Marshall University celebrated its 45th annual Earth Day Wednesday at the Memorial Student Center.

Members of the community participated in the indoor and outdoor Earth Day activities despite the rainy morning.

“Earth Day raises awareness of the need to protect the Earth’s natural resources for future generations,” said Margie Phillips, manager of the Marshall Sustainability Departement. “This year we celebrate the 45th year of Earth Day, which was created by Sen. Gaylord Nelson to help people become mindful of the importance of keeping our planet healthy and clean.”

The event featured approximately 40 groups and organizations, which educated students, faculty and members of the public about sustainable living, eating and activities.

Staff members from Healthy Life Market in Barboursville had a booth dedicated to empowering passers by to make healthy choices through organic, natural and environmentally friendly products.

“We’re mainly promoting our products,” staff member Travis Lemon said. “We’ve got sustainable fish oils, some brands that use organic practices for growing and we’re talking about a lot of our non GMO food products. And of course we have lots of samples to give out.”

Lemon said the turnout was impressive despite the weather.

Graduate student Adam Jarvis has not missed an Earth Day throughout his undergraduate and graduate career.

“It’s one of my favorite events that happens on campus,” Jarvis said. “I love the drum ensemble, and I got to try tofu for the first time. The atmosphere is great because people get really into it.”

The Unitarian Fellowship of Huntington Drum Circle encouraged people to pick up an instrument and join the circle. The group also demonstrated fire spinning and smudging.

Another popular attraction was Larry Cartmill’s collection of snakes.

Cartmill is a retired herpetologist who brings his snakes to Earth Day every year.

“People seem to really love them,” Cartmill said. “Even though I’m retired, I still like talking to people about my passion. Earth Day is always a fun one to attend.”

Sofie Wachtmeister can be contacted at [email protected].