Fayetteville Earth Day 2011 festivities kick off April 16

Earth Day is just around the corner, and some folks are planning a big party a few days early to kick off a two-week celebration of old mama Earth in Fayetteville.

Festivities begin with an all-day “B-Earth Day” party at East Square Plaza on Saturday, April 16 from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. Plans for the event include a slow food festival, an eco trade show, a bike parade, a trail ride, live music, a fashion show featuring designs made with recycled materials, and several other activities.

FFEAC member Mikel Lolley said he plans to do an Eco Passport again this year, a printed guide listing all of the Earth Day-related activities and specials from local businesses from April 16 – 30. Locals who attend the listed activities will be eligible to win prizes.

Fayetteville Earth Day events will conclude with a prize giveaway during Springfest, set for April 30 on Dickson Street.

We’ll have more information on Earth Day events as it becomes availble, but for now, here’s the tentative schedule for the kick-off party on the 16th at East Square Plaza, and a video featuring Lolley talking about Earth Day 2011 with Fayetteville sustainability director John Coleman.

Fayetteville Earth Day Celebration Kick-off Party

Date: Saturday, April 16
Location: East Square Plaza, 1 East Center Street, Fayetteville

TimeEvent
8 a.m. – 2 p.m.Slow Food Festival, Eco Trade Show (certified organics, locally grown foods)
2 p.m.Rug rat (kids) bike ride around the Fayetteville square
2:30 p.m.Art bike parade (Fayetteville square)
3 p.m.Mayor Jordan’s Earth Day Proclamation, Art bike judging
4 p.m.Mass bike ride from the square to Mellow Mushroom Pizza
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.Live music, potluck, Eco Slam, Trash-ion Fashion Show, and more