Celebration, Conservation, and Education on the Environment at Mayor’s Green Fair

Do you think being green and thinking about the environment is boring?  Well, that’s certainly not the case for Ann Arborites!  Main Street was packed from 6-9 pm on Friday, June 14^th for Mayor’s Green Fair.  The 13^th annual fair was a free event that was open to pedestrians and bikers to check out over 100 exhibits of local companies and organizations that focus on conserving energy and bringing about awareness of our imperiled environment.  It was also a celebration of all the people and efforts that help make Ann Arbor a greener city. 

There was live music featuring Kevin & the Glen Levens which was powered by Patriot Solar Group, and there were costumed entertainers, hands-on activities for kids, and organic food stands like Silvio’s Organic Pizza.  Kids drew chalk designs on the pavement and they were educated about ecological problems and were instructed on little things they can do everyday to help the environment.  There was an attractive display of alternative fuel vehicles by Nissan and Ford and there were bicycles on display as well.  Lots of tips were given throughout the evening such as energy-saving home building ideas, using solar panels, recycling ink cartridges, batteries, and of course plastic. 

A2 Energy was quite a presence at the Green Fair as they were the premier source for information on being energy-efficient.  Other Clean Energy Expo companies (energy-saving designs and actions) were featured such as DTE Energy, Sunventrix, Ford MotorCompany, City of A2 Environmental Coalition, and Meadowlark Builders.  Green Commute initiatives (innovative and sustainable transportation options) were present like Bike A2, Wake UpWashtenaw, getDowntown Program, Common Cycle, and Michigan Association ofRailroad Passengers.  Environmental Leaders groups (environmental nonprofits and Waste Knot partners) were at the fair, including City of A2 Natural Area Preservation, Clean Water Action, MiTrain, Youth for Understanding USA, People’s Food Cooperative, and OperationLifesaver. 

Twelve artists participated in the Stormdrain Chalk Art Competition, sponsored by The Huron River Watershed Council, by drawing in the surrounding space of available stormdrains during the fair.  Their drawing depicted the protection of the natural watershed and how it relates to the storm infrastructure in the city.  The purpose of each design was to help educate the public on the drain’s connection to the river. Prizes and awards will be distributed by popular vote and a panel of judges.