ESCANABA -- Earth Hour organizers are hoping residents will join them in Escanaba to celebrate the special event.

Earth Hour is a global event that's organized by the World Wildlife Fund.  During the hour countries and cities will switch off their lights to take a stand against climate change.

According to local co-organizer Pam Roll, the event is designed to get the entire world to acknowledge the fact that we need to do something to protect our environment.  Anyone can participate by unplugging unnecessary electronics and switching off lights.

"In the towns of Escanaba and Gladstone, they were two of the first communities to join this effort, and so we're very proud of that," said Roll.  "The reason we're meeting here at the DDA is because we want to bring the community together.  There are a few other opportunities to look at the stars with the Astronomical Society, if it's clear."

Earth Hour lasts from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. local time.