Learning new ways to care for the environment has never been easier. At Burlington County’s Earth Fair, it’s literally a walk in the park.
Burlington County Commissioners announced that the celebration of sustainability, recycling and stewardship will return to Historic Smithville Park in Eastampton on Sunday, June 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature a wealth of information, activities and entertainment for all ages.
“Sustainability is something we want to become part of everyone’s daily lives and Earth Fair is a great way to learn how, while also having fun,” said Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Tom Pullion. “It’s a great celebration of the environment and all the things we can do to help protect it and sustain our natural resources.”
This year’s festival is expected to be Burlington County’s biggest ever and will include dozens of presentations, performances, activities and exhibits. Admission is free.
Among the presenters this year will be acclaimed New Jersey naturalist Pat Sutton, who has spent more than 30 years studying the natural world and the creatures that inhabit it. She plans to speak on New Jersey’s native plants and backyard habitats.
Attendees will also have the chance to pedal their way to a delicious and refreshing beverage courtesy of Wheelie Good Smoothies and its “blender bikes.” It’s one of the new additions to this year’s fair.
The Sustainable Living Tent is returning with the latest information on solar installations, displays of electric motorcycles, bicycles and yard equipment, along with a “please touch” display of rocks made from recycled glass. Visitors can also bring home a free native tree sapling and check out a showcase of sustainable outdoor gear. Also new to the fair, those hungry for fungi can learn how to grow their own edible mushrooms.
Another returning attraction this year is the Recycling Tent, where visitors can get an up-close look at what happens to household recyclables after they’re collected courtesy of the County’s new Recycling Center Virtual Tour video. After watching, they can also test their recycling knowledge at the Spinning Trivia Prize Wheel.
The Recycling Tent will also feature a pop-up recycling center for residents to drop off small electronics, such as a computer mouse, cables, keyboards, cell phones and power cords, along with a “please touch” display of rocks made from Burlington County recycled glass.
Residents interested in purchasing backyard composters and rain barrels can do so online and then arrange to pick them up at the fair. And there will be a plant swap and collections of clean, dry plastic flowerpots, plus plastic bags and film for recycling.
There’s plenty more to entertain, including a rock-climbing wall, craft market featuring a upcycled and recycled goods, a pop-up nature center, puppet theater, science show and recycled arts and crafts, plus food trucks, a beer garden and live musical performances from the likes of Green Planet Band, Alpha Rabbit and Plaid Salmon. A complete list of activities is available online at https://bit.ly/burlcoearthfair
