Ashland’s fourth annual Earth Day Celebration returned on Sunday, April 26, and, as in years past, the event was an excellent day full of sunshine, live music, and local vendors. But the mission of the celebration is so much more: helping residents discover small ways to live more sustainably.

The community event has grown from a modest gathering into a lively town tradition that brings together families, environmental groups, local businesses, and curious residents of all ages. Held at the Corner Spot, this year’s celebration featured a mix of hands-on activities, educational displays, games, shopping, food, and even a pair of crowd-favorite goats.

“It’s really become a community event,” Samantha Riley, Sustainability Program Manager, said. “Every year we see more people, more vendors, and more conversations happening.”

The celebration is organized by Ashland’s Conservation Department’s Becca Solomon and the Sustainability Department’s Samantha Riley. Planning begins well before Earth Day itself, especially as more organizations and vendors sign on each year.

While many returning groups have become familiar faces at the celebration, organizers were excited to continue expanding participation this year. Represented town organizations included the Stormwater Advisory Committee, Conservation Commission, Green-Up Ashland, Energize Ashland, the Town Forest Committee, two local Girl Scout troops, and the Ashland Override Committee.

Together, the groups created an event that blended education with entertainment — something organizers say is key to making sustainability approachable. “We try to have something for everyone,” Riley explained.

Live music from local band The Cardinal helped bring a lively atmosphere for the afternoon, while families explored booths filled with crafts, games, and environmentally focused activities. Visitors could make flower bombs with the Town Forest Committee, learn about stormwater runoff through an interactive model, or even help paint storm drains around the event area.

And while the Earth Day celebration leans educational, Ashland’s version made sure fun stayed front and center. One of the biggest hits with families continues to be the oversized carnival-style games scattered throughout the event. The games, commissioned several years ago with the help of a resident volunteer and grant funding, are designed to teach sustainable habits in a playful and interactive way.“They’re loved by all ages,” Riley said. “People are having fun, but they’re also learning.”

Another crowd favorite came from a local goat milk soap and lotion vendor who arrived with two live goats. And of course, that quickly became one of the day’s most photographed attractions.

Riley says the heart of the event is encouraging residents to think differently about sustainability, not as something intimidating or all-or-nothing, but as a collection of small, manageable habits. “This event fully encourages environmental awareness in so many ways. We have topics ranging from energy use to native lawns to reducing waste. The goal is to let people explore what interests them and show them sustainable ways to do it.”

Even supporting local businesses plays into that message. Riley emphasized that shopping from local vendors can itself be a more sustainable choice than relying on major online retailers or big-box stores.

The message resonated with attendees throughout the day, especially thanks to the event’s conversational atmosphere. Rather than formal presentations or lectures, many of the most meaningful moments came from neighbors simply talking to one another, sharing ideas, and learning together. That sense of connection may be the best part of the entire event.

“Seeing all of the conversations people have is my favorite part,” Riley shared. “This event brings together people with different interests in sustainability and gives them a chance to learn something new from each other.”

And while this year’s celebration may be over, the organizers are already thinking ahead. “We’re always growing,” Riley said. “This year we had the most vendors we’ve ever had, but next year we hope for even more.”

Ultimately, Riley hopes residents leave the event with at least one new sustainable habit or idea they can incorporate into daily life. “We don’t expect anyone to go home and completely change their lifestyle overnight,” she said. “True sustainability is really about lots of small habits—and if someone walks away with one new idea, then that’s a success!