Sunny skies, with cooler than normal temperatures, blessed the annual Earth Day celebration Sunday in Leonardtown. Large crowds packed the town square and the wharf park for a variety of activities to underscore the importance of the environment.
The event kicked off with a short opening ceremony in which Councilman Hayden Hammett sang the Star Spangled Banner, Leonardtown Business Association Vice President Joe Orlando gave the invocation and Councilwoman Leslie Roberts read a proclamation.
Highlights of activities on the square included a performance by the Daughters of Veda Mid-East Dance Troupe. Live birds of prey were shown by the Clearwater Nature Center. There were also demonstrations by Chesapeake Spinners and Weavers, arts and crafts, face painting, seated massages, yoga demonstrations, classic cars, and live music
Several environmental organizations provided information on energy and water conservation, recycling, composting and organic gardening.
Exhibits included a Biodiesel Enthusiast, Southern Maryland Audubon Society, St. Mary’s Master Gardeners, Association of Southern Maryland Bee Keepers, and St. Mary’s River Watershed Association.
Animal welfare organizations on hand included St. Mary’s Animal Welfare League (SMAWL), and Greyt Expectations Greyhound Rescue.
Down at the wharf there were free kayak and canoe rides on Breton Bay provided by Dave Lane of the Patuxent Adventure Center and Kurt Reitz and Elms Environmental Education Center. Nature walks guided by Bobby Wentworth were available. And Evolve Yoga and Wellness offered sample classes during the afternoon. There also were a kiddie bounce and music.
Earth Day on the Square in Leonardtown is sponsored by the Leonardtown Business Association and the Commissioners of Leonardtown, and is funded in part by a grant from the St. Mary’s County Arts Council’s Community Arts Development Grant Program and the Maryland State Arts Council.
