Festival Earth coming to Morristown Sunday
MORRISTOWN – Sustainable Morristown will present Festival Earth, a sustainability fair, 12 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 17, on the grounds of the Vail Mansion, 110 South St., Morristown.
The free festival will feature events and activities for all ages that will demonstrate simple ways to make planet-friendly sustainable choices.
"Sustainability is much more than just environmental conservation," said Paul Miller, board president of Sustainable Morristown, "It's about making our community strong and resilient for future generations. That includes supporting local economies and promoting social equity in addition to protecting the environment."
Festival Earth will be a near-zero waste event. Free filtered water will be available and attendees are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottles or can purchase one at the event. There will also be complimentary bicycle valet parking and a shuttle running from the Town Hall parking lot every fifteen minutes.
Festival Earth at a glance:
Performance stage schedule
Noon: Welcome
12:15 p.m.: 30 minute yoga class with John Levis (bring a mat or towel)
1:30 p.m.: "Seen on the Green" interview show with Kevin Coughlin, www.MorristownGreen.com. Guests include: Paul Miller, Sustainable Morristown; Phil Abramson, Town of Morristown; Toshiba Foster, Our Youth Their Future (financial programs for kids); Chris Cannon, Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen; Stefan Armington, Bike and Walk Morristown.
2:15 p.m.: Morristown Tap Dancers
2:30 p.m.: The Morristown Steppers
3 p.m.: "The Magic of Recycling" comedy variety show with Bill Kerwood (sponsored by the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority). Kerwood's unique show is specifically designed for kids and families to enjoy together as you follow the journey of a piece of refuse as it is tracked along 3 common paths. Learn which is most effective in preserving our environment, your future and what you can do everyday to reinforce best practices.
Free admission
Includes access to 50 green vendors and exhibitors for a fun day of learning, shopping and participating in interactive projects and demonstrations including:
Sustainable Living Expo exhibits: Dozens of green vendors and exhibitors; products for the home, wellness services, and more
Arts Showcase: Local artist exhibits, a hands-on mural project for the kids and creation of a sculpture from found objects and recycled materials
Mini-Farmers Market: Enjoy the local spring bounty of produce, honey and other items
Hybrid–Electric Auto Show: A collection of the latest electric vehicles
Healthy Foods Pavilion: Delicious local and organic food from some of our favorite restaurants and retailers
Valet Bike Parking: Ride your bicycle to the event
Jewelry and Accessory Swap: Bring old jewelry or fashion accessories to participate in a "swap" event
Cleaning Product Swap: Sponsored by Whole Foods
Free shuttle service: A shuttle will run between the parking lot at Town Hall and the Vail lawn from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The shuttle will leave the Town Hall lot every 15 minutes beginning at 11:30.
What to bring: Bikes and trikes (valet bike parking available), reusable water bottles (filtered water will be available), shopping bags, blanket or chair (for watching stage performances), and a yoga mat for class from 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Bring old jewelry/accessories for the Jewelry & Accessory Swap and bring a conventional cleaning product (new or used) to the Whole Foods booth to swap for a natural all-purpose cleaner (limit one product per person while supplies last).
Free admission included access to 50 green vendors and exhibitors for a fun day of learning, shopping and participating in interactive projects and demonstrations.
Festival Earth is presented by the Daily Record's Grassroots section, Covanta Energy, Whole Foods Morristown, and the Hyatt Morristown. Supporting sponsors are Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen, The Taco Truck, Toyota of Morristown, and Sparxfly Marketing Communications. Program partners are Bike and Walk Morristown, Marty's Reliable Cycle, New Jersey Electric Auto Association, PUR20, and Town of Morristown.
"Morristown is truly a 'town and country' community with a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and protection," said Morristown mayor Timothy P. Dougherty. "In recent years, sustainability has become part of the way Morristown does business, informing the town's policies, daily operations and initiatives. Festival Earth provides us all an opportunity to take stock and consider some of the important things we might take for granted throughout the year."
James Regan, director of communications at Covanta, said the company was proud to be a presenting sponsor.
"The festival provides a fantastic opportunity for residents to learn about sustainability," said Regan. "We look forward to the opportunity to discuss the importance of sustainable waste management and the '4 Rs' — reduce, reuse, recycle and recover energy-from-waste. As a member of the Morristown community and a leader in sustainable waste and energy solutions, Covanta is pleased to be working with Sustainable Morristown as they share our commitment to protecting our environment and making the planet a better place to live."
Milena Caraballo, marketing team leader for Whole Foods Market Morristown, said she was excited to be a part of this year's event.
"As part of our sponsorship of the Arts Pavilion, we are working with Dan Fenelon, a local artist/muralist, who will be designing an interactive and abstract concept on canvas, highlighting food and sustainability, which attendees can also paint," said Caraballo. "We have a few other great things planned, including green cleaning tips and swaps, and can't wait to see the community come together for a wonderful cause."
Matt Tobin, director of sales and marketing for the Hyatt Morristown at Headquarters Plaza, said the event staff is thrilled to be involved this year.
"Our culinary team has put together creative items that will be available for purchase," said Tobin. "Our experienced staff will be on hand to educate everyone on our green initiatives and all that Hyatt Morristown has to offer. We look forward to seeing everyone out for what should be an unforgettable event."
For more information about Festival Earth, contact Barbara Taylor, email festivalearth@sustainablemorristown.org, tel. 973-656-3138 or visit www.sustainablemorristown.org .
Share your sustainability story, email eabreu@GannettNJ.com
IF YOU GO
Festival Earth Sustainability Fair
WHEN: 12 to 5 p.m., Sunday, May 17
WHERE: On the grounds of the Vail Mansion, 110 South St., Morristown
PRICE: Free
WEB: www.sustainablemorristown.org
INFO: Contact Barbara Taylor, email festivalearth@sustainablemorristown.org; tel. 973-656-3138
DOWNLOAD MAP:
https://www.scribd.com/doc/265394260/Festival-Earth-Map-Schedule-2015