Stockton celebrated Earth Day a little early over the weekend, bringing together local organizations, educators and vendors for a free day focused on environmental awareness and sustainability, along with community connection.
A steady stream of families moved between rows of booths under tall trees at Victory Park on Sunday, stopping to watch demonstrations, pick up resources and let children explore hands-on activities during the Stockton Earth Day Festival.
Organizers said the goal of the 37th annual event was simple: Bring people together to learn about the Earth and give them something they can use in their daily lives when they leave.
“We are here to honor the Earth, come together as a community and learn,” organizer Annette DePauli said. “This is a free educational event so people can walk away with more awareness and hopefully something they can do to be more mindful.”
Education and access
The festival has been a fixture in the city for nearly four decades, offering residents a chance to connect with local resources and environmental efforts in one place.
According to the Stockton Earth Day Organizing Committee, the event is built around a long-standing mission: “We believe that Earth Day is every day.”
Through ongoing advocacy and the annual festival, organizers aim to promote a sustainable lifestyle that protects resources and supports future generations.
“Everyone here is learning together,” DePauli said. “It’s about uniting, sharing and exploring what we can all do to live more harmoniously with the Earth.”
Booths throughout the park provided information on everything from conservation programs to home improvement assistance. Some said those resources are what keeps them coming back.
“There are so many community programs out here,” R. Williams said. “Things like weatherizing your house, help with financing and even free trees. I didn’t even know some of that existed.”
Helping highlight local needs
While the event focused primarily on environmental awareness, several in attendance said it;s part of a broader issue of community access.
Williams said events like this are important for families, especially in a city that needs more activities for young people.
“There’s not enough stuff for the Stockton youth,” she said. “They need things like this.”
She also said there should be more access to healthier food options — an area of concern that’s somewhat at odds in such an agriculture-rich area.
Sustainability on display
Vendors showcased ways residents can reduce waste and make environmentally conscious choices.
At one booth, Eunice Green of Greenstone Nutrition displayed biodegradable products made from palm leaves and sugar cane waste.
“This is our planet,” Green said. “We’re not ready to live anywhere else, so we need to take care of this one.”
Her products, which are compostable and free of plastic, are designed to replace items like Styrofoam containers.
“We want people using this instead of plastic,” she said. “It’s about making better everyday choices.”
Artist Terry Johnson shared handmade Native American art created with natural materials, including feathers, shells and stone.
“A lot of what we use comes from the Earth,” Johnson said. “This event brings people together and helps them learn more about it.”
Hands-on learning
Education also extended beyond the booths and displays. Members of the Stockton Astronomical Society set up telescopes, giving visitors a chance to view the sun safely.
“For us, it’s about helping people understand how important the solar system is,” said Patrick Lemon, a member of the Astronomical Society. “Without the sun, we don’t have an Earth Day.”
Lemon said experiences like looking through a telescope can leave a lasting impression, especially for children.
“The first word you usually hear is, ‘Wow,’ ” he said.
Yoga instructor Jodi Eastman opened the day with a session focused on grounding and mindfulness.
“It’s about connecting your body, your mind and the Earth,” Eastman said. “Even small habits, like reducing plastic or being mindful of what you use, make a difference.”
Bringing Stockton together
Organizers said the festival’s impact goes beyond environmental education. It also creates a space for connection across the community.
“It’s one of the most important parts,” DePauli said. “We’re here together, learning together and celebrating our community.”
Many families left with bags of information, new ideas and small reminders of how daily choices connect back to the environment.
For organizers, that’s the goal each year: not just a day in the park, but a starting point for long-term awareness.