RIVER FALLS – The fourth annual Earth Fest will take place April 26 from noon to 4 p.m. at the University Center at UW-River Falls at 501 Wild Rose Ave., River Falls. The event is free and open to all. Earth Fest is a celebration of community and environmental wellness efforts and a collaborative effort coordinated through Hope for Earth in partnership with the School District of River Falls, the UWRF Sustainability Office, the City of River Falls and many additional entities.    
This year, the festivities will begin with an exclusive pre-event performance by the Smokeytown Singers at 11 a.m. in the Falcon’s Nest, University Center. The Smokeytown Singers are a renowned drum group from the Menominee Tribe in Wisconsin. The group works to promote and protect traditional Menominee music and culture by performing at powwows and cultural events nationwide. The performance will also include a component honoring and recognizing military veterans.  
Additional event highlights:
Forager Chef Alan Bergo: Following the Smokeytown Singers, Forager Chef Alan Bergo will give a presentation about walnut milk at noon. Bergo will then have an exhibit in the Meet Your Farmer & Local Ag area where attendees will have the opportunity to learn about sustainable foraging and enjoy delicious samples.
Electric Vehicle Charging 101: ZEF Energy will provide a brief presentation at 12:45 p.m. Attendees can ask questions and learn more at the ZEF Energy exhibitor space.  
Trashion Show: At 1 p.m., the Trashion Show will highlight the fallout from fast fashion and showcase local talent with creative alternatives. Participants will present outfits made from recycled and repurposed materials, demonstrating innovative and sustainable fashion choices. Three categories will be presented including recycled/upcycled, mended, and thrifted.  
Bluegrass Music: At 2 p.m. The Pickled Beats Bluegrass Band will perform. The performance is through a partnership with the River Falls Chamber of Commerce and the annual River Falls Bluegrass Festival.
Seasonal Spotlight: This year, Earth Fest will feature a Seasonal Spotlight partnership with local farms and restaurants. Attendees can enjoy free samples of local and sustainable food options, with an ongoing focus on seasonal ingredients and dishes at local restaurants throughout the growing season.
Exhibitors: 90+ exhibits intended to educate about sustainability-related practices and local opportunities for involvement. There will also be giveaways of trees, LED light bulbs, laundry detergent sheets and other sustainability related items. For the first time, exhibitors will be allowed to sell items such as honey, cookbooks, and reusable bags.
Activities: An assortment of activities for those of all ages will include outdoor learning and play for young children, Humble Horse Ojibwe ponies, interactive surface water displays, clothing swap, Coco's Heart dog rescue, book giveaway and an art project with Community Arts Base. Attendees will also be able to participate in a new community mosaic project.  
Electric cars, tools and more: Talk with owners of electric vehicles and tools to learn about charging, battery life and performance.  
Parking is available on public streets around UWRF as well as in various campus parking lots.  
Free shuttle transportation is available from several River Falls locations in collaboration with the River Falls Bluegrass Festival.  
Attendees are asked to bring well water to be tested and one to two gently used adult clothing items to trade to help reduce throwing away clothing. The site also will be home to battery recycling. Event organizers encourage attendees to help reduce waste by bringing their own water bottle or coffee mug for use at the beverage stations.  
Old growth sponsors of this year’s event are the City of River Falls/River Falls Municipal Utilities and the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Interfacial Consultants and the Wisconsin Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy are sapling sponsors.  
For more event and parking information, visit https://www.hopeforearth.org/earthfest and facebook.com/earthfest.RF  

Submitted by Earth Fest