Positivity for the environment at Charlie’s Trees Parade

Vankleek Hill’s May Show Festival began with a celebration of the earth on Sunday, May 19. Charlie’s Trees Parade, which celebrates and promotes environmental awareness began at The Creating Centre at the corner of High and Main Streets and followed Main Street through the May Show displays and then returned to The Creating Centre. Charlie Kazak, 11, began an effort to plant trees and make a greener Vankleek Hill in 2021. The first parade was held in 2022. He said it started from conversations he had with his grandmother, Susie Fairbrother. “We were always talking about how the world is not really doing anything about climate change,” Kazak said. Participants carried signs promoting love, hope, and support for environmental preservation. Large papier-maché puppets of Mother Earth and Mr. and Mrs. Bird were carried through the street. Trees were up for adoption at The Creating Centre on Sunday as part of the event. Any of the 110 trees not adopted by visitors will be planted at the McAlpine Forever Forest and near St. Jude’s School. Kazak said he hopes to continue Charlie’s Trees Parade next year. Photos: James Morgan