Green Earth Fair

Regional groups combine events and conserve resources

By SANDY LONG

LACKAWAXEN, PA — We can all be better stewards of the earth, and the upcoming Green Earth Fair will make it both easier and more enjoyable, thanks to the efforts of two regional organizations that have combined forces, and two former events, into one festive and informative venture.

On Saturday, September 13, the Firemen’s Fairgrounds in Lackawaxen will take on a decidedly greener glow when the Upper Delaware Preservation Coalition (UDPC) and the Delaware Highlands Conservancy (DHC) host their first Green Earth Fair.

“The Green Earth Fair merges two successful events—the conservancy’s Meadow Party and the Upper Delaware Preservation Coalition’s Energy Fair—into an event that we believe truly offers something for everyone,” said Sue Currier, Executive Director of the DHC. “From live birds of prey with the Delaware Valley Raptor Center, to educational programs and exhibits, to games for the kids, it will be a fun-filled day.”

UDPC founder Troy Bystrom added, “Both organizations work to protect our local resources and work to create an awareness of the world around us, so it only seemed natural that we combine our resources and work together on what is destined to become one of the largest events of its kind in Northeastern Pennsylvania.”

According to Bystrom, this year’s alternative energy workshops will focus on simple things one can do to use solar, wind, fuel cell technology and other sources of alternative energy to reduce energy costs and usage.

Unique items like the HyMini handheld wind and solar power collection device will be on display, along with a small-scale working model of a fuel cell car and educational environmental computer-based games.

The rain or shine event begins at 12:00 noon, and will feature entertainment for all ages, including alternative energy demonstrations, food, music, guest speakers, exhibits, auctions and more. Children’s activities will include crafts, games, interactive fun and stories by local authors Roni Diaz and Lindsay Barrett George.

Musical entertainment begins at 12:30 p.m. and will continue into the evening with headliner the Carl Richards Band. Other musical guests include the Erie Heights Band (with special guest Mike Saylor), 8 Days of Blues, folk singer Janet Burgan, family ensemble The Pharm and Dejay Branch, courtesy of Silverboy Records.

Other activities will include a swift-water rescue demonstration on the Delaware, nature walks along the Lackawaxen River and cliffs and tours at the Zane Grey Museum. There will also be alternative energy workshops and educational presentations on local flora and fauna. Local artists and artisans will offer various works from the region.

The UDPC will host a chicken barbeque dinner during the event, from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. Tickets cost $10, and all proceeds from the dinner benefit the UDPC. Other food choices will be provided by Jill’s Kitchen and produce from several local farms.

In addition, a silent auction (ongoing throughout the day) and a live auction (conducted at 5:00 p.m.) will feature a number of beautiful and functional items for bid. Take a chance at winning a kayak donated by Alice’s Wonderland during the Conservancy’s annual kayak raffle.

The fair celebrates the natural and cultural heritage of the region, while offering entertainment and environmental education for the whole family. Volunteers for the event and items for the auction are still needed. For more information or a schedule of events, visit thegreenearthfair.org or call 570/226-3164.

Green Earth Fair events and exhibitors

12:30 p.m. National Canoe Safety Patrol Demo

12:30 p.m. Stephen Stuart: “Building Green and Getting off the Oil Diet”

1:00 p.m. “The Subdivision Dilemma,” a discussion of the Columbia UDPC residential subdivison study

1:00 p.m. Jane Frye Nature Walk

1:30 p.m. Gas Drilling documentary filmmaker Josh Fox discusses his work in progress

1:30 p.m. Roni Diaz, Stories

2:00 p.m. River Walk with Don Hamilton, NPS

3:00 p.m. Delaware Valley Raptor Center’s “Live Birds of Prey”

4:00 p.m. Architect Buck Moorhead on Sustainability

4:00 p.m. Lindsay Barrett George, Stories

Ongoing: Fly Fishing Demo, Silent Auction, River Fish Tank, Farmers Market, Chicken Barbecue

Exhibitors include Audubon Society, Basha Kill Area Association, Catskill Mountainkeeper, Delaware Highlands Conservancy, Eagle Institute, Edible/Medicinal Wild Plants - Nathaniel Whitmore, GE Thermo Heat Pump/TE Spall, Lacawac Sanctuary, Lackawanna/Wayne Forest Landowners, Lackawaxen River Conservancy, PEEC, Pike County Conservation District, Promised Land State Park, SEEDS, Sullivan Alliance for Sustainable Development, Tom Holmes & Hydrogen Energy, Trout Unlimited, Upper Delaware Preservation Coalition, Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River (NPS), Wayne County Master Gardeners, WJFF.