ROCHESTER – The MI Earth Day Fest will return to last year’s new location in the Rochester Municipal Park & City Center area on April 22 and run throughout the weekend. Admission to the event and all programs is free of charge and open to all ages.

“It’s never been more important to celebrate Earth Day and there’s no better way than participating in the MI Earth Day Fest,” said the festival’s Outreach Manager, Steve Litz. “The event is one of the largest and liveliest Earth Day celebrations on the planet.”

The festival offers many opportunities for attendees to shop, learn and celebrate green and healthy living. More than 100 exhibitors will offer eco-friendly products and services, free samples, show specials, door prizes and giveaways. Leading environmental and wellness community groups will provide expert presentations, hands-on workshops and networking round-tables in the Connect Café tent. Free massage, yoga and other wellness programs will also be available.

Food trucks and vendors will offer a variety of healthy and delicious organic/natural meals, snacks and drinks. The Whole Kids Korner will host activities, arts and crafts, as well as strawbale and tower climbs. Jennifer Kincer, Festival Entertainment Manager and popular emcee, will present a full weekend line-up of family-friendly music and dance on the main stage, including award-winning local groups, talented newcomers and daily headliners.

Several special events are planned throughout the weekend including a Friday 7pm awards ceremony recognizing winners of the 2016 MI Green Hall of Fame, USGBC My Green School Art Contest and DTE GreenCurrents Earth Day Challenge, as well as a Saturday 11am parade and a Sunday 8am RARA 5k Fun Run. 

“A major Earth Day event belongs at this beautiful setting in a city like Rochester, which integrates an award-winning downtown and many natural attractions,” said Event Manager John Batdorf. “With the festival established at this great location and downtown construction completed, resulting in hundreds of new parking spaces, we’re planning for the return of large crowds seen in previous years.” 

Free admission and programming are sponsored by DTE Energy GreenCurrents, Whole Foods Market and Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART).

Festival details and directions, as well as participant information, is available online at www.miEDF.com.