The Village of Oak Park | 123 Madison St.  Oak Park, IL 60302 | village@oak-park.us

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Family fun awaits at 10th annual Earth Fest

April 19, 2019 - In a sure sign of spring, baby goats, baby chicks and dozens of green businesses and organizations will be congregating in Oak Park for the Village's 10th annual Earth Fest.

The family-friendly event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 27 at the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd. 

More than 70 businesses and organizations are scheduled to participate in the event, which will include Public Works tours, activities for kids, live entertainment and several recycling opportunities.

Environmental focus

Since its inception in 2010, Earth Fest has served as a way for environmentally-conscious Oak Parkers to engage with a wide range of vendors providing hands-on activities, environmental services, free samples and goods for sale.

This year will be no different as attendees will be able to gather information about composting, recycling and other ways to care for the planet from local businesses and organizations that promote wellness and sustainability.

Oak Park residents will also have a chance to meet members of the Village Board and the Village's Environment and Energy Commission, which advises the Village Board on issues related to environmental conservation.

Public Works tours

Earth Fest serves as the Public Works Department’s annual open house, with tours of the green-built Public Works facility offered at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m.

Guests will be able to check out the beehives on the building’s green roof and get an up-close look at the Village’s big trucks and other equipment during the behind-the-scenes look at what goes into the Public Works Department’s service delivery.

The Forestry Division will also be sawing timber cut down during routine work in Oak Park and distributing the remains as "tree cookies." 

Representatives from the American Lung Association will be on hand sharing information about clean-vehicle technologies, including the B20 biodiesel fuel used by a number of vehicles used in the Village’s municipal fleet. Waste Management, the Village’s refuse and recycling contractor, is bringing a compressed natural gas truck from its green fleet and will also have representatives available to answer questions about recycling in Oak Park.

Kids’ activities

Opportunities to see baby chicks up close and feed goats from an urban goat farm are among the many kid-friendly activities planned.

A bounce house and face painter will also be part of the fun, and the Park District of Oak Park will be on hand with a pop-up park for kids.

Live entertainment and more

Live entertainment returns to Earth Fest with the Hula School of Chicago performing from 11 to 11:30 a.m. and the Oak Park Farmers' Market Band taking the stage from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The Oak Park Library’s book bike is also scheduled to make an appearance at the event.

A food truck from Oak Park’s Carnivore, Inc. and ice cream truck will be parked on South Boulevard, just outside the Public Works Center, and other refreshments will be available.

Note that Pace bus routes 309 and 313 will be effected by the closure of South Boulevard for Earth Fest. As a result, westbound trips on Route 309 and Route 313 that operate during these hours will detour to Lake Street. Click here for more information about the detours.

Recycling opportunities

Earth Fest will once again include an on-site opportunity for residents to recycle eyeglasses, sun glasses and hearing aids, all of which are not eligible for disposal through the Village’s blue bin recycling program.

The organization Working Bikes will be on hand collecting used bikes in almost any condition.

The organization Cradles to Crayons will also be collecting new and gently used basics for children and babies age 12 and under, including clothing, shoes and hygiene items. Click here to see a list of items accepted.

For more information about Earth Fest, call 708.358.5778, email sustainability@oak-park.us or visit www.oak-park.us/earthfest.