Our annual EarthFair in Balboa Park is the largest free annual environmental fair in the world. EarthFair 2010 will be our 20th anniversary – the 40th anniversary of the first Earth Day! Each year, the EarthFair draws around 70,000 visitors. Produced by 400 volunteers, EarthFair features more than 350 exhibitors, special theme areas, a Food Pavilion, a special Kids’ Activity Area, three entertainment venues, the Children’s Earth Parade, the eARTh Gallery art show, and the Cleaner Car Concourse.
Our exhibitors form the heart of EarthFair. They represent every type of environmental organization, governmental program and commercial enterprise with goods, services and causes that address our environment and quality of life. Our exhibitor fees are graduated to allow everyone to participate, from the smallest organization to the largest corporation.It’s impossible to list everything you’ll find at EarthFair: traditional conservation organizations, wildlife preservation groups, products made from natural and organically grown crops, organic gardening information, alternative energy vehicles, ecotourism opportunities, many alternative and traditional health care products and services, pet adoption services, clean air and clean water products, rainforest preservation groups … the list goes on and on
In our Childrens’ Activity Area you’ll find crafts, games, face painting, storytelling, and a hands-on activities for children of all ages. Activities are intended to educate, entertain and inspire youth, in the spirit of Earth Day. This year, participants will learn to make paper, find out about recycling, make gift cards from recycled materials, and learn how to visit wild areas without disturbing the environment. Our Children’s Stage features youth-oriented performances throughout the day.
EarthFair will feature three stages. We’ve already mentioned the Children’s Stage, featuring music, song and storytelling aimed at the younger set. The Moon Stage (at Park and Presidents Way) will feature a variety of contemporary music by local artists. The Folk Music Stage (by the U.N. building), hosted by the San Diego Folk Music Heritage Society, will feature some of our city’s finest folk music artists.
The Cleaner Car Concourse features vehicles of all descriptions that all run on alternative fuels (hybrids included). This isn’t just “the future”: these are vehicles being used on the road today. The vehicles will be on display in the Pan American Plaza. Do you have a vehicle that belongs in the show? Click here for more information, and to register on-line.
Our eHome exhibit area showcases products and technologies that can make your home more environmentally sustainable. If you’re building a new structure, or adding to an existing home, alternative home-building technologies, such as straw bale and steel-frame construction, will be of interest. Find out about energy- and resource-saving products and materials, like energy-efficient appliances and low-E windows. A wide variety of solar electric systems – available now, to help you get off the grid – will be shown.
The eARTh Gallery features works by artists using recycled materials or showing depictions of “Endangered Spaces” in San Diego County. The artwork will be presented next to the Children’s Area in the Pan American Plaza (close to the Auto Museum). Are you an artist with earth-friendly art you’d like to display? Click here for more information about exhibiting in the eARTh Gallery.
Tired of the nitrate-filled hot dogs and sugar-loaded sodas you usually get at large public events? Then step right up to our Food Pavilion for a change of pace. You’ll find out-of-the-ordinary vegetarian fare that will make you wish it was available in the park all year long.
You’ll see lots of stuff to buy at EarthFair. As in previous years, non-profit organizations are free to sell goods and services to support their operations. In fact, for many of the smaller non-profits, EarthFair can be a significant source of funding for their activities. So, if you want to get some holiday gifts real early, you can make sure your money will be going to a cause you want to support. We will also allow for-profit organizations to sell environmentally-beneficial goods and services.
There is an Earth Day Parade that starts the celebrations!!!
What? that wasn’t exciting news? Ok, I’ll keep going 😉
It’s an AWESOME parade!
A parade to celebrate the variety of life on earth and demonstrate a commitment to a clean, healthy environment. The Parade is a kick-off for EarthFair 2010, the world’s largest free environmental fair and Earth Day celebration.
- Line up 9:30 am – 10:15 am Parade begins at 10:30 am Total marching time: about 30 minutes In Balboa Park, the parade proceeds from the Natural History Museum, west to the Art Museum, south past the Organ Pavilion, ending at the Children’s Area between the Puppet Theater and the Auto Museum in Pan American Plaza (parade follows the red line of this exhibitor map).
The theme for this year’s parade is: “DO YOUR PART.” We are asking people to show how their individual action can express the spirit of Earth Day and promote a clean, healthy, prosperous environment. The following are ideas you may want to consider as a focus for your own parade team: Endangered Animals, Ocean Life, Indigenous Traditions, Wilderness, Habitat Restoration, Trees/ReForestation, Rainforests, People, Desert Life, Wetlands, Peace, BioDiversity, “Mother Nature”, Recycle/Reduce Waste, Taking care of Earth and Ourselves
I had Hubby sit and think with me about costumes to make for the kids 😉
Did I tell you I am excited?
Here is a link of past parade pictures, so you can see how CUTE the Kid’s look during the Parade 😉
If you would like to join us for the Parade, please let me know, I promise that it will be LOT’S OF FUN!!!
Hubby and I will help you create a costume for your child if you need help 😉
After the Parade we can enjoy a FULL FREE day in celebration of Earth Day 😉
Ji says
that’s thoughtful post!
you are getting smarter, happier, and friendlier!
Ji says
check out the previous post,
Come What Mat-Happy New Year, Trisha for more brand new awards,
I am left behind commenting,
hard to reach out each individual with each awards, thus please feel free to take and share…
love your wit on my math post!
Happy Thursday!
william says
happy Earth day people, lets hope we have it around forever 🙂
Jingle says
Happy Tuesday!