A Community Coming Together: ECO FEST 2022

As we inch toward summer Fort Wayne experienced it’s third Eco FEST. The event had been interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and it appeared people had missed it. ECO FEST’s mission is simple; increase awareness and educate about sustainability, celebrate businesses and organizations whose mission push forward sustainability, and encourage community involvement in making sustainability accessible to all. 
 
The festival was held at the Headwaters Park east pavilion. The site was full of tables of agencies, vendors, and art. The hall was aromatic as the air filled with the smell of plant-based street tacos, kombucha, sour dough, and spices.  While the hall was loud with the buzz of excited attendees it was also filled with the sound of local musicians.

Vendors included green cleaning products, resale clothes, art, fabrics, foods and garden and landscaping supplies. Agencies and organizations included many of our familiar friends, Little River Wetland Projects, ACRES Land Trust, L.C. Nature Park, Soarin’ Hawk Raptor Rehabilitation, and the Miami Nation of Indians of the State of Indian. There were agencies focused on the health of watersheds including the St. Joseph and the Maumee (two agencies). Agencies focused on permaculture, conservation, forests, organic gardening and native plants.
 
One of the goals of ECO FEST is to keep the momentum of the event going throughout the year. That is possible by composting, eating local, recycling, using alternative transportation, and getting actively involved and committed to a greener tomorrow.    The day was inspiring. The sponsors, the activities, the foods, and the camaraderie highlighted why this festival was missed and why attendees and volunteers are looking forward to ECO FEST 2023.