How are you connected with the Earth? What's an ecological footprint? What more can we do to recycle and reuse items instead of putting them into the trash? Are solar panels or windmills cost-effective for my home?
These and many other questions will be answered at the 2nd annual Earth Day Family Festival (A free event!), to be held on Saturday, April 19th from 9 am – 3 pm at the Rotary Bowl at the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds on Headquarters Road in Courtenay.
Sponsored again by the World Community Development Education Society, this family friendly event will focus on solutions and practical changes individuals can make at home and within their communities in order to move toward a sustainable future.
According to festival coordinator Ed Carswell, "Last year's event was a great success with over 30 businesses and environment groups participating. This year will likely be even larger!"
At this year's festival, families will be offered interactive opportunities to learn more about solar power, windmills, bio fuels, electric bicycles, hybrid vehicles, zeroscaping, and more. There will be music all day on the main stage, a workshop area with guest speakers, nature walks, enviro-games for kids, and of course, great local food!
The event coincides with the opening day of the Farmers Market and the Master Gardeners workshops at the Regional District's Compost Education Site. _________________________________________________________
Non Profit Participants
Confirmed:
BC Sustainable Energy Association (BCSEA), Cottonwood Community Garden & Merville Grandmothers, CV Environmental Council (Smart Growth), CV Naturalist Society, CV Water Watch Coalition, CV Land Trust, Council of Canadians, Fair Trade Fiesta (David Talbot), Fertile Ground, Gardens without Borders, Lush Valley Food Action Society, Mountaire Avian Rescue, Tsolum River Restoration Society and Valley Green.
Music Performances include:
Fiddlejam (www.fiddlejam.ca)
Fiddlejam is a community based jam session for acoustic musicians of the fiddle persuasion. They play a mix of Old Time, Celtic, Swing and Dance tunes. Anyone can participate and hopefully learn by osmosis.
There are guitar players, piano players, accordians, etc., that back up the fiddlers. There is a mix of young and old and we can really get rolling on the tunes. Any level of player is invited to sit in.
Marimba HI (Hornby Island), Zimbabwe Percussion
Returning for a second year at Earth Day this dynamic 5 piece marimba group will play a solid hour an quarter starting at noon. They will also do several South African gumboot dances that were not seen last year.
Felipe Salgado – Latin Guitar – from Columbian – returning for a second year.
Linda Safford will perform her "Earth Songs"
Something Goes Right is a lucky coincidence of talent, harmony and good humor. We are 5 acoustic musicians who sing and play a sweet blend of folk, pop and bluegrass. We'll also be bringing a surprise set of family eco-tunes!
Workshops include: (free admission)
Wild Spirit (Wilderness Education Activities for Children)
Join Bruce Carron for an opportunity to strengthen your child's connection to Nature and wildness. This program is specifically designed to mentor younger kids through games, nature walks, songs and stories. They'll have fun with other kids while developing their senses and confidence in the Natural world.
Chanchal Cabrera
will introduce her herbal work, show herb samples and perhaps invite families & participants to take an exploratory wander in the nearby fields & woods by the Tsolum River which runs alongside the site.
Roberta Meilleur
Participate in a delightfully easy method of creating immediate, positive change toward earth sustainability at Earth Day by dancing for joy. Dancer and joy aficionado Roberta Meilleur will lead festival goers in honouring and celebrating the Earth by honouring and celebrating our bodies – our very own piece of Earth.
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Sunday
On Sunday, following the main event and in commemoration of Earth Day, people are encouraged to take part in local community initiatives such as streamkeeping, nature walks, clean-ups and sustainable development programs.
Location and Contact
The Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds is located at 4835 Headquarters Rd. (across from Vanier High School).
Non-profit groups wishing to do outreach can contact Jane at 898-3173 or info,,,canineconduct.ca;
Environmentally friendly for-profit businesses can reach Judy at 337-8033 or jegrt,,,telus.net.
For other information and to volunteer, please contact Ed Carswell at (250) 897-0525 or ecarswell,,,shaw.ca
