A community event recognizing Earth Day returns to the Ross Street Plaza this weekend. 

The 3rd annual Earth Day Gathering will run in conjunction with the Downtown Salmon Arm Farmers Market from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 26. 

Presented by Downtown Salmon Arm, Song Sparrow Hall and the Salmon Arm Arts Centre, the family friendly event is an opportunity to support local farmers and food producers. Doing so "helps reduce the carbon footprint of your meals by cutting down the distance your fresh, good food travels from its origin to your dinner table," reads a media release from Song Sparrow Hall. 

"Gather in the heart of Salmon Arm and listen to Kenthen Thomas share Secwe虂pemc stories of the land," continues the media release. "You'll be inspired by local groups leading green initiatives and discover how to take part in helping to build a more sustainable community. Throw in some local live music, and it鈥檚 a perfect way to gather as a community and reflect on how we care for the Earth. 

The event will include interactive booths and displays from Shuswap Food Action, Columbia Shuswap Invasives, Shuswap Pollinators, Shuswap Naturalist Club, Runaway Moon, Choose Refill, Makerspace Repair Cafe, City of Salmon Arm, Salmon Arm Visitor Services, Shuswap Climate Action and more, along with an e-bike demo from Skookum Bike & Ski. 

The event encourages active transportation, such walking or cycling. To accommodate it, the Ross Street parking lot will be reduced to half capacity between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.