Earth Day Festival at Riva: Chalk, Succulents & Sustainability 🌎

Spring brought sunshine, smiles, and a powerful message of sustainability to the Festival at Riva. On April 19, 2025, families gathered for an interactive Earth Day celebration, hosted by Rappaport and VVS Events. From mini succulent builds to a giant outdoor movie night, the evening was filled with creativity, connection, and community spirit.

Here’s a recap of the day’s highlights and why this event struck such a chord with everyone who attended.

All the Details in One Place

When: April 19, 2025, from 6 PM to 9 PM

Where: Festival at Riva Shopping Center, between First Watch and PM Pediatric Care

Weather: A perfect 70 degrees and slightly cloudy (ideal for outdoor fun!)

Attendance: 65 guests and 325 delighted onsite impressions

The welcoming atmosphere drew in families, friends, and eco-minded community members for an evening of fun, learning, and celebration.

Activities That Made the Day Unforgettable

Earth Day was all about meaningful interactions and exciting activities that brought creativity, education, and entertainment together. Here are some of the standout experiences our guests enjoyed:

Chalk Zone  

A rolling canvas transformed the parking lot into a canvas of vibrant works of art. Families and kids of all ages grabbed jumbo chalk and got to work creating colorful masterpieces. Whether it was a rainbow, an inspiring Earth Day quote, or their favorite cartoon character, the Chalk Zone became a playground for imagination.

DIY Mini Succulent Terrariums  

What better way to honor the earth than by creating your own little ecosystem? The DIY terrarium station encouraged guests to get their hands dirty while crafting adorable 5-inch mini succulent terrariums to take home. Families went all in, arranging their tiny plants with care and enthusiasm. Plus, the addition of a mini spray bottle as part of the kit was a lovely touch that everyone adored!

Recycle Relay  

Who says learning about recycling can’t be fun? The Recycle Relay station was a hit, as kids split into teams for a spirited race to sort recyclables into the correct bins. The energy was contagious as laughter and cheers echoed through the crowd. This activity wasn’t just fun; it left participants with an easy-to-remember, hands-on lesson about how small actions can make a big environmental impact.

Movie Screening Under the Stars  

What’s an Earth Day event without something truly magical? Guests spread blankets and lawn chairs on the grass as they gathered by a 32-foot inflatable screen for a showing of The Lorax. Dr. Seuss’s eco-classic was the perfect choice, offering its timeless message about protecting the planet. Families laughed, cheered, and even participated in trivia about the movie’s themes before the show began.

Tasty Treats for an Extra Layer of Fun

No family-friendly celebration is complete without food! The first 100 guests were treated to freshly popped popcorn and candy concessions. The aroma of buttered popcorn wafted through the air as kids and adults alike snacked happily while exploring or relaxing ahead of the evening's festivities.

A Sense of Community

One of the most beautiful aspects of Festival at Riva’s Earth Day celebration was the chance to see neighbors, families, and business owners come together. Even local businesses added to the excitement, with PM Pediatric Care joining the event with an informational table.

Here’s what some of our attendees had to say about the day:

“What a fantastic way to spend Earth Day! My kids absolutely loved creating their little terrariums, and the movie was a perfect touch. We’ll definitely be back for future events.”  

“The Chalk Zone was a blast, and the recycle relay was a fun way to learn. Plus, free popcorn and candy? You can’t beat that! It’s great to see Festival at Riva hosting events like this.”  

“It was such a pleasant surprise to stumble upon the Earth Day event after grabbing food at Buffalo Wild Wings! We live just down the street and were so impressed by the lively atmosphere. Next time, we’ll bring our lawn chairs and stay longer!”  

These quotes capture just a small piece of the positive energy buzzing throughout the event.

How Did People Hear About Earth Day Festival at Riva?

Spreading the word paid off in big ways. Many attendees mentioned learning about the event via Facebook, while others found out through friends and family, or posters displayed throughout the shopping center. This variety in outreach ensured that engagement was as community-focused as the event itself.

Reflecting on the Impact

The Earth Day Festival at Riva was more than an evening of fun activities; it was a chance to come together as a community, celebrate our planet, and share a commitment to sustainability. Through every chalk drawing, terrarium crafted, and candy bag handed out, the event underscored the undeniable impact of collective action.

Thanks to Festival at Riva and Rappaport, attendees left with big smiles, full hearts, and a deeper appreciation for the Earth.