By Rich Larson
Northfield will mark Earth Day with a full weekend of activities designed to bring the community together around environmental awareness, local action, and a little fun. While Earth Day is today, organizers have planned events stretching from Friday evening through Sunday.
The celebration kicks off Friday night with a popular contra dance at the Northfield Armory from 7 to 10 p.m. The event features live music and a caller who walks dancers through the steps, making it welcoming even for newcomers. Organizers say last year’s dance drew more than 200 people, including students from Carleton College and St. Olaf College.
Saturday’s main event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at and around the Armory on Division Street. The street will close to traffic as market fair vendors set up between Fifth and Sixth streets. Inside the Armory and on the adjacent green space, attendees will find environmental exhibitors, family activities, workshops, and live music throughout the afternoon.
Morning activities begin earlier, with tree planting at the Carleton Arboretum and an Eco Game Day for children ages roughly 7 to 11 at the Northfield Public Library from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday also features family yoga, bike maintenance and safety workshops, an indigo dyeing activity, and a rain barrel workshop led by Clean River Partners.
At noon, Mayor Erica Zweifel and the city’s new sustainability coordinator, Sarah Pavish, will speak about local climate initiatives, followed by a group photo and a Riverside Park cleanup at 12:30 p.m.
Live music will be featured all afternoon, with performances by Quinn Flannery, Trina Burkey, Yikes, and Psycho Jungle Cat. On Sunday, the celebration concludes with a farm tour at Salvaterra Farm, highlighting regenerative agriculture practices.
Now in its 17th year, Northfield’s Earth Day celebration is organized by a dedicated community team and supported by local sponsors. More details and registration information are available at northfieldearthday.com.
Rich Larson is the owner and General Manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
