Enter Earth Fest, held Saturday, April 26 at UW-River Falls' University Center, embodies the culmination of months of work by a dedicated group of people striving to make the community more …
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GALLERY: Earth Fest 2025 makes big impact
Members of AsiAni, a culture-based club at UW-River Falls that strives to provide a space for indigenous students to find community and create educational opportunities for all students who have an interest in Native American heritage, introduced the Smokeytown Singers Menominee Drum Circle at Earth Fest, held Saturday, April 26 at UWRF’s University Center.
Sarah Nigbor / Pierce County Journal
The American Legion Post 121 Honor Guard brought in the flags into the Falcon’s Nest at UW-River Falls Saturday, April 26 during the Smokeytown Singers’ performance. Smokeytown honors the flags and all veterans because their people to fought in wars under the United States flag.
Sarah Nigbor / Pierce County Journal
The Smokeytown Singers Menominee Drum Circle, led by Myron Pyawasit III (far right) and founded by his father, Myron Pyawasit Jr. (center), came from the Menominee Indian Reservation north of Shawano to perform at River Falls’ Earth Fest at the request of Earth Fest Committee member Mike Noreen.
Sarah Nigbor / Pierce County Journal
Myron Pyawasit Jr., the founder of the Smokeytown Singers Menominee Drum Circle, shares his wisdom with the crowd gathered in the Falcon’s Nest preceding Earth Fest. Their group supports Earth Fest because it works to take care of Mother Earth.
Sarah Nigbor / Pierce County Journal
Earth Fest attendees were invited to sample ice cream made by Falcon Foods at UW-River Falls.
Sarah Nigbor / Pierce County Journal
Earth Fest attendees had the chance to “shop” at a free clothing swap on Saturday, April 26. Our Neighbors’ Place Executive Director Shelly Smith reminds the public they are also welcome to shop at The Closet (122 W. Johnson St.) for a sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe.
Sarah Nigbor / Pierce County Journal
Carol Matara, River Falls, picking out a seashell to make a necklace at the First Presbyterian Church of Hudson Earth Fest booth.
Sarah Nigbor / Pierce County Journal
Retired River Falls teacher Sue Covill helps her young companions pick out seeds at Earth Fest River Falls on Saturday, April 26. The event is a collaboration of multiple community partners working toward sustainability.
Sarah Nigbor / Pierce County Journal
Earth Fest attendees had the opportunity to add to a glass mosaic that will be wrapped around a Second Street flower planter in River Falls.
Sarah Nigbor / Pierce County Journal
The Humble Horse, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, education and reconnection of the Ojibwe pony to Indigenous people and non-Indigenous people, brought Animkii, nicknamed “Tiny,” to meet Earth Fest friends. He enjoys escaping enclosures and napping. His name in Ojibwe means “Thunderbeing.”
Sarah Nigbor / Pierce County Journal
Earth Fest’s Trashion Show gave people something to think about when it comes to designing new outfits out of repurposed clothing.
Enter Earth Fest, held Saturday, April 26 at UW-River Falls' University Center, embodies the culmination of months of work by a dedicated group of people striving to make the community more sustainable.
According to columnist Robin Boles, "Earth Fest reflects the multi-faceted nature of sustainability. It demonstrates how sustainability can impact all aspects of our lives: how we move around, the clothes we wear, home upkeep, the food we eat. Basically, everything we do can have an impact when viewed and approached through the lens of sustainability, and Earth Fest offers it all up on a silver platter."
Attendees were able to learn more about EV transportation, meet more than 100 local businesses and organizations doing work around sustainability, partake in fun activities, meet the Humble Horse Ojibwe ponies and Coco's Heart Rescue dogs, sample local foods, meet local farmers and growers, and celebrate the community with various entertainment options.
