Earth Day

Join us for the Green Expo, Trash Bash, 5K/10K Races, and OutdoorFest on April 20 and 22!

The Green Expo

Date: Thursday, April 20, 2023 from 4-7 p.m.

Location: The Surf Ballroom & Museum

Event Description: The Green Expo is one of the main events of Clear Lake Earth Day, providing a platform for local businesses, non-profits, and organizations to showcase their green products and services. Held on April 20 at the historic Surf Ballroom, the Green Expo offers an opportunity to learn about sustainable practices, energy efficiency ideas, gardening tips, and more. Visitors can sample fresh local food, browse eco-friendly products, and talk to experts about environmental issues. The Green Expo is free and open to the public, and is a great way to kick off a week of celebrating sustainability and community involvement in Clear Lake. Click here to sign up as a Green Expo exhibitor!

Trash Bash

Dates: April 16-22, 2023

The Trash Bash community clean up is an annual Earth Day event happening all week long from April 16-22. This event offers an opportunity for Clear Lakers to make a difference in their community and show their commitment to sustainability by picking up trash in their neighborhoods, parks, and public spaces. Individuals, families, and groups can register for their favorite cleanup site(s) and compete for the coveted “Green Jacket” by collecting the most trash and recruiting the most volunteers. The Trash Bash is an important way to promote environmental stewardship and community involvement in Clear Lake, and is a great way to make a tangible impact on the health and beauty of our town. Click here to sign up to participate in the Trash Bash!

Earth Day Youth Mile

Date: Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 8:30 a.m.

Location: Clear Lake City Park

Event Description: The Earth Day Youth Mile is a new addition to the Clear Lake Earth Day festivities in 2023, aimed at promoting outdoor activity and environmental awareness for young people. This race takes place on April 22 at 8:30 a.m., right before the Earth Day 5K/10K race, and is open to kids of all ages. Every finisher will receive a cool wooden medal, making it a fun and rewarding way for kids to get involved and make a difference. The Earth Day Youth Mile is a great opportunity for kids to enjoy some fresh air, exercise, and environmental education in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Click here to register.

Earth Day 5K & 10K Race

Date: Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 9 a.m.

Location: Clear Lake City Park

Event Description: The Earth Day 5K and 10K races are an exciting part of the Clear Lake Earth Day festivities, taking place on Saturday, April 22 at 9:00 a.m. The race begins lakeside at the Main Avenue boat ramp and takes runners on a loop around City Park before heading out along South Shore Drive. The 5K turnaround is located at the Y intersection at 20th Ave South and the 10K turnaround is near Lakeside Cyclery. The race finishes in front of the Lady of the Lake, where prizes will be awarded to the overall male and female winners as well as top three male and top three female winners from different age categories. The Earth Day 5K and 10K races are a great way to enjoy some exercise and celebrate sustainability and environmental awareness in Clear Lake. Click here to register.

OutdoorFest

Date: Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Location: Clear Lake City Park

Event Description: OutdoorFest is a family-friendly event held on April 22 in City Park as part of Clear Lake Earth Day celebrations. This event offers a variety of fun activities and educational opportunities aimed at promoting outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship. Visitors can participate in Iowa State University’s “Water Rocks!” program, featuring hands-on activities, bounce houses, and games for all ages. OutdoorFest also includes a variety of other activities, such as outdoor play toys community share, chalk drawings, rock painting, and a pickleball demonstration. There will be plenty of food and drinks available, making it a perfect opportunity to spend a day outdoors with family and friends while learning about sustainability and enjoying the beauty of Clear Lake. OutdoorFest is just one of the many events happening throughout Clear Lake Earth Day, providing an opportunity for everyone to get involved and show their commitment to a more sustainable future.

Full Earth Day Schedule of Events

• April 18-May 12 | Clear Lake Arts Center | Earth Day Photo Contest
• April 1-30 | Clear Lake Public Library | Seed Library
• April 16 at 6:45 a.m. | City Park Bandshell | Community Easter “Sonrise” Service
• April 18 at 12 p.m. | Clear Lake Public Library | Book Chat of The Darkness Manifesto by Johan Eklof
• April 18 at 7 p.m. | Clear Lake Public Library | Take Flight with the Monarchs with Cindy Richardson & Incredible Invertebrates Display with Dave Holstad
• Thursday, April 20 from 4-7 p.m. | Surf Ballroom | Green Expo
• Thursday, April 20 at 8 p.m. | Sisters’ Prairie, 2868 235th St | Night Wonder Walk with local naturalist Cindy Findley
• Saturday, April 22 at 8:30 a.m. | City Park | Earth Day Youth Mile
• Saturday, April 22 at 9 a.m. | City Park | Earth Day 5K & 10K Race
• Saturday, April 22 from 10-1 p.m. | City Park | OutdoorFest
  • Food Trucks
  • Iowa State University’s “Water Rocks!” Hands-on Activities
  • Bounce House
  • Human Foosball
  • Family Games (Connect 4, giant JENGA, croquet, potato sack race, tug of war, corn hole, obstacle course, fun run, Go Wild Parade)
  • Grab & Go Activity Bags
  • Chalk Drawings
  • Rock Painting
  • 10 a.m. -12 p.m. | Clear Lake Yacht Club | Outdoor Play Toys Community Share
  • 11 a.m. | Lakeview Room | Pickleball Demonstration