Brothers Parker, left, and Chase Mulholland, pet baby bunny Fern held by Frying Pan Park’s Paul Nicholson at a past Earth Day.
Spring has finally sprung, and that means it’s almost time for Fairfax County’s largest, family-friendly Earth Day celebration. It’s set for Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Sully Historic Site, 3650 Historic Sully Way in Chantilly, off Route 28, near the Air and Space Museum annex.
Brynn Farley plants a leaf clipping in a pot of mud during a previous Earth Day.
A full slate of live entertainment is planned, including musical performances, children’s crafts and games, a touch-a-truck exhibit, petting zoo, food trucks and a craft beer garden. The event happens rain or shine, and admission is free, but it’ll cost $10/vehicle to park.
People will learn how the county supports environmental sustainability and what they can do to help. Several special guests will be there, including WUSA-TV (channel 9) chief meteorologist Topper Shutt and the National Wildlife Federation’s Ranger Rick.
Attendees will see the Eco9 hybrid TV-production truck and learn how to report their own weather forecasts. They can also enjoy petting animals from Frying Pan Farm Park and learn about local plants, wildlife and the ecosystem. Or for more physical activities, they may tackle an obstacle course, try their hand at Nerf archery and ax throwing, and even go ice skating on an outdoor synthetic rink.
There’ll be fitness demonstrations from yoga to bootcamps, and people may learn to connect with nature via camping and fishing. They can also view insects under a microscope and learn about both their positive and negative impacts on farming. In addition, fun experiments will increase children’s understanding of the water cycle and other natural processes happening all around them.
Children may play games and activities for prizes. Or they may participate in crafts such as painting birdhouses, practicing origami, pressing flowers, or making sustainable play dough from grain milled at Colvin Run Mill. And for those wanting a calmer and more relaxed way of celebrating the day, or just needing to take a break from the excitement, there’ll be a sensory tent with toys, fidgets and crafts.
Meanwhile, parents may learn about summer-camp opportunities in the county, plus water-recreation spots and golf options. They’ll also receive tips on growing bigger and better plants, identifying and eliminating invasive plants, and composting. And they can learn about local, natural and cultural history, too.
And when people get hungry and thirsty, there’ll be vendors, including Taha Production (ice cream); Taste of DC (American and Mediterranean food); The Roaming Coyote (Tex-Mex); Two Smooth Dudes (gourmet tater tots, wraps and salads); Tysons Creamery (ice cream); Bunnyman Brewing Co. (craft beer); and a water bar provided by Fairfax Water. Guests are encouraged to help the county reduce waste by bringing reusable water bottles that may be filled at the water bar.
Entertainment Schedule
10 a.m. – Topper Shutt will welcome everyone.
10:15 a.m. - Meet Ranger Rick and enjoy a drawing presentation with children's author John Gallagher.
11 a.m. - Recycling Pirates.
Noon - Earth Day proclamation and unveiling of the Wonder Wagon, the county Park Authority’s brand-new, mobile nature center filled with nature-oriented activities.
1 p.m. - Music by Kevin Elam and Friends.
2:30 p.m. – Music by Sonic Boom.
The festival is made possible by partnerships with the nonprofit Fairfax County Park Foundation, WUSA-9, the National Wildlife Foundation and USA Synthetic Rinks. For more https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/earth-day-festival.