The Green Evolution of Oglebayfest:
EcoFest 2009 is bigger, better & greener!

Featuring green technology, eco-businesses and services, great live music, eco-booths, tasty organic food, interactive outdoor games and activities for children and adults, EcoFest 2009 brings together environmental experts, business owners, educators and the public, all with a distinct ambition- to go green!

Presented by the Schrader Environmental Education Center and Build Green, this two-day festival takes place at the Schrader Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m October 3 and 4 during Oglebayfest.

“Our purpose is to educate the public about eco-problems, present solutions to these problems and give a call to action on environmental issues,” according to Schrader Center director Eriks Janelsins.

He said attendees will have access to the region’s “green market” and learn about sustainable living, planting and building. “Visitors will come away with new ideas to incorporate into their daily lives that can help save energy, money and our planet.”

EcoFest materialized when representatives from Build Green, an alliance of local “green” design professionals, spoke with Schrader Center staff and found a mutual interest in promoting sustainable life practices. The event debuted during Oglebayfest 2008 and proved to be an exciting and innovative addition to the popular fall festival.

“More than 1000 guests attended EcoFest last year, and our volunteers are working hard to ensure that this year’s event is bigger and better,” Janelsins said.

More than 40 eco-conscious exhibitors will offer everything from environmentally friendly products and services to information about what individuals can do regarding such issues as global warming, habitat destruction, depletion of resources and pollution. There will be a variety of green technology displays as well as eco-friendly giveaways such as compact fluorescent light bulbs and organic lollipops.

Janelsins said Oglebayfest is a great venue for this event because of its popularity and large attendance figures. “We have the potential to reach thousands of people from the Ohio Valley as well as many out-of-town visitors.”

Like many of the Center’s programs and clubs such as the Living Green Lecture Series, Rivers to Ridges Outdoor Club and the Environmental Education Book Club, the idea for EcoFest came from community members, and Schrader staffers worked with them to bring their concept to fruition.

“Programs like EcoFest illustrate that Wheeling has a growing “green” culture, and the Schrader Center is a hub for eco-friendly dialogue, activities and practices,” Janelsins said.

For more information, call the Schrader Center at 304.242.6855.