The annual Earth Day event on the grounds of the Pump House will be happening in little more than a week.

After not happening last spring, organizer Shelly Pocock says she was able to finalize the 21st version of the "Earth Gathering" only in the last week. The outdoor mini-festival featuring nature-focused art, local vendors, food, and music will be 11am to 6pm Saturday, April 24th.

The Earth Gathering is a free event but masks and distancing required in Chillicothe's Yoctangee Park. The inclement weather date is the following day, Sunday April 25th.

Further details:

Band Lineup (Subject to change, especially if EG is postponed to Sunday)

11 TBA

12 Matt Moon (Rockbridge)

1 The Greater Goods (local folk group)

2 Jesse Powers (Columbus)

3 Ben True & the Basement Collective (Saturday only)

4 Hillbilly Chic (local old-time bluegrass)

5 Big Jim & the Twins (local '60s-era music)

Vendors will be selling heirloom seeds, 2D art and cards, hemp jewelry, beaded jewelry, crystals and gemstones, honey products of all kinds, candles, soaps and personal care products, argan oil products, hand-crafted cloth and leather purses, hats, tanks original t-shirt designs, coin guitar picks, natural healing remedies, Native-American inspired jewelry and purses, relaxation massage and spiritual cleansing.

Anything not available outside this year, such as pottery, may be found for sale inside the Pump House. Participating organizations include Chillicothe Art League, Pump House Center for the Arts, City of Chillicothe Tree Commission, League of Women Voters, Ross Litter Control & Recycling with RPHF Solid Waste District, Chillicothe Trails with Ross Co. Park District.

Loving Healthy Farms from Cincinnati-area will be the official food vendor. Two Roasting Joes and Livy Cakes will serve coffee and desserts.

Inside the Pump House, with capacity limits, people can check out the Art League's 22nd-annual Spring Open Exhibition which always displays during the festival. Also visit the Chillicothe Art League booth if you need a mask or hand sanitizer, and we may be selling our beautiful hand-created stepping stones this year as well.

One of the most important things visitors need to know, other than masks are required if/when you cannot maintain 6 ft. distancing, is to bring your own seating such as a blanket or a camp chair. There will be plenty of green space so everyone can spread out and be safe. Masks will be required upon visiting any vendor booth and this means no eating, drinking or smoking while shopping so masks stay in place. If you want to eat or drink, simply lay out your blanket or sit in your chair. We will not have bleachers, tables or chairs under the big tent but the big tent will be there for some protection from the elements. There will be no art activities this year.

This year, especially, we really need you to leave your pets off the Pump House lawn because people will be sitting on blankets on the grass. If you have a service animal, be prepared to show papers.

And we ask that you do not bring in any alcohol or throw your cigarette butts down. Be respectful.

The vendors are expecting a great turnout, based mostly on intuition. People are simply ready to step outside and enjoy.

Event sponsors:

Elizabeth Parker
Betsy & Ramie Pierson
Ben Butt
Dard Hunter
Joe & Judy Bennett
Jodi Bennett & Jeff Webb
Margaret Hill-Daniels
Barbara Pocock
Joanna River
Dawn Smallcomb
Richard Enderlin
David & Karen Reider
Margaret Planton
The Siberrell Family
Connie & Paul Meyer
Karen Perrott & Nick Robertson

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David Meade Massie Trust provided a grant for this event.