Friends, family, pets and children from around the area, all caring about the environment and out to enjoy a cool day, found their way out to the Leonardtown Square Sunday, April 19 to celebrate Earth Day.

Master of Ceremonies, Randy Richie welcomed the crowds beginning around 12:30 p.m., and kept the entertainment rolling with performances by a diverse group of musicians and dance troupes.

Another big hit this year was the canoe and kayak rides down at the wharf on the beautiful spring afternoon. And many got their exercise on the walking tour hosted by the St. Mary’s County Historical Society. Community projects from Habitat for Humanity and Discover U Children's Museum got a great reception from the crowds, as did information about upcoming events from the Clearwater Nature Center and Greenwell State Park.

Event Coordinator, Julie Lemmon, of the Commissioners of Leonardtown commented that, "This is truly a community event, and it is great to see people helping people and trying to protect our environment and all those that have such an appreciation for our Mother Earth!" Lemmon also wished to extend a thank you to Roger Mattingly and Jesse Bauer of the Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad for all their help making this year's event such a success.

Friends, family, pets and children from around the area, all caring about the environment and out to enjoy a cool day, found their way out to the Leonardtown Square Sunday, April 19 to celebrate Earth Day.

The Tri-County Animal Shelter brought three very cuddly adoptable pets and two of the three found wonderful families during the event. St. Mary’s s Animal Welfare League was also there to educate the public and promote their fifth annual animal fair coming up May 9, at the St. Mary's County Fairgrounds. Other animal advocacy groups like Greyt Expectations Greyhound Rescue, Inc., the Feral Cat Rescue and Dogs Deserve Better were there to raise awareness about humane treatment of animals and responsible pet ownership.

The many kids in attendance were treated to a puppet show, maypole dancing, face painting, inflatable bouncy houses, and environmentally conscious craft activities. St. Mary’s County Public Schools’ environmental mascot, Wattson, was there to teach kids and whole families about conservation efforts.

Earth Day on the Square brought education and entertainment together to support a "green" way of thinking in St. Mary's County and a great time was had by all. 

Vendors lined Fenwick and Washington streets, representing community environmental programs, local animal welfare organizations and "green" businesses.

While enjoying the day on the square, many learned about water, soil, animal and energy conservation. Valerie Deptula, owner of Good Earth Natural Foods Company and event chairperson has been an instrumental figure in Leonardtown's Earth Day tradition. "We believe it's the best turn out yet," Deptula said.

Green companies displayed their solar panel technologies, electric and bio-diesel cars and high-tech organic fertilizers. Natural beauty products, homemade crafts, plants and environmentally-friendly children's books were just a sample of the wares available for purchase at the event.Many made donations, found out about volunteer opportunities and enjoyed the "freebies" like reusable shopping bags and energy efficient light bulbs.