A sheet of clouds masked the sun like a king descending to his quarters. It was fitting because this day, of all days, wasn’t about the overbearing sun but for the loving Earth. With wide, focused eyes, appropriate attention was finally brought to the hues of splotchy green grass and to the embracing, vivid trees of Peace Park. Mixed with the smokey sweet aroma of kettle corn was the fresh, lingering smell of morning mist. A reviving scent that no bar of soap or deodorant will ever achieve, it was the air of life.
Earth Day is an annual holiday on April 22 celebrated by 193 countries worldwide since 1970. On April 22,1970, 20 million Americans took to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment in massive coast-to-coast rallies.  
Kellan Sapp, a freshmen at RBHS, believes Earth Day is important because it serves as a reminder to taking care of our home.
In the Earth Day festival, happy commotions of face painted, fairy-like girls eagerly cooed over human sized, fluffy dogs as the rows of sparkly, dramatic geodes bewitched another crowd.  Local artists displayed intricate wood art, watercolors and potteries.
“I like to use local woods but I also use exotics African woods, and Southeast Asian woods,” said local artist Sarah Wolcott, pointing to the variety of dark, natural wooden bowls, moon-shaped wood pendants, and other glossy shapes of soothing woods.
Hensley, a local herbal company introduced herbal wellness techniques to better enhances the senses and rejuvenate the body.
“We have some herbal blends, they can all be made into tea, added to a bath, or even smoked or vaporized,” said founder Kristen Williams, who graduated from RBHS in 2011.
Not only were there artwork and herbal booths, but obscure stands livened up the Earth day festivities. Political campaigns, Renaissance Festival recruiters, and car dealerships tried their hand to attract the masses. Fortune readers, succulent shops, and chiropractors stood amid the eager onlookers with informational guides and price tags. Advocacy groups distributed bumper stickers and waved around donation tins for a variety of causes ranging from girls education in third world nations to “stopping executions,” or putting an end to the death penalty.
Among the waves of diverse Colombians were Rock Bridge students celebrating the Earth and visiting all the interesting tents.
Sophomore, Kanchan Hans, volunteered at the event last year and is excited to participate again this year by collecting donations to ensure the Earth Day traditions continue to the future.
“I think this year is going to be more fun because last year I was with my father and this year I’m with my friends,” Hans said.

Gallery • 8 Photos

Earth Day supporter is waving the Earth flag on the 48th annual Earth day.