MARION — From picking up trash to inflatable archery and face painting people did what they could at Washburn Park to honor Earth Day at the Trash Bash event on April 27.

Wearing bright yellow vests and gloves and armed with trash and recycling bags, community members, Marion Boy Scout Troop 32 and Marion Cub Scout Troop 32 cleaned up debris left from the winter in the morning.

Volunteers picked up anything from cigarettes butts to a torn off rear car bumper. Police officers were around in case they found needles or sharps.

Jonie Roberge, who brought her two children and mother to pick up trash, said her son enjoyed helping.

“We don’t mind helping out,” said Roberge, “It’s fun for him.” 

Cleaning wasn’t the only thing people did at the Trash Bash. People could donate new or gently used children’s items to GiftstoGive and enjoy themselves at the Trash Bash Festival.

At the festival, there was face painting, free pizza, ice cream and refreshments, arts and crafts tables, a recycling art project, an information booth about Scouting and an inflatable archery range. The Toe Jam Puppet Band and the Sippican School Festival Band entertained festival attendees.

At Tree City’s table, people lined up to get a tree sapling of their own. New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance held a table and had a guessing game on how long it would take for plastic, foam cups, aluminum cans and glass to decompose.

Executive Director of the Sippican Lands Trust, Jim Bride, who helped spearhead the event, said it was a great way to bring everyone together.

“This event is around Earth Day and Arbor Day, so it’s a great way to welcome spring and bring in other organizations,” said Bride, “We’re about helping the community grow and other surrounding towns too so that’s really what the celebration was about.”

Chairman of the Marion Cultural Council Kristen Saint Don-Campbell, who helped organize the event’s activities, said it’s essential to engage young people for a positive environmental impact.

“We all live in this community and I think it’s important to show our kids that they’re a part of it,” said Don-Campbell, “I think it’s really important that kids see that they can have a real impact on their environment.”