Batavia Green Fair aims to inspire eco-friendly lifestyles
The Batavia Green Fair on the Fox, formerly known as the Batavia Green Walk, is returning for its seventh annual event with more than just a new name.
Fair co-chairman Keith Line said this year, the fair will be more interactive and will reach a wider audience with various new activities, events and entertainment. And, he added, more community members and groups will be involved than ever before.
"The ultimate goal of the fair is to really inspire people to do things that are better for the environment and make their lives better, and ultimately save money doing that," Line said.
The Green Fair, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Batavia Riverwalk, will begin with a Zumba class to get attendees active, co-chairman Carolyn Burnham said.
Another first this year, she said, is the alternative transportation show, where participants can bring in any vehicle or form of transportation that is considered "eco-friendly," including an electric car or a bike.
"We want people to bring what they have and show it off and share how they're using their eco-friendly vehicles," Burnham said.
Live music and various food vendors will be featured throughout the fair. Additionally, many local organizations will be giving free demonstrations on ways to live a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.
"There are so many participants this year," Line said. "There are people working energy, people who work food. Collectively, it's a great group of people, and when that happens, it's a good recipe for helping people do great as well."
Burnham said it's the various vendors who will be featured at the fair that make it a success.
"There are just a lot of people out there who are coming up with interesting ways to make our lives eco-friendly," she said. "It's really kind of all about getting inspired."
Line said the most difficult part about organizing the fair, especially as it grows, is the big time commitment that goes into making it a success. He said the fair wouldn't be possible without its many volunteers.
"The people that are working on it are really, really dedicated and, from my perspective, have made the whole experience much better," he said.
Robin Soderquist, recreation supervisor for the Batavia Park District and an event coordinator, said she has been extremely impressed with how Line and Burnham have taken the lead on many new initiatives for this year's event.
Soderquist said she encourages residents of Batavia and other Fox Valley communities to attend the fair with an open mind.
"You need to walk the booths and get ideas," Burnham said. "You'll find that thing that's interesting to you, whether it be energy or nontoxic living or health and fitness. You can find it there."
Admission to the Green Fair is free, but visitors can purchase food and other items.
For more information, visitGreenFairontheFox.com.
If you go
What: Batavia Green Fair on the Fox
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9
Where: Batavia Riverwalk, 100 N. Island Avenue, Batavia
Admission: Free
Details: <a href="http://www.GreenFairontheFox.com">GreenFairontheFox.com</a>.