The always-green Phillies Phanatic to appear at Cherry Hill’s Earth Festival

Earth Day 2017 may have a little more importance for those who are alarmed by President’s Trump’s executive order to kill several Obama-era efforts to curb climate change. Earth Day, which began in 1970, is held every year on April 22 and is often followed by a week of events held around the world. 

Sustainable Cherry Hill is a South Jersey group that promotes conservation on the local level. As part of its effort to educate the public it will again hold its annual Earth Festival in Cherry Hill, N.J., at the Croft Farm on April 29, 2017.

Earth Fest highlights include two stages of of live entertainment from martial arts and dance demos to local musicians and school jazz bands. Also look out for a lunchtime visit from the greenest guy in town, the Phillie Phanatic.

More than 85 vendors will offer sustainable living ideas, green products and festival eats, including The Square Meal which features a health-minded menu and solar powered crock pot.

The festival will also have free compost, plant swap, gardening tips and a recycling depot where attendees can drop off gently worn shoes, non-power hand tools, used books, old electronics, plastic shopping bags, rechargeable batteries and wire hangers.

New this year will be free morning yoga and tai chi sessions (bring your own mat) and an upcycled art project led by local artist Suzy Sherbine.

As always, the event kicks off, rain or shine, with the annual Family Fun Bike Ride.

Participating families can register either online or onsite at 8 a.m., for either the short two-mile route or the long nine-mile route. Both are one-hour rides, beginning at 9 a.m., and ending at the Challenge Grove across from the farm. Cyclists must be at least 8 years old and bring their own bikes (trailers are not permitted).

Free bike valet parking is available onsite for those who choose to leave their car at home.

Saturday, Apr. 29, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. – 100 Bortons Mill Rd., Cherry Hill, N.J