ELKINS – An Earth Day celebration and Spring Expo will be offered at Elkins City Park Saturday by the Tygarts Valley Master Naturalist Chapter and Randolph-Tucker Master Gardeners Association.

The event is scheduled to take place from noon until 3 p.m. and the theme for this year’s gathering is “Our Earth, Our Backyard.” The celebration will feature a variety of information and interactive activities.

Those attending are invited to win prizes by spinning the “Wheel of Wildlife” or by reaching inside “Mystery Boxes” and guessing what items from nature are inside. Some other activities at the event will include tree bingo, planting, soil testing and face painting.

Backpacks and pencil bags will be given away, and those attending will be able to experience natural exhibits, create an Earth Day craft, learn about seed paper making, and play in the Interact Pavilion.

Each family attending the celebration will receive a reusable grocery bag to collect and carry free Earth Day prizes collected throughout the event. Door prizes and giveaway winners will be announced toward the conclusion of the event. Winners must be present to collect their prizes.

Musical entertainment will be provided by the Voices of the Augusta Children’s Choir, and the event will feature storytelling for children to enjoy. Food trucks will be on hand serving up hot dogs, hamburgers, specialty drinks and other items.

Earth Day originated in 1970 as a day of environmental education and is celebrated on April 22 of each year. The Spring Expo was created by a local organization five years ago. This is the first year it will be running alongside Earth Day as a dual event. Committee members planning this year’s celebration are Kay Hart, Bobbi Trimboli, Katy McClaine, Sara Phares and Brittany Leggett.

Sponsors for the event include: Mountain Heart, Interact Museum, Tygart Valley United Way, Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area, Augusta Heritage Center, West Virginia DNR, Emma Scott Garden Club, Elkins Tree Board, Davis & Elkins College, and GreenWork.

The Elkins Parks and Recreation, Davis Trust Company, Byrd’s House of Donuts and the WVU Extension Office contributed to the event. For more information on the Earth Day/Spring Expo celebration, call 304-636-0415.