Get your Green on, Downtown

With the Main Street Makeover in full swing, there’s never been a better time to explore the Downtown Rochester area. That’s right. Even with our streets in various stages of repair, residents should seize this opportunity to go off the beaten path and discover some city gems that we’re usually too busy driving by to notice.

Just in time for summer (and located right along the detour route) is the seventh annual Green Living Festival. Presented by MI Green Team, the free fun kicks off Friday, June 22 and runs through Sunday, June 24, at Third and Water streets and will feature more than 200 exhibits and dozens of presentations along with a food court, parade, Party for the Planet, and more. This family-friendly event also celebrates the successes of local individuals, businesses, nonprofits and government programs in growing a brighter, greener future.

“More and more people are taking steps to live greener, healthier lives,” says John Batdorf, general manager MI Green Team. “This event celebrates local efforts, large and small, and brings people together for inspiration, entertainment and all-around good, green fun.”

While you’re at the Festival, learn how-to set up a rain barrel or take a peek at hybrid and electric vehicles. National wellness experts will also be on hand to discuss topics like nutrition and disease prevention. For the kids, there will be plenty keep them busy: crafts, climb tower, and straw bale maze to name just a few of the activities. And no festival would be complete without tasty food. So head over to the local Farmers Row and organic Food Court.

If you’re just having too much fun to head home, stick around after the Festival closes and try local craft beer while enjoying music by more than a dozen bands, including Kyle Vincent, well-known singer/songwriter, environmental activist, and former lead singer of the Bay City Rollers (Friday at 7 p.m.). Plus, Green Horn and a variety of up-and-coming local bands will help keep the party going.

As far as getting to the Festival, take a free shuttle from the Home Depot on Avon Road just west of Rochester Road, ride your bike into town, or carpool and park at any number of nearby free lots.

So, grab the family and come downtown to enjoy one of the largest green/wellness events in the country. We bet you’ll discover the path less traveled really does make all the difference.

MI Green Team promotes green living, business and community through Michigan’s premier green/wellness network, website and events.  Visit www.migreenteam.com for more information.

For all event details, including program schedules, lists of participants, registration for the Charity Preview or Parade and to sponsor, exhibit or volunteer, visit www.miglf.com.

About Sarah Hovis

Freelance wordsmith, arts appreciator, grammar geek, sports spectator, stationery snob, and world traveler, Sarah charts her own course as the owner of saliho creative. She uses her creative mind and engaging dialogue to fearlessly bring the written word to life in print and online… all while keeping a watchful eye out for the next literary adventure. You can reach her at sarah@rochestermedia.com.

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