Green Fair coming Saturday to Cantigy Park
An environmental education group is teaming up with Cantigny Park to inspire thousands of people to think green during a unique fair this weekend.
The Green Fair at Cantigny Park near Wheaton will have more than 100 green vendors, including businesses and nonprofit groups, and family friendly attractions emphasizing the practical value of being environmentally responsible.
"We're trying to make one event where you can learn just a ton of information," said Kay McKeen, founder and executive director of SCARCE, which is co-producing the fair with Cantigny Park in partnership with Veolia Environmental Services, Whole Foods, Creative Recycling and Wheaton Yamaha Music School.
"There will be a lot of teaching, a lot of hands-on things and a lot of things to buy," McKeen added. "We are really excited about all the different kinds of vendors that we have coming."
The fair is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, at 1S151 Winfield Road. All-day activities include an organic farmers market, a rain barrel display, a watershed model, vermicomposting and composting displays, a wind turbine and recycled papermaking.
A "recycling extravaganza" will take place from 9 a.m. to noon and give residents the chance to drop off a range of items such as computer equipment and other electronics, scrap metal, batteries, inkjet printer cartridges, hearing aids and eyeglasses.
"We've really increased the amount of items people can bring," said McKeen, adding that a complete list of acceptable recycling items is posted at cantigny.org.
Some items will be transformed into works of art. Batavia-based artist Joseph Gagnepain will use scrap metal to make environment-themed pieces during several live demonstrations.
Another highlight of the fair will be the "Fashion EcoNista" show. Emceed by WMAQ Channel 5 meteorologist Ginger Zee, the show at 11 a.m. will feature clothing and accessories made from sustainable fabrics, recycled content or reused fabric.
"We have a gown made out of empty juice pouches," McKeen said.
Art lovers also will be able to view the works of high school and college students who entered the recycled art contest. The student artists had to use recycled materials or items that can be recycled to create their artwork in any medium. Judging will take place at the Green Fair before an awards presentation at 10:45 a.m.
A large crowd of thousands is expected to attend Saturday's Green Fair. McKeen says people want to learn about new green technologies.
"I am hoping that people will learn something new that they didn't know," she said. "And I am hoping that they will take action."
Also on Saturday, guests are invited to the Giving DuPage Volunteer Fair. Dozens of civic organizations will be at Cantigny with information on how people can get involved and give back to the community.
All the Green Fair events are free with paid parking of $5 per vehicle. Recyclables may be dropped off without charge.
For information, visit cantigny.org.
<p class="factboxheadblack">Green Fair</p>
<p class="News">A Green Fair runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Admission is free, but there is a $5 charge for parking. Recyclables may be dropped off without charge. Info: cantigny.org. </p>
<p class="News">9 a.m. to noon Recycling Extravaganza</p>
<p class="News">10 a.m., 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. In the Green performs</p>
<p class="News">10:45 a.m. Recycled art contest awards presentation</p>
<p class="News">11 a.m. Fashion EcoNista Show emceed by Ginger Zee</p>
<p class="News">1:30 p.m. Scott Robins "Conservation Station" show with live parrots</p>
<p class="News">3:30 p.m. 3-R Rally by SCARCE</p>