Burlington County Earth Fair returns this weekend and is expected to transform Historic Smithville Park into a sanctuary of gardening, health, wellness and fun.
The fair is June 26 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and marks the event’s long-anticipated return following a two-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s theme, ‘Sustainable You!’ will highlight the benefits of sustainability to both the environment and personal health.
“Sustainability is something we want to become part of everyone’s daily lives, so it’s important for us to provide our residents with information about the benefits and how they can be part of it,” said Commissioner Allison Eckel, the Board’s liaison to the Department of Resource Conservation and Parks. “Earth Fair is a great way to accomplish that goal. It’s a fun venue where people can learn about healthy ways to live and care for nature, plants and the land at the same time they are being entertained by musicians, magicians, presenters and activities. It’s a fun festival that also features some incredibly important information and insights.”
This year’s Earth Fair is expected to be the biggest in over a decade and will include dozens of presentations, performances, activities and exhibits. Admission is free.
One of the most anticipated presenters at the fair will be garden guru Mike McGrath, host of PBS’s popular “You Bet Your Garden.” He’s expected to share some of his favorite natural remedies for some of the toughest garden and pest problems, as well as other “horticultural hijinks” his show is famous for.
Attendees can take a yoga class or venture up a rock-climbing wall, visit an artisan marketplace featuring upcycled and recycled goods, test knowledge about recycling at the Spinning Trivia Wheel or exchange plants or dispose of unwanted flowerpots at the Plant Swap tent.
There will also be a pop-up e-recycling center for residents to drop off small electronics, such as ear buds, computer tablets, cell phones and power cords to be recycled. Re-usable shopping bags will be distributed to those who need them.
There will be demonstrations by Bash the Trash, a group that builds and performs with musical instruments made from reused and repurposed materials. A pop-up nature center, puppet theater and recycled art-making activities are for visitors of all ages. Food trucks, a beer garden and live musical performances will also be at the event.
A complete list of all activities is available online at www.co.burlington.nj.us/1958/Earth-Fair.
“Our parks staff worked with the Department of Solid Waste and Recycling to come up with creative ideas for games and activities that educate about healthy and green practices in fun and entertaining ways,” said Eckel. “It’s another great event designed to enrich, educate and entertain our county’s families and our entire board is looking forward to it.”
