Earth Day at Merriweather District: Sustainability, Smiles & Over 1,200 Attendees 🌎

On April 19, 2025, the Merriweather District transformed into a vibrant celebration of sustainability, creativity, and community at the annual MWD Earth Day event. Held in the heart of Color Burst Park, this unforgettable morning drew over 1,200 attendees who came together to learn, play, and connect. From crafting eco-friendly keepsakes to enjoying live music and shopping local at the Sustainable Maker’s Market, the event delivered joy and impact for all ages.

Whether it was crafting upcycled treasures, picking up complimentary tree seedlings, or exploring eco-conscious vendors at the Sustainable Maker’s Market, attendees left inspired to nurture a healthier planet and cherish their link to the community.

Curious about how this year’s Earth Day made an impact? Read on for a full recap of the exciting highlights, creative activities, and engaging local partnerships that made this event shine.

Bringing the Community Together for Earth-Positive Fun

Event Overview

The MWD Earth Day event kicked off at 10:00 AM and lasted until noon, enjoying perfect weather with temperatures in the mid-70s. The sunny skies mirrored the warm, vibrant energy of the celebration as Color Burst Park transformed into a hub of sustainability and community bonding.

Our target audience included families, residents, and students, with attendees representing a wide range of ages but lots of families in groups of four or more.

The purpose? To educate and empower individuals to integrate sustainable practices into their lives while celebrating Earth Day as a community.

Event Highlights

The activities this year were designed to engage all ages, blending fun with a touch of educational impact. Here are some standout moments from the day:

Mindful Movement with YogaSix  

The day began with a serene yet invigorating yoga session led by YogaSix. Over 45 minutes, guests stretched and flowed on the park’s green lawn, cultivating mindfulness and movement in honor of the Earth. Pets joined the party too, adding a playful vibe to this harmonious start.

Recycling Relay Races  

Kids and parents alike got competitive during our exciting Recycling Relays. Teams raced to correctly sort paper, plastic, and cans in our sustainability-themed obstacle course. The cheers and laughter during the final moments made this an unforgettable learning moment about reducing waste and recycling right.

Creative Crafting Stations  

Eco-conscious crafting stole the show! Attendees enjoyed three unique DIY workshops:

• Upcycled Jean Journals allowed participants to bring new life to old denim. Guests could bring jeans from home or choose pre-donated materials to create stylish, customized notebooks.

• Succulent Terrariums inspired green thumbs to assemble mini eco-systems using moss, soil, and adorable resin figurines.

• Peat Pot Decorating invited families to decorate plantable pots and learn about the magic of seed planting.

Outcome? Smiling faces and memorable keepsakes to take home as mementos of Earth Day.

Butterfly Bouquets & Chalk Zone  

Kids enjoyed collecting butterfly stakes from the lush live grass at the park, creating colorful bouquets to remember the day by. Meanwhile, the ‘Earth Day’ Chalk Zone on Mango Tree Road added vibrant visuals as a bubble machine filled the air with joy and laughter.

Sustainable Maker’s Market  

Shoppers delighted in exploring local eco-friendly vendors specializing in handmade goods like candles, home décor, and lifestyle accessories. Vendors like Queens Temple Handmade, Bond & Co. Candles, and Mel Roy Art represented the creativity of sustainable artistry in Columbia.

Face Paint & Music Vibes  

Two face painters stayed busy all morning transforming children into butterflies, flowers, and animals with glittering designs. Meanwhile, DJ L Boogie kept the energy buzzing high with upbeat music, quizzing families on sustainable trivia and initiating a crowd-favorite group dance to the Cha Cha Slide.

Giveaways and Treasured Freebies

Attendees were thrilled to bring home thoughtful giveaways that doubled as reminders of their Earth Day celebration, including:

• Native Tree Seedlings: The first 100 families received Arbor Day Foundation seedlings in eco-friendly burlap bags ready for planting. Extra seedlings ensured no one left empty-handed.

• Bee Wings & Antennae: Kids sported whimsical keepsakes with wired wings and antennae giveaways, adding an element of playful fun to the celebration.

Local Partnerships That Elevated Earth Day at Merriweather District

An important feature of the MWD Earth Day celebration is its strong collaboration with local businesses. Participating retailers such as Smashing Grapes, Kyo Matcha, and GameOn Bar + Arcade added to the event's sense of community while showcasing local talent. Bandito's Tacos also treated foodies to fresh bites and light-hearted banter at their booth.

The synergy between the Merriweather District and these merchants created a memorable community showcase that sustained lively connections beyond the event itself.

A Closer Look at Tickets and Registration Trends

Pre-event interest peaked dramatically in April, with registrations surging in the two weeks leading up to the event. Over 1,200 tickets were issued through digital platforms like Eventeny and QR code promotions, revealing consistent community enthusiasm for this celebration.

The data reminds us how critical timing and outreach are in driving engagement, and it opens a window of opportunity for future planning.

Looking Ahead to Future Celebrations

This year’s Earth Day event proved to be a resounding success, with over 2,500 onsite impressions and feedback noting its diverse activities, approachable atmosphere, and valuable takeaways.

Future events will focus on scaling activities like the Succulent Terrariums to meet even higher demand and fine-tuning logistics to ensure seamless setup. Additionally, introducing more interactive elements for older children and adults could amplify engagement further.

Want to be part of future Earth Day celebrations? Follow us at Merriweather District Events for updates, early registrations, and behind-the-scenes content.

Together, we can create a greener, connected, and more inspired world. 🌱