From their press release at http://www.earthdaycoalition.org/:
What is EarthFest?
EarthFest is Ohio’s largest environmental education event and the longest running Earth Day festival in the nation. Up to 50,000 people, 175 exhibitors and 900 volunteers attend. This community event helps families learn about relevant issues and take steps to conserve, protect and restore our environment. The 2011 theme is Energy Efficiency. Event exhibits focus on sustainable practices and activities including:
- Educational “Walk for the Earth” at 9am
- Welcoming Ceremonies with speakers, dignitaries and winners of the annual 8-county Art, Poetry and Essay Contest.
- Local & Organic Food-Learn about local farmers and businesses; learn to contribute to your health and the health of the land by choosing locally grown and organic foods.
- Clean Transportation-Learn how clean fuels, practices and technologies reduce petroleum use and emissions.
- Family Fun-Hands-on eco info, activities, crafts, games and entertainment; lead testing for children and women of child-bearing age at MomMobile.
- Nonprofit, Government, University-Get involved and create change, featuring environmental exhibits and educational displays from scores of environmental organizations, community groups, governments & municipalities, parks and schools.
- Green Home Improvement-Learn about and view beneficial products, services and practices for the home. Meet local entrepreneurs.
- Energy Efficiency-Highlights energy efficiency through exhibits and activities in partnership with Mayor Jackson’s Sustainable Cleveland 2019 initiative.
- Environmental Science-Explore science and eco-activities with NASA and other institutions. Display of Art, Poetry and Essay Contest winners.
- Zero Waste-Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and composting exhibits.
- Health and Fitness-Hands-on training in nutrition and personal ecology. Fitness workshops, including kettle bells, tai chi, yoga, martial arts, and more.
- Party with the Planet-Entertainment from local bands.
What else should you know about EarthFest?
EarthFest is sponsored and organized by Earth Day Coalition (EDC) and has been held every year since 1990 at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo which graciously provides the venue.
EarthFest attracts urban, suburban and rural attendees. People from the local neighborhoods, surrounding counties and across Ohio from diverse socio-economic backgrounds attend. EDC works with public service agencies such as the local transit authority (RTA) to provide free transportation and admission to the Zoo for EarthFest for everyone who rides, making it easy for anyone to attend.
Visitors have the opportunity to take the EcoPassport Tour through EarthFest exhibit areas such as local and organic foods, waste reduction and green home improvement. They fill out their EcoPassport by visiting 5 areas and learn key concepts through hands-on activities and Q&A sessions. They receive take-home sustainability tips from experts in their field. Participants fill out an EcoPassport and in return receive a compact fluorescent light and info about how it saves money and protects the environment.
EarthFest has learning opportunities specifically for children and young adults. Leading up to EarthFest, EDC hosts an annual Art, Poetry and Essay Contest, open to K-12 students from our 8-county region. Students address an environmental issue and are judged on accuracy and creativity. Winners are first displayed at EarthFest.
EDC hosts 8 interns from local colleges for the event. Interns gain valuable job skills in research, event management, marketing, public relations and general office work. Most continue to work in the environmental field; many choose to work in NEOhio upon graduation.
In the environmental realm, eco-learning opportunities are often policy oriented or geared toward professionals. EDC reaches people as an entry point for learning about environment and sustainability. They take home ideas they use on an everyday basis for their entire lives.
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