NORWICH ­– Over the past two years, the Beadle’s Lounge Earth Day Celebration has raised nearly $4,000 to benefit the City of Norwich Youth Bureau and its various programs. This year, owners Gary and Merrie Beadle said they are hoping to break the $2,000 mark for the first time.

The third annual Earth Day Celebration will kick-off at 2 p.m. Saturday at Beadle’s Lounge, 15 Lackawanna Ave., featuring live entertainment all day, door prizes, raffles and – of course – barbecue. Admission is $10 – which includes the spiedie and pulled pork dinner – and Beadle’s Earth Day T-shirts will be available for order. All proceeds from the event will benefit the city’s Youth Bureau.

“I think it’s really worked out great the past two years and it’s fun sending these kids who can’t normally go on the kinds of trips the Youth Bureau offers out there,” said Gary Beadle. “It makes our hearts feel good.”

Beadle added that Youth Bureau Director Robert Mason keeps them updated on the field trips and programs the money they raise is being used for, sending the pair pictures of the kids on their various adventures. One look at all the smiling faces, said Merrie Beadle, makes the hard work and preparation that goes into the event worthwhile.