earth Night Out) in Salisbury

Published 12:00 am Thursday, April 16, 2009

As communities all over the world are preparing to celebrate the 39th anniversary of Earth Day, where on Earth will you be?
Downtown Salisbury Inc. invites you to the annual Lord Salisbury Celebrates Springń Earth Day 2009, April 17-22 in Historic Downtown Salisbury and other areas in and around the town.
DSI will host its fourth annual Earth Night Out this Friday, 5-10 p.m. in the heart of Downtown Salisbury, which will be teeming with music and entertainment all evening.
The Brubakers, a local favorite, will bring their characteristic brand of contemporary instrumental jazz to the streets at 7 p.m. in the East Fisher Street Entertainment District.
Other live entertainment will include Tennessee Jed Band at The Blue Vine, Marte Maney & Friends at Okey Dokey & Co. General Store, and Joe Robinson Jazz Band and a Poetry Slam at Looking Glass Artist Collective in Rail Walk.
Downtown shops will be open late and will offer special Earth-themed goodies, from Peace Punch and Harmony Nuggets to Earthworm Sundaes and fresh Farmers Market veggies. Earth Night Out also offers a multitude of family and environmentally friendly activities to celebrate while offering ideas to make every day Earth Day. Various environmental organizations will be set up around downtown to offer information on how you can easily care for the Earth.
In addition to the “earthy” activities: Prevent Child Abuse Rowan will distribute blue and silver “Pinwheels for Prevention” to children in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month; the City of Salisbury will announce the winner of their annual “Kiss the Kid” contest, a fundraiser for the March of Dimes (the “kid” is actually a baby goat ó vote for your favorite city staffer or dignitary at local downtown stores); grab a bite to eat at the Salisbury Fire Department Chili Cook-Off (a bowl of the hot stuff and drink cost $3,
proceeds to benefit Rowan County United Way’s Layoff Assistance Program).
Wacky Doo the Clown will be on hand to create his signature balloon hats, and the ever-popular Classic Car Show will be in the Farmers Market lot. Take a leisurely horse-drawn carriage ride around the West Square, or free trolley rides can take you from one activity to another.
Kids will find things to do all over downtown.
Other Earth Day events include:
Salisbury Sculpture Show- “Discover What’s Outside,” Historic Downtown Salisbury, April 1ńDec. 31. Fourteen original sculptures by regional artists displayed around Downtown. Call 704-638-5235 or email info@salisburysculpture.com for more information.
50th Anniversary Artists’ Invitational & Sale at Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 E. Liberty St., Friday and Saturday, April 17-18. Three-day art show providing a unique opportunity for local and regional artists. Call 704-636-1882 for more information.
Clean-Up of the Ecological Preserve, Catawba College Center for the Environment, Friday, April 17. Call 704-637-4295 for more information.
Salisbury-Rowan County Farmers Market season opening, corner of South Main and East Bank Streets, April 18, 7 a.m.-noon. Enjoy fresh produce, plants, flowers, baked goods, and more. Special activities scheduled. Call Downtown Salisbury Inc., 704-637-7814, for more information.
Earth Day 5-K Race, Catawba College Center for the Environment, April 18, 8:30 a.m. Call 704-637-4295 for more information.
“Touch A Truck,” Food Lion, 123 Mahaley Ave., April 18, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Hosted by Salisbury Parks and Recreation Department. Third annual event offers children an opportunity to touch fire trucks, police cars, dump trucks and other interesting vehicles. Call 704-638-5295 for more information.
“Down to Earth,” Waterworks Visual Arts Center, 123 E. Liberty St., April 18, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Children grades 1-5 create 3-D landscape collages using natural materials. Cost $35 per child; parents and grandparents of first- and second-graders welcome to join child at no charge. Call 704-636-1882 for more information.
Spring Canoe Trip on the Yadkin River, Sunday, April 19, 2-6 p.m. Hosted by the LandTrust of Central NC and Boy Scout Troop 442. Spend the day enjoying the natural beauty and serenity of the Yadkin River. No admission fee but space is limited; RSVPs requested. Call 704-647-0302 for more information.
Earth Day Events at the Center, Catawba College Center for the Environment, Wednesday, April 22. Call 704-637-4295 for more information.nnnFor more information, contact Downtown Salisbury Inc. at 704-637-7814 or visit www.DowntownSaliburyNC.com.