Like the original Earth Day celebrated in America in 1970, Woodbury’s version of Earth Day has evolved over time. Celebrating Earth Day in Woodbury is a tradition that began almost 30 years ago in the New Morning Market parking lot at their old store in Middle Quarter Mall. After hosting an annual celebration in the parking lot for two decades, New Morning Market worked with the town and community partners to move the event to Hollow Park in 2012 as it had grown to attract upwards of 5,000 attendees and more space was needed. Since 2016, the event has been presented under the leadership of the Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition. In 2024 Woodbury Parks and Recreation will assume the event leadership role. While the event has evolved and the leadership has undergone changes, one of the core themes will continue to remain the same. “Earth Day is about bringing our community together,” a sentiment shared by John Pittari, owner of New Morning Market and founder of Woodbury Earth Day, Carol Haskins, executive director of Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition and past event organizer, and Jami Gore, Director of Woodbury Parks and Recreation. An event date for the 2024 Woodbury Earth Day celebration will be announced soon.
Pictured above of staff from Woodbury Parks & Recreation Department and some of the volunteers who will be organizing Woodbury Earth Day in 2024. Additional steering committee meeting members are sought. An informational session will be held on December 12. Anyone wishing to learn more about how to get involved in the event planning should attend.
