Thousands turn out for Earth Day festivities

• Environmental activists spread conservation message on chip mills, water use, Stephens Lake and other concerns.

From left, Lauren Thomeczek, Spencer Garner, Jeff Neal, Jacob Thomeczek and Juliean DeCastro play a parachute game at Columbia Earth Day 2000.

Missouri Heartwood’s Heidi Bennett, who represented the Truffula tree from Dr. Seuss’ book “The Lorax,” wore a treetop for a hat, a yellow dress and yellow sandals.

In “The Lorax,” the Truffula tree was cut down to make disposable outfits. Bennett’s get-up was based on a fictional character, but she said the spread of chip mills in the Ozarks is a real problem.

“We were able to do a significant amount of public outreach today,” Bennett said. “We were able to reach out to people we usually don’t talk to because of the diversity of individuals out here.”

Attendees came in droves to have fun and learn more about protecting the environment. To its organizers, Columbia Earth Day 2000 was a success.

“Every year it’s grown in size, bringing together more and more people,” said Jan Weaver, the Columbia Earth Day Coalition’s organizer. “Any time you can bring together people from all the different sectors of the community in one place, it’s a great opportunity to spread our environmental message.”

More than 5,000 people gathered around booths, activities, games and musical performances at the downtown festival, which has been held each of the past 10 years.

Sponsors of many booths — from the Sierra Club to Friends of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park — drew attention to environmental concerns. Others dealt with literacy and child mentorship programs. Vendors from across mid-Missouri sold arts and crafts, tie-dyed clothing and food.

The daylong festival featured workshops on hot topics such as water conservation. Last year, because of urban sprawl and the growth of irrigated lawns, Columbia came close to exceeding the water treatment plant’s ability to supply clean water. The City Council is considering adding a surcharge for water usage.

“There’s a big chance we can exceed the capacity soon if we don’t begin conserving water,” Weaver said.

Many people expressed concern about the future of Stephens Lake and wore buttons that read “Save Stephens Lake in the Heart of Columbia.” Stephens College has announced that it would like to sell the land for development.

“The lake is an asset to this community because it is an area that is rapidly becoming developed,” said Weaver. “For the city of Columbia, it would be ideal to secure green space that close to the center of the city.”

Although their environmental concerns were serious, having fun was an aim for most people who attended, said Mark Haim, director of Mid-Missouri Peaceworks. Haim is the only organizer remaining from the inaugural Columbia Earth Day in 1990.

“There are some serious issues we covered here today, but it’s still a festival,” he said. “People should go out and enjoy themselves.”

Children played with the giant Earth Ball, climbed rocks using a simulation machine, walked on stilts, played with the ball parachute, and climbed aboard the ‘70s-style multicolored Cool Stuff bus.

“I couldn’t work the stilts,” said MU student Johonna McCants, a mentor in the Fun City program. “The girl I was mentoring beat me in the ring toss. Nothing was going my way, but I still had fun.”

Some of her students fared better in the games.

“It’s great we get to play these games, but at the same time we learn about important stuff,” said her student George Bihamora. “Keeping the environment clean, making the world a better place.”

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