Aurora GreenFest celebrates sustainability
Environmentalists long have urged consumers to protect the planet by heeding the three Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle. The eighth annual Aurora GreenFest aims to help people take their stewardship a step further by focusing on three more Rs: repair, repurpose, reconnect.
"Repair, Repurpose, Reconnect" is the theme for the festival that offers activities and resources to help families bring environmentalism into their daily lives. The festival is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 10, at the Prisco Community Center and McCullough Park, 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora. Admission is free.
"What you repair or repurpose stays out of the landfill and reduces the resources that (we) have to take out of the earth," said Mavis Bates, festival founder and organizer. "'Reconnect' means reconnecting with the environment and your neighbors, coming together to build a sustainable, resilient community."
This year the Chicago Herpetological Society is bringing its collection of snakes and lizards to help fest goers reconnect with nature and the importance of habitat and species preservation, Bates said.
If reptiles are not your thing, you may enjoy the Green Car Show. Featured cars include a new Tesla and a Nissan Leaf, and the Fox Valley Electric Car Association members will display their "one of a kind" electric cars.
The day also includes kids' activities, live music, local food trucks, green-friendly energy sources and a community trade show. Local organic farmers will display items to show and sell.
"Now more than ever it's important that we grow and nurture our local sustainability movement," Bates said. "The Aurora GreenFest is here to build sustainability and resilience in the Fox Valley."
To volunteer or exhibit, visit AuroraGreenFest.com, email auroragreenfest@gmail.com or call (630) 605-9244.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle or buy one at the Greeters' Booth.
If you go
What: Aurora GreenFest
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 10
Where: Prisco Community Center and McCullough Park, 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora
Admission: Free
Info: (630) 605-9244 or AuroraGreenFest.com