Promoting and supporting community sustainability and healthy living through quality, locally grown foods, energy savings, recycling and the protection of water resources are some of the themes expressed at the fourth annual Earth Day Expo to be held this Saturday, April 27 at the Walter Taylor 4-H Building at the Central States Fairgrounds from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

            The Expo is presented by the Black Hills Chapter of Dakota Rural Action and the Rapid City Sustainability Committee.

            The Earth Day Expo is one of thousands being held worldwide this week.  The local event will be highlighted by the ‘Drive Electric on Earth Day – Electric Vehicle Show and Drive’ and, according to event organizers, will feature one of the largest gatherings of plug in and hybrid vehicles in South Dakota.

            Other highlights of Saturday’s Rapid City event include:

            **Make a bird feeder with the Izaak Walton League

            **Make your own mini aquaponics garden with Western Dakota Tech students

            **Make crafts with recycled content

            **Get your picture taken with Smokey Bear

            **Music and Earth Day speakers

            **Aquaponics Design Competition with awards

            **Fun events for kids like the Recycle Relay and win prizes

            “As with our event last year, the main focus of the Earth Day Expo is not just to educate the parents but to focus on the youth.  It is their future that needs to be preserved,” said Sherry Thurston of the Rapid City Sustainability Committee.  “While the kids run in the recycle relay and win prizes, the parents can test drive an electric car or check out the many wonderful vendor booths.  They can taste buffalo and shop for a special item.”

            Earth Day began in 1970 when 20 million people gathered throughout the United States to promote protection of the environment and human health.  During Earth Day and Earth Day Week events, people collect garbage, plant trees, show movies, sign petitions and strategize for the future.  This year, the City’s 49th annual Clean-Up Week activities started on Earth Day and continues through Saturday and is highlighted by free landfill access and the community Clean-Up Day on Saturday.

            For more information, contact Sherry Thurston at 430-7976.