Published: May 07, 2008 06:51 pm         

Metropolis to host eco-friendly event

AVON, Ind. — Earth Day may be over, but efforts to promote environmental responsibility don’t stop with the nationally recognized day in early spring.

Visitors to Metropolis mall will be greeted Saturday by conservation-themed exhibits and booths, all part of Be Green! Fest, a family-oriented environmental awareness event sponsored by the Hendricks County Solid Waste Management District, the Hendricks County Flyer, and Metropolis. The 2nd annual free event is from noon to 5 p.m. at Futura Park, in the center of the outdoor mall.

“It’s good publicity for us, but we’re also about educating people about the big picture,” said Amy Sieferman, education coordinator of the solid waste district. “We’re not just into recycling but also protecting our resources such as soil, air, and energy. It’s all connected.”

Headlining the event with three one-hour concerts will be Billy B, nicknamed, “The Natural Science Song and Dance Man.” In his high-energy performances, Billy B uses music, humor, and movement to teach environmental responsibility to children.

Crafts, demonstrations, and other eco-friendly activities will be available, along with Sheldon B. Green, the turtle mascot of the district.

The long list of sponsors includes local organizations such as Wild Birds Unlimited, Indiana Living Green, the Hendricks County Clean Water Partnership, Nature’s Harvest Organics, and Greenway Supply. Nature’s Harvest Organics — a farm in Clayton — will offer organic vegetables and Cascade Asset Management will be on hand to take small, hand-held electronics such old MP3 players, PDAs and cell phones for free recycling.

“We actually had to turn away some sponsors this year,” said Lenn Detwiler, executive director of the HCSWMD. “Part of the deal with the sponsorships is we gave them each a 10x10-foot tent where they can set up and hand out information.”

Detwiler said Metropolis attracts as many as 25,000 visitors on a typical Saturday and because this year’s event is on Mother’s Day weekend, he predicts a large crowd.

“This is a unique way for us to reach members of the community that we otherwise might not have been able to,” Detwiler said. “We will be out there rain or shine as long as there is no severe weather.”



Kevin Leibrock writes for the Hendricks County Flyer in Avon, Ind.