GAMBIER — Over 60 health and environmental advocates will be taking part in the 5th Annual Earth Day Festival, to be held Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kenyon Athletic Center in Gambier.
Under the banner “Healthy People, Healthy World,” organizers strive to create a fun and entertaining family event where people can connect with environmental and health-related resources, and learn how these two topics are connected. One example is gardening and eating local foods, the focus of this year’s event.
“Food is one of those topics that touches all of us and connects community, health, and the environment,” said Heather Doherty of the Brown Family Environmental Center at Kenyon College. “Gardening is a great way to stay active, eating fresh foods is very healthy, and growing it yourself or buying it locally helps keep our air clean and supports the local economy.”
The event planning committee, comprised of the BFEC, Knox County Health Department, Knox Community Hospital and the Knox County Park District, is anticipating an exciting event for the entire family. Last year, more than 1,000 people attended the Earth Day Festival.
New to this year’s event will be local artists who will be selling products made of recycled or green materials. “Artists will offer a variety of items,” said Mike Whitaker who coordinates the Recycling and Litter Prevention education program at KCHD. “Our committee wanted to offer an avenue to support local artists. We have artists making pieces from aluminum cans, wine bottles, old paper, and vintage fabric to many other items that can otherwise be recycled and reused.”
The Earth Day Festival is held in conjunction with the Earth Day Challenge Marathon & Half Marathon, in which nearly 450 runners will compete.
In addition to exhibits and retail vendors, the Earth Day Festival will once again feature a cooking demonstration, health screenings, live music, locally grown food including vendors from the local Farmers Market, a petting zoo, kids’ activity zone and hands-on activities for people of all ages.
For more information, contact Heather Doherty at the Brown Family Environmental Center, 427-5052 or dohertyh@kenyon.edu..
Published on April 13, 2011
