This year’s Village of Ridgefield Park’s Earth Day celebration is set for Saturday May 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Riverfront Park, located behind the Department of Public Works building located at 24 Industrial Avenue.

Hosted by the Ridgefield Park Environmental Commission, the day starts off with multiple interactive shows featuring lessons on different animal species and scientific demonstrations.

The fun continues with eco-cruises from the Riverkeeper along the Hackensack River, all-day music provided by Mark Rust, face painting and a Green Fair featuring local artisans, environmental exhibits and demonstrations throughout the day. A new addition to this year’s program will be Neighborhood Compost, a New Jersey subscription-based compost pick-up service and circular home shop.

Once again, the Hudson River Fisherman’s Association will be on hand to help those who would like to fish on the Hackensack River with a catch and release program. The association will be providing fishing equipment for those who don’t have their own fishing gear. The Board of Recreation will also be offering a mini archery clinic throughout the day.

Mayor John Anlian said, “This year’s Earth Day celebration features a number of fun and educational activities for the residents of Ridgefield Park and their families. It is a day for us all to celebrate all the natural resources our Village has to offer all of us.”

“We hope to raise awareness about environmental issues that are affecting our community as well as encourage all residents to enjoy and take advantage of the environmental treasures that are all available here in Ridgefield Park,” he said. “Over the last couple of years our Environmental Commission has tackled some important issues and has introduced new programs and ideas that have and will continue to transform Ridgefield Park into a more sustainable community. This includes the Ridgefield Park Nature Preserve initiative and the newly formed Ridgefield Park Nature Preserve Association.”

The following shows will be presented throughout the day and include:
Mad Science –Interactive Science Experiments Show – Start Time: 11:00 a.m.
Snakes n Scales – Start Time: 12:15 p.m.
Tenafly Nature Center-Raptors Show-Start Time: 1:15 p.m.
Bats-Bats-Bats with NJ’s Bat-Man, Joe D’Angeli-Live Animal Show-Start Time: 2:15 p.m.

There is no cost to attend the Earth Day Celebration. Those interested in attending this year’s celebration can send the Ridgefield Park Environmental Commission an email at envcomm@ridgefieldpark.org. The Earth Day celebration will take place rain or shine.