May 02, 2025
From landfill hayrides to local honey – the recent Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) Earth Day Festival on Sunday, April 27, 2025, had something for every guest to enjoy. The 33
rd annual festival is the largest and longest-running Earth Day Festival in Southern New Jersey. The event attracted more than 8,000 visitors to the 365-acre ACUA Environmental Park in Egg Harbor Township.
“While we communicate with residents throughout the year, the Earth Day Festival is our favorite occasion to connect with the community and provide a glimpse into the essential work we do each day,” said ACUA President Matthew DeNafo. “The festival also provides a great platform for local vendors and organizations to share their mission.”
Festival goers could select from environmental workshops like how to build a rain barrel or develop a sour dough starter; interactive activities like building crafts with Home Depot; live entertainment that included a recycled fashion show and an interactive medieval performance; educational exhibits from organizations like the Wetlands Institute and more than 200 local vendors and nonprofits to visit.
Tours to the top of the landfill provided panoramic views of the area and a greater understanding of how landfills operate, how landfill gas collection systems work, and how much waste is generated from area homes and businesses. Jitney shuttles to ACUA’s wastewater treatment facility in Atlantic City informed residents of the essential treatment services ACUA provides and how renewable energy powers the operation.
Other activities included a Touch-A-Truck with ACUA vehicles, a recycled art display, bounce houses, games, a gem and minerals show, live music, a nature walk, a petting zoo and more.
The 34
th Annual Earth Day Festival will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026.
ACUA acknowledges the many community partners and sponsors that make this festival a success, including its platinum sponsors Atlantic City Electric, Nehmad Davis and Goldstein, New Jersey American Water and South Jersey Gas.
Click here to view photos from the 2025 Festival