Inaugural Caledon Earth Hour event well-attended

Organizers happy with turnout and response to event at Caledon East Community Complex

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Caledon residents enjoyed an evening out learning about ways they can fight climate change last weekend. 

On Saturday, March 22, ecoCaledon and the Town of Caledon hosted an event to mark Earth Hour at the Caledon East Community Complex.

Lucrezia Chiappetta, co-chair of ecoCaledon, said she was very pleased with the turnout. 

“It was very well-attended, we had a really incredible turnout,” she said. “The feedback I have heard from vendors, and from people attending, was all very positive.”

Chiappetta explained a wide variety of educational topics were covered at the event such as waste, energy conservation, and food and agriculture. 

“I think everybody learned a lot – but it was done in a really fun way,” she said. “A lot of our vendors had their own activities and/or goodies to share with the community.”

A number of great family-friendly activities took place like flashlight storytime, a guided walk on the Caledon Trailway, stargazing (with telescopes), yoga, and a magic show. There was even a paint-by-numbers mural that attendees contributed to, making one big, beautiful piece of art by the end of the evening. The mural will soon be displayed at a Town of Caledon facility – location to be determined.

Ward 3 Councillor Doug Maskell attended the event to share remarks and lead a countdown into Earth Hour, when all lights that could be were dimmed or shut off at Town of Caledon facilities. 

“Overall, it was not just well-attended but everybody had a good time – I think that's most important,” said Chiappetta. 

She and ecoCaledon hope that the event's success will lead to it being an annual occasion to mark Earth Hour. 

“Earth Hour is more than just turning off the lights – it's a moment of unity that shines a spotlight on the urgent need to address climate change and protect our planet. Together, we can create a brighter, more sustainable future,” reads a Town news release sent out before the event.

Earth Hour is a global initiative that's been taking place since 2007. Many people know it as the “lights off” movement, as each year people turn off all unnecessary lights and electronics for an hour to save energy. In recent years, the event has grown and people are encouraged to “give an hour” to the planet, whether by volunteering or undertaking some other sort of environmental initiative.