Watch CBS News

Best Ways To Celebrate Earth Day 2013 In Sacramento

Where do you go to celebrate Earth Day? Each community has a slightly different take on it, but the theme is the same: respect Mother Earth, it's the only one we have. Take a look and choose where you will spend Earth Day this year.

(credit: wef.ucdavis.edu) (credit: wef.ucdavis.edu)

Whole Earth Festival 
University of California, Davis
1 Shields Ave.
Davis, CA 95616
(530) 752-1011
www.wef.ucdavis.edu

Dates: May 10-12, 2013

While this happens shortly after the official Earth Day, it started out in April 1969 as an art event and was subsequently moved to coincide with Mother's Day in May. This three-day festival is about all things earth and how to care for it. The Whole Earth Festival has been rolling on for the last 40 years, celebrating mothers and Mother Earth. It is an eco-friendly event that embraces art, dance, anything wholistic, fantastic food and ample information about recycling, reusing and repurposing. The event is alcohol free and is a "zero waste zone." It is family friendly to the extreme and a wonderful experience. Volunteers are needed, so sign up.

(credit: southtahoeearthday.org) (credit: southtahoeearthday.org)

South Tahoe Earth Day
Bijou Community Park
1099 Al Tahoe Blvd.
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530) 542-8366
www.southtahoeearthday.org

Date: April 27, 2013

South Lake Tahoe celebrates Earth Day with a community gathering at Bijou Community Park. It's an all volunteer effort and the community turns out to make it a special day. Learn how recycling and composting can conteract global climate change. Alternative energy, water conservation and reducing ecological footprints are on the menu too. Local live music and dance will flow throughout the day. Children will enjoy the Kid Zone for art and crafts using recycled materials, along with the ever popular face painting for everyone. Food vendors will be on hand along with local crafts and a big raffle. Volunteers are most welcomed. Lake Tahoe is always on the point of the spear when it comes to conservation and using resources wisely. Keeping the Lake Tahoe Basin clear, clean and conserved is an everyday Earth Day responsibility.

(credit: sacramentoearthday.net) (credit: sacramentoearthday.net)

Sacramento Earth Day Celebration 
South Side Park
2115 6th St.
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 446-0022
www.sacramentoearthday.net

Date: April 21, 2013

The theme this year is "Learn, Commit, Act!" at the Sacramento Earth Day Celebration. Sign up to volunteer and add more joy to your day. The event is being held at the historic South Side Park, rich in history and community involvement. Activities for all ages will span the day. Education is high on the list. Presented by the Environmental Council of Sacramento, this free event will offer entertainment for all. Cultural and government organizations will be on hand to provide practical information for saving money while being good earth stewards. Learn about living a more healthy lifestyle. Find out how you can contribute to protecting the urban environment in Sacramento, and enjoy the day outside at the park.

Related: 7 Kid-Friendly Environmental Activities for Earth Day and Every Day

Earth Day Events
Earth Week
Folsom Lake College
10 College Parkway
Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 608-6500
www.flc.losrios.edu
Dates: April 15-19, 2013Earth will be celebrated at the Folsom Lake campus and the El Dorado Center in Placerville in a week full of educational offerings surrounding caring for Mother Earth, as only college students can do. Two wonderful venues to enhance the celebration will welcome the community. Find local food vendors, music and movement in addition to the campus-wide events. A little art, a lecture or two and experts will be available to hand out information on how to make less of an impact on the only planet we have. Faculty and invited speakers, perhaps a farmers' market, library presentations and a welcoming campus should make the week a fine family destination.

(credit: roseville.ca.us) (credit: roseville.ca.us)

6th Annual Celebrate the Earth Festival
Mahany Regional Park
1501 Pleasant Grove Blvd.
Roseville, CA 95678
(916) 774-5200
www.roseville.ca.us

Date: April 20, 2013

This will be the sixth year that Roseville goes all out for Earth Day. How about Dr. Solar's Good-Time, Sunshine, Traveling Medicine Show? Mabe the Wild Things Live Animal Show will tickle your smile button, or a performance by the Northern California Dance Conservancy will light  up your day. Uncle Jer will bring his Traveling Bee Show for all to see. The Woodcreek High School Band will provide a fine show of young musical talent. Is there more? You bet. Face art and face painting, tie-dying shirts, free bicycle parking, great local food and green business entrepreneurs will populate this wonderful park for everyone's pleasure. Get a great education and recharge your Mother Earth neurons at this free and full Earth Day celebration. Volunteers are always appreciated.

Related: Best Hikes for Kids in the Sacramento Area

Charles Ferris is a freelance writer who has lived in the Sierra, halfway between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe, for the last 37 years. In 2010 he retired from teaching after 36 years . He and his wife hike, kayak, cross country ski, snow shoe, ride mountain bikes and road bikes, year round. His work can be found at Examiner.com.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.