Mother Natures Forces Saturday's Framingham Earth Day Festival Inside

Mother Nature can be unpredictable, even when you are trying to help the planet.

With a forecast of rain for Saturday, the 4th Annual Earth Day Festival has been moved to Framingham High's gymnasium as opposed to the Town Green, said organizer Donna Kramer Merritt Thursday night.

The event is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and there are several new features this year, including workshops. A complete schedule, which is subject to change is below.

There will be health and wellness booths, energy-efficiency booths, artisans, eco-lifestyle booths and so much more. The Festival has grown each year, and this year there are almost 100 booths/vendors, said Merritt.

For a complete list of exhibitors/vendors, click here.

Boston law firm Breakstone, White, and Gluck is donate 150 bicycle helmets to be given out to children ages 6 through 15. They are first come, first serve.

There will also be lots for kids to do at the festival, too.

Families will discover a seed planting, origami and pine cone bird feeders craft stations, said Merritt. There will also be face painting.

There will also be live music.
Band scheduled to perform include:

• Jessie Hanson and the Foundations
• Big Bad Wolf
• The New Sound Assembly
• Fox Pass

• Eyeglasses at the the Framingham Lions Club booth at Framingham High
  

• New or Gently Used Children’s clothing at the Cradles to Crayons booth at Framingham High.

• Mercury materials: Everyone always wants to know how to safely dispose of old Compact Florescent Light Bulbs (CFLs).  And what about mercury filled thermometers, thermostats and spent rechargeable batteries?  Bring them to the  Framingham Department Of Public Works booth.
• Packaging Peanuts - bring them to the  UPS Store booth and they will reuse them or to Grace Congregational Church from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Styrofoam - can be brough to Grace Congregational Church at 76 Salem End Rd from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  REFOAMIT  is the sponsor.

• Clothing - clean out your closets and bring new or gently used clothing to the Framingham ELKS Club from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Prescription Drugs - clean out your medicine cabinet and bring unwanted prescription and over the counter drugs to the Framingham Police Station from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Electronics: How about that old TV that you’ve been trying to sell on Craig’s list, or that computer sitting in your basement from 1999. Time to clean out space and have those products responsibly recycled! Sponsored by Conigliaro Industries, you can drop your items off for FREE at a truck, which should be in the Framingham High lot now, due to the move indoors from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• 11 a.m. workshops:

• Container Gardening by Rivers Edge Garden Center: You think you need a big yard to do gardening?  Think again! Come learn from the experts on how to grown things in small spaces, just in time for spring!

• Energy Efficiency by Next Step Living: No matter how much we think we may already know about making our houses more energy efficient, there is always something new to learn!

• Noon workshops:

• The 10 Essentials in Your Backpack: Learn what you need to know and bring for a day on the trails! Planning and preparing are essential for having a fun, successful outing on local trails through beautiful and diverse natural places.  Through hands-on activities and competition, you’ll gain the skills you need to pack your pack and get outside. Covering up to five scenarios, participants will team up to prep their backpack from a pile of outdoor gear.

• Homeopathy:  Ecologically Sound Medicine: Learn about Homeopathy, a natural, safe and effective method of healing that is also good for the earth!

• 1 p.m. workshops:
• • Water Conservation: Going Green with Water: When you change the pH of water, its properties are altered. Very acidic water has been shown scientifically to kill bacteria. Very alkaline water can remove oil-based pesticides. See first-hand how this works, preserves the earth, and enhances health

• How medicinal-grade Essential Oils can help heal you, your family and the planet: Hands-on introductory workshop where you will learn briefly about the history, usage and application of essential oils.  Learn how safe they are to use for all ages, and how they can help many common ailments, act as pain killers, increase energy, ease stress, help digestion, and more!

• 2 p.m. workshop:

• How to Eat and Live with Compassion by Vegan Metrowest: How much do you know about eating a plant-based diet.  Come test your knowledge!  Win some vegan ice cream!  Q & A discussion about eating a plant based diet to follow the game!