On Saturday, April 24, a large crowd gathered at Boyle County’s Millennium Park to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. The event, which featured a two- mile Fun Run and live music, provided opportunities for community members to learn about the environment. Representatives from Bluegrass PRIDE, the Boyle County Farmers Market, the Boyle County Solid Waste Department, the Central Kentucky Wildlife Refuge, CREEC, Inter-County Energy, Kentucky Utilities, and Wal-Mart presented educational displays on environmental topics. In addition, 5 trees were planted during a tree planting service project, and electronics were collected for recycling at a drop off point. A variety of local foods and environmentally-responsible merchandise were also available for purchase from farmers and businesses.

The first Earth Day was hosted on April 22, 1970 by US Senator Gaylord Nelson. On the first Earth Day, about 20 million Americans organized demonstrations across the United States for a cleaner environment. Earth Day has since grown to become an annual celebration held across the globe. For more information about the history of Earth Day, click here.

Many thanks to the event’s sponsors including: City of Danville, Boyle County Parks and Recreation Department, Centre College, Danville Rotary Club, Bluegrass PRIDE, and Party Hop’n, and to the generous donors of door prizes including Burkmann Feeds, Curtsinger’s. Mallard’s Restaurant, O’Charleys, Applebees, Guadalajara, The Hub Coffee House and Café, and Mosaik.

Earth Day Photos 2010 - Click on each image for a closer view