EVANS CITY — A free Earth Day celebration with activities for all ages will be April 28 at EDCO Park.

“Mobilize the Earth” is the theme of the 17th annual BASF Earth Day Celebration, which will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine. The park is at 154 W. Main St.

BASF is a worldwide chemical company with a plant on Mars-Evans City Road that manufactures additives for pharmaceuticals, adhesives, electronics, flavors, fragrances and agrochemicals, among other components.

BASF has a long-standing goal of environmental responsibility in its manufacturing process and the products it makes.

Activities and booths at the event will include exhibits by environmental groups, a bluebird presentation followed by a hands-on birdhouse-building activity for children, a bee cultivator, the Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Department, the Evans City Lions Club and the Butler County Human Society.

BASF, along with Armstrong Cable, Eat ‘n’ Park, Marburger Dairy and the Good Old Boys Band will sponsor refreshments, youth activities and entertainment.

Cindy Caldwell of the Evans City Parks and Recreation Department said several of BASF’s 140 employees will be at the event to answer questions about the plant’s operations.

“They are such a great community sponsor,” Caldwell said. “They absolutely help the park out anytime they can and give opportunities to the whole community.”

Judy Brinkman, site manager at BASF’s plant, said “For 17 years, we have been working with various members of the Evans City community on the event. It’s just one example of how BASF creates chemistry for a sustainable future.”

A highlight of the event will be the annual poster contest among Evans City Middle School students.

The winners, who will be announced at an assembly at the school before the Earth Day celebration, will receive ribbons and gift cards donated by merchants.

The overall winning design will be featured on this year’s BASF Earth Day Celebration T-shirt, which will be given to all fifth-grade students during the assembly.

Environmental groups interested in participating in events, or companies interested in serving as sponsors, can call Rebecca Neely at 724-538-1313.

“Come out and support the 17th annual BASF Earth Day,” Caldwell said. “It’s a great day.”