The City of Huntington is gearing up in for its Earth Day celebration at noon Wednesday on 14th Street West.

The event will include tree planting with Huntington Mayor Steve Williams, recycling tips, live music and children’s activities.

The Earth Day celebration will also incorporate a stroll along the Paul Ambrose Trail for Health and end with various performances and rain garden demonstrations.

Breanna Shell, city planner, said the event stemmed from the Community and Economic Development Committee’s desire to interact with residents.

“Our committee [wanted] to engage local schools, child care centers, families and all in a fun educational event in the heart of West Huntington on 14th Street West, as well as showcase the improvements that are happening on that street and in the area,” Shell said.

Shell, who is also a resident of Huntington, said youth involvement in the Earth Day celebration will provide educational benefits for attendees and supply children with opportunities to plant trees and flowers in their community.

The event will feature Huntington Police Chief Joe Ciccarelli as a storyteller to conclude the children’s activities portion of the event.

Ciccarelli said his involvement with Earth Day can instill a vital sense of trust with the city’s younger residents.

“The opportunity to interact with kids is important,” Ciccarelli said. “I think it’s important for them to, at an early age, see police officers as part of the community and not someone to be feared.”

Ciccarelli also handpicked a variety of children’s books for his session including “The Giving Tree,” “Ants in Your Pants” and “The Lorax.”

The Earth Day celebration will end at 6 p.m. following the Musical Arts Guild concert.

Lexi Browning can be contacted at [email protected].