September 17, 2009

City’s First Ecofest is Saturday, Sept. 19

Ecofest is an activity-filled event packed with information and fun to broaden awareness of environmental opportunities for sustainable living. Ecofest is 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Founders Plaza and the Levitt Pavilion, 100 W. Abram St. in downtown Arlington. Parking and admission are free.

The event features local talent performances on the Levitt Pavilion stage and more than 40 vendors showcasing green products and services. A series of workshops called Gardening Greats will begin at 2:30 p.m. followed by a Sustainability Series at 3 p.m. The event also includes children’s activities, games and crafts.

At dusk, a documentary called “Garbage! The Revolution Starts at Home” will be shown on the great lawn in front of the pavilion. The movie follows a family as they save all their garbage for three months in an attempt to learn about the impact of an average family on the environment. Following the movie, Texas Hall of Fame singer Patrice Pike and her band will perform at 9 p.m. Food vendors and the Olenjacks Beer Garden will be open until 11 p.m.

Ecofest planners are aiming for a zero-waste event. Recycling stations will be set up throughout the area and vendors are required to use materials that meet recycling and composting guidelines.

Free Showerhead Giveaway Among Booths

At the Water Utilities booth, Arlington residents can exchange their old showerhead for a free 2.0 gallons-per-minute Earth Massage showerhead. The Earth Massage showerhead can help save up to 20 percent in water and energy costs over the standard 2.5 gallons per minute showerhead. The showerheads will be available on a first-come first-serve basis. Two hundred are available with a one showerhead per household limit.
Ecofest partners include the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation, University of Texas in Arlington, Friends of the Levitt Pavilion, Arlington Parks and Recreation and Arlington Water Utilities.

For more information about Ecofest, including a list of workshop presenters, entertainment and vendors, visit www.naturallyfun.org or call Arlington Parks and Recreation at 817-459-5474.

Note to Media: Excellent video and photo opportunities. For interviews, contact Parks Marketing Manager Kelly Drawdy at 817-459-6931 or Kelly.Drawdy@arlingtontx.gov.