Muriel Jarvis, organizer of EARTHFest 2025, recently appeared on CHCO-TV’s Fundy Tidings with Jay Remer to discuss the festival’s origins, evolution, and renewed focus on environmental awareness and engagement. What began as a one-day event at Sunbury Shores has since expanded into a full week of activities across multiple venues in St. Andrews, with the mission of connecting people to the planet.

The spark for EARTHFest came to Jarvis during a sailing trip, where she spent time reading National Geographic articles on the environmental consequences of human activity. “I had an urge to want to share this information with other people,” she recalled. That desire led to the launch of the first EARTHFest, which focused on school workshops that explored themes of sustainability and conservation.

Strong community interest quickly propelled the event beyond its initial scope. “It caught on so quickly,” Jarvis said. When EARTHFest moved to Minister’s Island in its second year, attendance swelled to nearly 400 participants. That momentum helped shape the event into what it is today—a dynamic, seven-day festival guided by a volunteer planning committee and supported by numerous local organizations.

The 2025 edition of EARTHFest features a diverse lineup of programming, including art exhibits, environmental films, and interactive workshops on renewable energy and sustainable living. Visitors can expect solar power demonstrations, electric vehicle displays, guided birdwatching excursions, and even kayak tours around Navy Island.

“All of EARTHFest is free,” Jarvis emphasized, noting that accessibility remains a cornerstone of the festival. Support from the municipality and local partners, including a grant from the Explore St. Andrews program, helps cover marketing and logistical costs, ensuring the event remains open to all.

A key component of EARTHFest is the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives, which Jarvis says ground the festival in a deeper understanding of stewardship and balance. “They have the view of the Earth that we should all have,” she said. The festival opens with a Mother Earth ceremony led by Indigenous Elders, setting the tone for a week rooted in respect for nature and interconnection.

The festival intentionally concludes on June 21, coinciding with both the summer solstice and National Indigenous Peoples Day. “That date was chosen very deliberately,” Jarvis explained. “It ties together themes of renewal, light, and cultural respect,” reinforcing the festival’s broader mission of education and environmental responsibility.

This year’s theme reflects the urgency of the Anthropocene era—an epoch defined by the global impact of human actions on ecosystems. “There’s no planet B,” Jarvis said, framing EARTHFest not just as a celebration, but as a platform for action and awareness.

For the full schedule of activities, Jarvis encouraged people to visit earthfest.info. “The whole list of all the activities is there,” she said, welcoming both residents and visitors to take part.