Charlotte Earth Day 2022, presented by OMIMEO Mime Theatre, will return from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 23 at First Ward Park, in Charlotte. The free, family-friendly celebration of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day—originally scheduled in 2020 but canceled then and also last year due to COVID-19—is a non-political, non-religious, theatrically oriented, educational, interactive experience that engages attendees, especially youngsters, creatively with the challenges facing our natural ecosystems. 

It features a self-guided Around the World – Learn the Earth orientation through an Earth Passport provided to each 5- to 15-year-old child. They’ll learn and experience many different perspectives regarding the environment in visiting five separate Knowledge Stations: Earth, Water, Fire (energy), Air and Youth Leadership. 

Other highlights, some utilizing a full professional stage and professional sound system, include an opening and closing parade with the Paperhand Puppets, from Chapel Hill; many exhibits; vegan and veggie food trucks; an opportunity to join a campaign to end single-use plastic bags; and a multi-species dance party to end the event.

Since its founding in 1978, the nonprofit OMIMEO Mime Theatre has followed its mission to maintain and further the art form of mime through performance, education, and entertainment in a variety of private and public venues, producing award-winning, original, theatrical experiences throughout this period. Their goal has been to offer the widest variety of interpretations of this theatrical art form, including mask work, vaudeville, circus arts, dance, physical theater, character work and media (film & video), to as many different audiences as possible. 

Location: 301 E. 7th St. For more information, call 704-604-1787 or visit www.CharlotteEarthDay.com.