There's a lot to do and see at this year's festival! A full day of performances by Piti Theatre Company, Under the Tree Music, Ben Grosscup, Pineapple Dance, Wishbone Zoe and Debbi Friedlander. A special 'how to' demo area where you can learn from experts about tree care, backyard composting, pollinator seed bombs, native bee nesting shelters, how to grow mushrooms at home and learn about vegetable fermentation. There will also be face painting, juggling by Henry the Juggler, draft horses from Bluestar Equiculture and goats from the Goat Girls!
The Recycling and Refuse Management Committee will be hosting a recycling drive. Bring your wood pellet bags, large Styrofoam chunks, unwanted (clean and dry) clothing, linens and rags. The collection bin and truck will be located on the South Pleasant Street side of the Common closest to College Street (Route 9).
This year's festival is being held in honor of two outstanding individuals who truly lived sustainably - Dr. Emlen Jones and Dorie Goldman. Both passed away within weeks of each other and their presence will be sorely missed by those of us who have had the pleasure of their company at this event over the past several years. In tribute we are hosting the Goldman-Jones pledge. Stop by the information booth and pledge to make a sustainable change in your life. Whatever works best for you - a shorter shower, a walk or bikeride to the store instead of driving, composting, changing lightbulbs to efficient LEDs - anything you do will make a difference! After the festival the list will be posted "in the news' section of the Town's website.
For more information, contact Stephanie Ciccarello, Sustainability Coordinator at ciccarellos@amherstma.gov.