First-ever 'Eco Fair' emphasizes environment

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Alexandria School District 206 is proud to present its first-ever “Community Eco Fair.”

In cooperation with local businesses and organizations, the school district will host the Eco Fair on Thursday, April 22 – Earth Day – from 4 to 8 p.m.

The free event will take place at Woodland Elementary School, 1410 South McKay Avenue, in Alexandria.

The Eco Fair will feature local organizations and businesses dedicated to the sustainability of the local environment.

There will be more than 30 exhibitors and several workshops showcasing environmentally-friendly products and services, energy conservation and sustainable practices.

Several student exhibits will exhibit efforts within the school district and there will be numerous hands-on children’s activities to teach young learners about the importance of taking care of the environment.

Kids can explore the Earth from the outside and from within a 20-foot high giant inflatable globe featuring hundreds of ocean and land images courtesy of satellite photographs taken by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The Earth balloon is sponsored by 3M.

The keynote speaker for the event is Ken Meter. He is set to speak at 7 p.m.

Meter, of Crossroads Resource Center, will present his insights on how local foods can become an economic development engine for local economies. He is co-sponsored by Ploughshare Farm and West Central Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Partnership.

There will be healthy food and refreshments available for purchase.

The Eco Fair is open to the public and any business offering green, sustainable or otherwise environmentally-friendly products or services.

For more information about the Eco Fair or to view a list of exhibitors, log onto www.alexandria.k12.mn.us/ecofair.

Workshop schedule

•Building a LEED certified home – 4 to 4:30 p.m. Presenter is Rob Barse from ORB Management.

•Energy saving tips for today’s family – 4:45 to 5:15 p.m. Presenter is Sue Lundeen from Runestone Electric Association.

•Composting – 5:30 to 6 p.m. Presenter is Robin Trott from Douglas County Extension Services.

•Lakescaping and rain gardens – 6:15 to 6:45 p.m. Presenter is Diane Zeithamer from Exterior Designs.

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