‘Green’ critters flock to Bend’s Earth Day Parade

All the frogs, trees, plastic bag monsters and other critters in downtown Bend Saturday couldn’t ask for a better day than the sunshine shining down upon The Environmental Center’s 24th annual Earth Day Parade and Fair.

Hundreds came out to participate in the short parade downtown and just simply watch the festivities.

There were tons of street vendors, environmentally-friendly businesses and opportunities for face painting, food and learning.

Environmental Center Executive Director Mike Riley said it was a fun reminder for people to reconnect with the Earth.

He said he especially hopes Central Oregonians will continue to rethink waste and how they can better use energy.

“Celebrate and honor the Earth, and nature, and reconnect to how we live our daily lives in a way that ensures the Earth and the environment stays healthy,” Riley said.

There were other Earth Day celebrations around Central Oregon Saturday, including a parade, fair and clean-up in Redmond’s Dry Canyon and other clean-ups in Crook County and at Smith Rock State Park.

Earth day is officially observed on Monday, April 22.