Ferndale Green Fair to be Bigger, Better This Year

Earth-friendly home furnishings, healthy bites and holistic advice are just some of the things you’ll find in downtown Ferndale during this year’s Live Green Fair.

The city’s main drag, along West Nine Mile, east of Woodward Avenue, and several downtown businesses will play host to the .

Started as part of the Funky Ferndale Art Fair last fall, the Live Green Fair has expanded into its own event.

“There was so much interest in the fair that it outgrew its space within the first year,” said coordinator Mark Loeb.

This year, Loeb will utilize the additional room and attempt to showcase all aspects of green living, creating what he calls a “five-in-one event.”

“We’re focusing in a lot of different directions because there isn’t just one green world,” said Loeb.

Falling under Loeb’s expansive green umbrella are the following:

• A Green Home Show featuring home needs and energy conservation information.
• A Free Veggie Taste Fair that will promote vegetarianism and ethical eating for personal health and the planet.
• A Green Art Fair set to showcase creations made from reusable materials.
• A Holistic Enlightenment Fair with healers and medical experts present to offer a glimpse into the spiritual side of green living.

In addition to these mini-fairs, the Live Green Fair will offer live music, speakers and child-friendly entertainment.

It’s an event that Douglas Christie, chair of the Ferndale Environmental Sustainability Commission, expects locals will embrace.

“Ferndale prides itself on being ahead of the curve environmentally,” said Christie. “You can see that from people riding their bikes, recycling, bringing reusable bags to the grocery store. ... I think people will really enjoy it.”

In addition to attracting Ferndalians, Loeb expects a third of festival visitors will be newcomers to the city.

“People will be able to take in the atmosphere of Ferndale and … enjoy a walkable city for the afternoon or evening.”

Christie hopes this event will leave enviro-friendly folk with a positive impression of the city and prompt them to come back.

Green Fair hours are from , and .