Volunteers with Stonehedge Gardens in South Tamaqua are holding their first annual Mother Earth Festival this Saturday at the gardens in celebration of the arts, music and nature. The event, held rain or shine, will consist of numerous art and craft and healing workshops involving healing plants, clay studio, Yoga, children's sessions, storytime, creative movement belly dancing, Reiki, Qi Gong, herbalists, wool spinning, percussion tent and more. It will also have nature-related activities, such as a relaxing hike with Porcupine Pat and a garden tour.

Stonehedege Gardens was created in 1966 by Russell Keich and the late Don Herring following the purchase of an old farm house and property three miles south of Tamaqua. Tracy Perry, board president, said, "Their dream was to create beauty and share it with the others, and from their first day on the property, they began the process of transforming the farm fields with the help of committed friends and volunteers into the beautiful gardens visitors see today."Perry added," Each tree and flower was planted... each boulder placed... each pond dug... a titanic effort spanning forty-five years... and all as a labor of love and a gift to share with the community."In 1998 Stonehedge Gardens was designated as As a 501 (c) (3) non-profit by the federal government with the help of a voluntary board of directors in order preserve the legacy of the gardens. Stonehedge Gardens continues to operate under the direction and hands-on effort of a voluntary board of directors with the invaluable help of members and volunteers.The non-profit is sustained by broad public support in the form of grants, donations, memberships, fundraisers and admissions to events.In addition to all the scheduled activities and organic foods, music will be donated by various artists, such as DJ Born, Jay Smarr, Angelina Nardini, Jupiter's Arrow with Liberty Joe, Syani, Modern Day Molly's, Homespun, Mail Pouch Express, Matt Miskie, Lou Ragai and a special performance by Shawn Walker."Stonehedge Gardens ethos focuses on creating environmental sustainability," stated Perry. "Our mission is to provide a healing, sacred, inclusive environment for the cultivation of personal and community transformation and wellness through the gardens and nature, the arts and holistic education."All proceeds from the celebration, held the day before Mother's Day, benefit Stonehedge Gardens, which is located at 51 Dairy Road in South Tamaqua. For a schedule of Saturday's events, which run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., or for more information on how to volunteer at the gardens, visit the organization online at

www.StonehedgeGardens.org, via Facebook or call Perry at (570) 449-4568.