By: Betty Wingrove—
MUNCIE – The Living Lightly Fair returns to Minnetrista on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., offering practical ideas and inspiration for living more sustainably.
Celebrating its 10th year, the free event features speakers, activities for kids and adults, live music, a green marketplace of 40+ vendors, a showcase of sustainability in education and expired medication drop-off. Fairgoers can test-drive a hybrid car, tour a MITS bus, attend a free yoga session, step into civil rights history on the MLK Freedom Bus, view “The Greening of Middletown” short film and help create a community bottle-cap mural. Food from Payne’s Restaurant and Afghan cuisine from AWAKEN (Afghan Women’s And Kids’ Education & Necessities) will be available for purchase.
Featured speaker Madi Vorva was honored as a UN Forest Hero at age 16 for leading an eight-year campaign to persuade the Girl Scouts to source responsible palm oil in their cookies. The Girl Scouts’ 2011 commitment was the first policy change in its 101-year history ever driven directly by girls. Today, Vorva is associate producer of “FabLab,” a science education TV show for middle school girls, and a senior at Pomona College.
Additional speaker topics include installing solar energy systems, starting your own honeybee hive, climate change, monarch butterfly gardens and working with legislators to make a greener state.
An annual favorite, Clay Creations offers the fairgoers of all ages the chance to sculpt a bat, bird, bee or butterfly with the Ball State Clay Guild. Children will enjoy the unique opportunity to read a book to a Muncie Animal Shelter pet, as well as visit activity stations where they can create an upcycled herb planter, build a water filter and learn about ocean clean-up.
New to the fair this year are three community book discussions. See the selected books and learn how to participate at www.livinglightlyfair.org.
Jake Hendershot and The Vintage Reserves take the music stage from noon-1 p.m. A regional favorite, Hendershot appeared on Season 10 of “The Voice” on NBC. Tim Grimm and The Family Band perform their acclaimed mix of classic country and bluegrass from 3-4 p.m.
For a full event schedule, visit www.livinglightlyfair.org.
