The Earth Day Festival in Jim Thorpe, coordinated by Shelli Holland and aided by a beautiful, summery day on Saturday, drew a big crowd this year.

Many volunteers and vendors came together to make the 18th annual Earth Day a celebration of awareness for the protection of the planet by way of recycling and smart ways to use resources in a sustainable and renewable fashion.From recycled Christmas trees, fun activities for children, picture petitions to save endangered animals, good causes to fund through the purchase of handcrafted items, local art and jewelry, to street music, the festival was sure to please everyone, young and old.MIRNA P. GLEDHILL, TN Correspondent