Cold Weather Alert!

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• Cedar Rapids Sustainability will present the Green CR Champion awards.
• The textile industry is one of the leading contributors to the climate crisis- from polluting waterways, destroying habitats, emitting toxic chemicals into the air, and forcing deadly working conditions to some of the most vulnerable populations in the world. With this fashion show, we want to showcase the area’s artists who are creating sustainably and bringing to light the need and desire for change within the fashion industry. Each artist has created looks made from discarded materials. From the moment we wake up and put something on, we are sending a message that connects us to the water, the plants, the people, and the heartbeat of the planet. 

The Iowa State University Insect Zoo will have over 100 species of living arthropods on display. Tarantulas, scorpions, beetles, walking sticks, roaches, and more! Get hands-on and feel the bumpy body of the death feigning beetles or the soft, fluffy Rosie the Tarantula, all while learning about the importance of these misunderstood animals. 

 Thanks to generous donors, including Goldfinch Cyclery, SOKOL Outfitters, Indigo River & Co., Frontier, and Lion Bridge Brewing Company, we have great prices to raffle off at our 2023 event. Stop by the main EcoFest booth to find out how you can win a FREE new bike or a basket of goodies from our donors. .

 Bring your own reusable mug and tea bag, and fill up with hot water at the main EcoFest booth. A warm drink is a great way to keep your body temperature up as you explore our vendor fair and connect with environmentally conscious organizations and businesses. 

 The Cedar Rapids Community School District's student lead Green Teams are on a mission to educate and implement sustainable practices that will protect our environment and reduce our carbon footprint. The teams work tirelessly to bring best practices, important topics, and relevant experiences to their schools. They will be demonstrating and sharing various projects they have worked on this year in hopes of also teaching the community how to follow their lead for a healthier earth. 

Local artists are invited to design art inspired by solutions to climate change. The temporary designs will be applied to sidewalks with environmentally friendly, rain-activated, invisible spray. The art will become visible when the pavement gets wet and will last up to four months. Finalists will be announced at EcoFest.

Call to artists: https://cms8.revize.com/revize/cedarrapids/Rain%20Art%20Artist%20Call.pdf

 Compost from the Solid Waste Agency is a great way to bring nutrients to your garden, newly planted trees, and lawn! Compost is always free from the county, and on Earth Day, you can also enjoy the convenience of picking up a bag at EcoFest thanks to Green Iowa AmeriCorps and Matthew 25. You can also learn more about how composting, gardening, and buying local produce ties in with creating a positive environmental impact.

  Explore environmental justice with the Linn County Sustainability Department at EcoFest! We will be sharing the discussions from our series at EcoFest and encourage you to learn, engage, and ask questions at our table. Topics discussed in the series include redlining in Linn County, disaster action planning, and neighborhood revitalization.

Learn all about backyard chickens! Mikaela Seely will have her chickens at the festival. Mikaela has kept backyard chickens for six years and has completed the Indian Creek Nature Center Backyard Chickens class.  Meet the chickens and ask Mikaela about her experience.

 CR Face Painting will paint children's faces with art ranging from butterflies and caterpillars and beyond.

 Find your used shirt for Saturday! Some of our activities will be moved indoors due to the cold forecast—including a fan favorite activity: T-shirt printing! These were two designs from last year, and you’ll need to stop by to see the new designs from local artists this year! 

 Make seed bombs with the Iowa Ceramics Center! Milkweed and native prairie plants are essential for the survival of many polinators, and this is a great way to distribute seeds and create more habitat. Prairie seed was donated by the Linn County Conservation.   

The Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio (ICCGS) will host an Art Market and Studio Fundraiser  in conjunction with EcoFest.  Regional artists will sell handmade works of art centered around plants and Earth Day. Unique pottery, art originals and also prints will be for sale by individual artist during this event.  ICCGS will host activities for the family including: seed bomb making, wheel throwing demonstrations, and drop in workshops. Learn more here: https://iowaceramicscenter.org/plantspotsprints/