Mission San Luis Rey holding Earth Day event

OCEANSIDE — The public is invited to a fun-filled family day to enjoy the inner gardens not generally accessible to the public on Pepper Tree Day, known as North County’s Earth Day Celebration, Sunday, April 15, at Mission San Luis Rey.

The day celebrates the oldest pepper tree in California, located on the mission grounds, and features interactive and educational events for children of all ages and displays for adults to enjoy. Jewelry making from recyclables, sand art, adobe brick making, native planting, storytelling, a ladybug release and drumming courtesy of the Museum of Making Music are a few of the day’s highlights. A demonstration geared to fourth-graders and their parents includes how to create a mission model out of recyclable materials. Vendors and exhibitors teach recycling, explain wastewater treatment and help children and adults alike gain an appreciation of the environment. Also on hand will be the Oceanside Pacific Kiwanis Club to perform Child ID services, the fingerprinting of children.

Adults will enjoy the farmer’s market with produce and plants to purchase, the beautiful inner gardens, exhibits and horticultural experts. Refreshments and food will be available throughout the day from Hunter Steakhouse and Viva Market.

As an extension of the fourth-grade California missions curriculum, Mission San Luis Rey is sponsoring an essay contest focusing on the pepper tree. Open to all fourth grade students, three top writers will be honored and receive awards. All essay participants attending the event receive a certificate and prize. The deadline for the contest is March 23.

The Mission is looking for environmentally based organizations interested in participating in this Earth Day event. Companies or organizations that have a service or cause that would be appropriate for the celebration are asked to get involved.

For more information on the celebration or to receive an exhibitor package, visit http://www.sanluisrey.org or call (760) 757-3651, ext 146. Mission San Luis Rey is located at 4050 Mission Avenue in Oceanside.