It's time again for the Green Festival here in Chicago and this year's fest promises a slew of activities, speakers and exhibitors of family friendly policy and services in the Chicago area.
The 3rd annual event, a joint project of Global Exchange and Green America, takes place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Navy Pier. Programming will consist of 125 authors, leaders and educators, youth unity and community action areas, how-to workshops, films, activities for kids, organic beer, wine and vegetarian cuisine and live music. Shopping will also be available in the festival's environmentally friendly marketplace.
The Organic Valley Kids Zone will feature activities such as worm composting, an insect zoo, recycled crafts and making a "salad in a jar" with Purple Asparagus. Parenting and child related product and service vendors will be located nearby including local favorite Mr. Furry Fur Fur.
Returning to discuss "Green Kids" on Sunday are mom of one, Marla Rose, publisher of "Marla's Vegan Guide to Chicago and the Universe" and Lisa Joy Rosing,
a cloth-diapering/natural parenting mom of three boys and co-founder of
the Chicago Vegan Family Network. Their discussion will focus on
helping parents "get to the essence of raising healthy, compassionate
and engaged children."
On Saturday, Marisol Becerra, of the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization, will speak on her work with young people who together have succeeded in highlighting and exposing the environmental hazards in the Little Village community of Chicago. Becerra will discuss the importance of working with youth to inspire action for the environment and health issues facing communities of color and low income neighborhoods.
Tickets are available online or at event. Festival admission is free for those 18 and under. Ticket information and pricing for adults, college students and seniors can be found on the festival website.
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I'll be at the festival making the rounds on behalf of Green Parent Chicago, as will our columnist, Eco Chic, We hope to connect with and meet many of our regular readers and talk with green innovators around town as we learn more, get inspired and have fun with our kiddos. See you there!
-Christine
I really appreciated the opportunity to stop and let my kids play. After traveling on the train, bus and shopping for a hat, the kids needed to do something fun.
Included my experience on my blog.
Posted by: Rachel | May 23, 2009 at 10:34 PM
This looks like so much fun! Now if mayor Daley would take half of it to heart.
Posted by: kim | May 15, 2009 at 08:09 AM