Come visit us at the Green Expo & Folk Festival!

And be sure to find our very own Chris Cryder for information about protecting our fisheries!

On Saturday, September 6, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., CT Folk’s ninth annual Green Expo, a free one-day festival, will celebrate “One Planet, Many Choices.”  75 exhibitors, demonstrations, workshops, and activities will share ideas and products for sustainable lifestyles in New Haven’s idyllic Edgerton Park. With live music running throughout the day and activities for kids, it’s an educational and entertaining family festival dedicated to nurturing nature and building community, hand-in-hand.

The band Stray Birds performing at the Folk Festival. Photo by Marilyn Catasus.
The band Stray Birds performing at the Folk Festival. Photo by Marilyn Catasus.

For the first time this year, the afternoon features a Contra Dance called by Bill Fischer, with music bydance band Wry Bred. Experienced dancers and newcomers alike are welcome to join the contra dance on the grass.

The Green Kids’ Village offers hands-on activities and entertainment to engage the next generation of environmentalists. Kids can take a workshop on solar cell crafts, be astounded by a magic show by Eco-Wizard Cyril the Sorcerer, and try their hand at making musical instruments out of repurposed materials.

Starting at 11 a.m., the festival offers an eclectic mix of traditional and not-so-traditional acoustic music. Afternoon highlights include nationally-known singer-songwriters David Roth and Cosy Sheridan, and finalists of the CT Folk Songwriting competition.

In the evening, live music continues until 10 p.m. on the outdoor stage under the stars. You’ll hear a stellar line-up of the best of local talent and touring performers handpicked from national folk festivals. Headlining is Red Molly, composed of Laurie MacAllister (guitar, banjo, bass), Abbie Gardner (dobro, guitar), and New Haven native Molly Venter (guitar). The women have released four critically-acclaimed albums, appeared at major festivals across the U.S., and toured internationally with their exciting, dynamic blend of bluegrass, folk ballads, and western swing with a touch of country. Unfold your chair, spread your blanket, and don’t forget to sample scrumptious foods from the many local vendors.

The entire event is one-hundred-percent free, but donations are graciously accepted. This is a day where your local community comes together to show you what they have to offer. You won’t be disappointed!

The CT Folk Festival & Green Expo is now in its second decade and is run under the auspices of CT Folk, a nonprofit organization dedicated to traditional and contemporary roots music and to caring for the earth. CT Kids and Family helms the media sponsorship this year, offering year-round kid-tested advice for family activities and events.

For more information about the 2014 CT Folk Festival & Green Expo, visit www.ctfolk.com.

The CT Folk Festival and Green Expo is dedicated to creating an unforgettable festival experience with an emphasis on sustainability and earth-friendly practices — including a zero waste plan and water fill stations and green transportation for our exhibitors via Metro Taxi.
Post by Coleen Campbell, CT Folk Festival and Green Expo Coordinator


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