SOURCE: Montgomery County

For Immediate Release: Thursday, April 28, 2016 The second annual GreenFest returns to Montgomery County on Saturday, April 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. GreenFest is the County’s premier environmental festival and combines entertainment, exhibitors, films, food, and workshops to provide a day of fun for the whole family. Located at the Takoma Park Community Center at 7500 Maple Ave., the event brings together County residents and businesses who want to build a greener, healthier community, both locally and globally. As part of the Welcoming Program kicking off the event, County Executive Ike Leggett will be joined by Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy in the main Auditorium. Others participating in the Welcoming Program include Council President Nancy Floreen and Councilmembers Roger Berliner, Tom Hucker, George Leventhal and Hans Riemer, State Senator Jamie Raskin (District 20), City of Takoma Park Mayor Katie Stewart and County Department of Environmental Protection Director Lisa Feldt. Entertainment opportunities include music on the outdoor stage from 11:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Acts include an Ethiopian dance troop, fiddlers and a jazz band. Attendees can head to the auditorium at 2:30 p.m.for a special screening of the award winning documentary, E.O. Wilson: Of Ants and Men. Teens can participate in a workshop on becoming an environmental leader, while younger kids can have fun at rope-assisted tree climbing with Montgomery Parks, arts and crafts, and a story reading at the Takoma Park Library. Other event highlights include an electric vehicle show where attendees can test drive an all-electric Nissan Leaf, a native plant sale, and a GreenFest scavenger hunt. Nearly 100 vendors and exhibitors will be on site to provide environmental education and information regarding trends and ideas about how people can lead a greener life. Vegetarian, vegan and kid-friendly food will be available for sale. Additionally, attendees can receive a GreenFest sticker that makes them eligible for discounts at local businesses. Stop by the outdoor GreenFest information booth or the Old Takoma Business Association booth the day of the festival to receive a sticker. The full schedule of activities and festival information is available at montgomerycountygreenfest.org. Due to the anticipated large crowds walking is strongly encouraged locally. If you don’t live in Takoma Park, attendees are encouraged to take public transportation. There is a free shuttle that will depart regularly to and from GreenFest connection to Takoma Metro Parking Lot, nearby parking and downtown Takoma Park. Parking is limited and is available at the Takoma Metro Lot, Takoma Park Middle School, and public lots. Accessible, permit-only parking is available behind the Takoma Park Library at 101 Philadelphia Ave. For more details and directions, visit http://montgomerycountygreenfest.org/directions/. GreenFest is led by a coalition of government and non-profit partners who work together to connect County residents with resources for environmental solutions to build a healthier planet and greener environment. For more information, contact Jessica Jones at 240-777-7753. # # # Release ID: 16-439 Media Contact: Judy Stiles 240-777-6507

http://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=13986]]>