Erie MetroParks will celebrate Earth Day on April 25 with a family-friendly event filled with activities, giveaways, food, entertainment, live animals, exhibits and more, according to a news release.
The 2026 Earth Day Extravaganza is presented by Erie MetroParks in partnership with Erie Soil and Water Conservation District and Ritter Public Library.
Erie MetroParks will celebrate Earth Day on April 25 with a family-friendly event filled with activities, giveaways, food, entertainment, live animals, exhibits and more at Osborn Park in Huron. (Submitted)
It is sponsored by Shores & Islands Ohio, VacationLand Federal Credit Union, Friends of Erie MetroParks, Pedego Sandusky, Monroe Preparatory Academy, FirstEnergy Corp, Crystal Rock Campground, Friends of Old Woman Creek, Rock & Roll Express Entertainment Company, True Nature Wellness, RG Inflatables and Buzzy’s Sweet Treats.
The event builds on past years’ successes and provides education to the public while offering fun, entertainment and activities for the entire family.
The Earth Day Extravaganza is designed to shine a light on the area’s love of nature from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Osborn MetroPark in Huron.
Erie MetroParks also will host the fifth annual Ohio Wildlife Youth Art Show, which will showcase artwork from local students.
A panel of local area professionals will judge the art show.
The awards ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. on the day of the event.
For the Earth Day early birds, there will be a beach cleanup at Main St. Beach in Vermilion sponsored by Ritter Public Library.
Supplies for the cleanup will be offered through Erie Soil and Water Conservation District’s Green Bean trailer.
The cleanup starts at 9:30 a.m. and will conclude at 10:30 a.m.
To register for this great volunteer opportunity, go to ritterpubliclibrary.libcal.com.
After your hard work at the beach cleanup, be sure to head to Osborn MetroPark to enjoy free caricatures, bounce houses, a photo booth, the United Titanium Bug Zoo and more.
There also will be various craft stations, live animals and a miniature horse.
Erie MetroParks will give away native tree saplings and custom bandanas while supplies last, the release said.
Several organizations will give away Earth Day themed goods and offering free activities.
There will be food by Russell Boys Vending LLC, Chloe’s Pit Stop, Strawberry Cow, Great Plains Bison Burgers, MacaRonnie’s, Gram’s Goodies, The Gaucho and The Gringa, The Cameo Truck, Kona Ice of Lake Erie Shores & Islands, and Buzzy’s Sweet Treats.
Shopping options are by Maria Leng Art, Themis Jewelry, Green Dragon Crochet, Leaf and Tallow Co., Kali Bear Co., Elements Bakery, Sweet P Designs, MJ Body Works, The Pink Loaf, Meadow of Essence, Stein’s Honey, Renewal by Anderson, True Nature Wellness, Pedego Sandusky, Lakefront Naturals, Studio by the Bay, Ace Insurance Agency and EarthSpice.
In addition to activities, food and shopping; there will be local organizations showcasing their efforts in the community and offering unique activities.
Organizations include: Goodwill Industries of Erie, Huron, Ottawa and Sandusky Counties; Erie County Chapter Ohio Horseman’s Council; Ohio Division of Wildlife; Shores & Island Ohio; Huron Public Library; VacationLand Federal Credit Union; Crystal Rock Campground; Erie County Master Gardeners; Sandusky River Valley Beekeepers Association; Monroe Preparatory Academy;
Girl Scouts of North East Ohio; Erie Soil and Water Conservation District; Wild Ones Ohio Islands to Inland (Seedling) Chapter; Friends of Erie MetroParks; Erie County LifeWise Academy; Milan-Berlin Library District Bookmobile; Ritter Public Library; Firelands Audubon Society; Scouting America Troop 831; Bridle Riders 4-H Club; and Friends of Old Woman Creek.
“We hope you will join us,” the release said. “The event will happen rain or shine.”