Earth Day Festival and Beach Clean-up Saturday

The annual Earth Day Festival returns this year  on April 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at in Alameda.  The park is located at Central and Eighth avenues.

As in past years, there will be lots of family-friendly activities, information booths, demonstrations, exhibits and games at the event which is free and open to all.

The community is invited to come learn about simple lifestyle changes they can make that can help the planet, including the practice of "upcycling".

Upcycling Contest On Day Of The Festival

According to event organizers, upcycling is a process of taking existing, old products, and making them into new products. "It’s a different way of thinking about the materials we consume and what else can be done with them at the end of their useful life.," they say, "For example, you can turn your one-time use plastic bottle into a colorful winder spinner instead of tossing it into a recycling bin."

The third annual "upcycling" contest during the event begins at 10 a.m. To compete you must enter as a team and all teams must have a minimum of 2 people. Supplies will be provided that day. The contest will run until 1:00 p.m. Judging will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Awards will be announced and presented at 2:30 p.m. This contest is free and open to all ages. Pre-registration is not required. Just sign-up on the morning of the event.

Beach Clean-Up At Crab Cove

As part of the festival, there will be a beach clean-up at nearby . Meet at the visitor center at 1252 McKay Avenue, Alameda for the clean-up which will take place from 8:30 to 10 a.m.  Those participating in the clean-up will walk to the pond and pick up litter along the way. Students can earn community service hours. Please note that participants must be age 10 or older. This activity is disabled accessible. You must register in advance by calling 888-327-2757 or on-line at the East Bay Regional Park District's website by clicking here.

Festival sponsors and information

The Earth Day Festival is sponsored by , Alameda County Industries, City of Alameda Public Works Department, the East Bay Regional Park District and the .

For more information about the festival contact the Alameda Recreation and Park Department at (510) 747-7529 or the City of Alameda Public Works Department at (510) 747-7930.