Students, pre-frosh and CityStep kids alike took advantage of Saturday's sunny weather to celebrate Earth Day at a cookout on the MAC Quad sponsored by the Environmental Action Committee (EAC).

The event drew students in the hundreds to hear four campus bands, eat and pick up information about environmental issues.

The EAC set up tables offering information on environment-related topics--including recycling and conservation--to people attracted by the music and food.

"This is our big, public event of the year," said Peter D. Platt '00, a member of the recycling subcommittee of EAC. "We want to raise student awareness about environmental issues."

At the event, Yuri Agrawal '00 passed out a checklist for students that included tips on conserving water, energy and other limited resources.

Representatives from the Cambridge Community Development Committee distributed pamphlets promoting environmentally sound alternatives to driving.

While the EAC organized the BBQ to make the community aware of problems facing the environment, most students there said they were content to enjoy the nice weather while dancing to the live bands.

EAC also provided child-friendly activities, like finger painting, for children who attended with their college-age mentors. Many of the children in attendance were from the student group CityStep, which involves students at local schools in a dance program.

"It's something fun to do with the kids and have them listen to the music," said Joahd M. Toure '99.

Platt donned a garbage can as a costume to raise awareness about recycling on campus. He realized the peril of the dress, though, when two fifth-graders asked if they could throw their watermelon rinds away in his costume.

Campus bands finkfankfunk, B-Side, 98% and Dr. Mojo played at the event, which was co-sponsored by the Harvard Environmental Network.