Eco-friendly festival at Crandon Park in Key Biscayne to celebrate Earth

Food, music and a celebration of the environment will be on tap for Sunday's Earthfest in Key Biscayne.

By RODOLFO ROMAN
Special to The Miami Herald
Thousands of people are expected to celebrate Earth Day a little early on Sunday at the fourth annual Earthday in Key Biscayne.

The festival will be at Crandon Park, 6767 Crandon Blvd., from noon to sundown Sunday. Admission is free. There will be a $6 parking fee per car, which will benefit Miami-Dade County Parks and Recreation.

Earthfest will showcase seven performers, including musicians like Soulflower and drummer Jude Papaloko. An earth ceremony will be conducted by Lucho. Over 10 food vendors including vegetarian foods and 30 artisans will display their work. Visitors will have a chance to walk through an exhibit called Key, in which musical instruments are used to simulate the sounds of nature.

Since its inception, Earth Learning, a nonprofit organization, and Miami-Dade County Parks and Recreation have put the festival together.

Founder of Earth Learning Mario Yanez, said the performers are more than a song and dance.

``Our performances are not just entertainment but are selected for their message of conscience and responsibility for our planet and our future generations,'' he said.

Earth Day is celebrated April 22. It was founded by the late U.S. Sen. Gaylord Nelson, D-Wisconsin, as a way to appreciate Earth's environment.

Donations will be collected to benefit Earth Leaning, Yanez said. Miami-Dade County Cultural Affairs and donations help pay for the event he added.

Yanez said the event is open to everyone. Workshops on gardening and creating an energy-efficient home will also be included.

``We offer to meet people wherever they are in their conscious evolution and help make the transition to a more ecologically sustainable way of living through our workshops,'' he said.

Revelers will also have an opportunity to participate in an interactive exhibit and eco demonstrations. There will be children's activities.

Festival-goers are encouraged to bring old computers, appliances and electronics to an on-site recycling center.

Yanez said Earthfest creates unity.

``This event gives our community a space to celebrate and reflect,'' he said. ``It brings out the best in people; they can take off their masks, and they are there to enjoy themselves in the company of others who are there for similar reasons.''

For information, visit www.earthfest.us.