Earth Day is coming up on Thursday, April 22 and Dutchess County is getting ready to celebrate the earth at Bowdoin Park on Sheafe Road in Wappingers Falls. And what a fun weekend it’s going to be.

The Earth Awakening Weekend at Bowdoin Park will be from 9AM - 4PM on Saturday, April 24 and Sunday, April 25. The weekend will include local artists and special guests, a story walk, an art exhibit and sale, a scavenger hunt, beekeeping demonstration, live plein air paint out, the chapel rededication, native plant education, kids nature art workshop, and more.

It’s going to be a fun and educational weekend that the whole family can enjoy together. After the past year’s unfortunate events, the folks in Dutchess County thought this would be a perfect way to celebrate growth, renewal, hope, life, music, and connection. And I think they're on to something.

Just a little background on Earth Day. It was first celebrated on April 22 in 1970, and I’m showing my age, but I remember the very first one. I was a kid, but somehow I realized the importance of the day, and I try to recognize it in some way each year. Lots of people plant trees on Earth Day. Others volunteer their time to help clean up the neighborhood or area parks. It might even be something as simple as being more aware of composting and recycling.

How will you celebrate the earth this year? If you’re looking for something special to do, why not head to Bowdoin Park on Sheafe Road for the Earth Awakening Weekend? It will be a fun learning experience and it’s totally free to attend.

LOOK: Stunning vintage photos capture the beauty of America's national parks

Today these parks are located throughout the country in 25 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The land encompassing them was either purchased or donated, though much of it had been inhabited by native people for thousands of years before the founding of the United States. These areas are protected and revered as educational resources about the natural world, and as spaces for exploration.

Keep scrolling for 50 vintage photos that show the beauty of America's national parks.

Hudson Valley Farmers Markets

LOOK: Here are the best small towns to live in across America

More From Hudson Valley Post