• What: Greenfest
• When: 10 a.m.. on Saturday, May 16
• Where: Bethlehem Children’s School at 12 Fisher Blvd. in Slingerlands
• How much: Free
• Donation: Plastic bottle cap
• Info: www.bethlehemchildrenschool.org
For the 20th year, the Bethlehem Children’s School will again hold its annual Greenfest celebration.
Greenfest is an earth-friendly event open to the community. The day is held in conjunction with the International Environmental Awareness Campaign and works to emphasize the “small things people can do to create a greener world.” The Bethlehem Children’s School is a small, child-centered, multi-age school serving children from age 3 through eighth grade since 1995.
“This event is the biggest one we’ve had so far,” said Greenfest Coordinator and Acting Administrator Heather LaVeille. “We’re really excited by the amount of participation and feel it is becoming a local tradition.”
The first celebration was just a small recycling event held for students and their families. Greenfest now attracts about 500 guests each year, and it’s the school’s largest fundraiser. The event will feature organic, recycled and fair trade vendors, a book fair, a community garage sale, silent auctions, speakers and live entertainment. Local artists and crafters will also be featured, along with activities for the children, including a bounce house, face painting and a magic show.
There is no cost to attend, but this year organizers are asking for bottle cap donations for the school’s new project.
“We are kicking-off our new campaign to collect 41,667 plastic bottle caps to build a small amphitheater on the school’s campus,” said LaVeille. “We chose that number because that’s the amount of plastic caps thrown out each minute in the United States.”
The amphitheater will be built on a corner of the school’s property and be used for smaller performances outside. In 2012, the Bethlehem Children’s School won $1,000 from the town’s Garden Club to help purchase equipment and supplies needed to build a sustainable greenhouse on campus. The building is made out of recycled plastic bottles, and the amphitheater was thought of as an off-shoot project.
Vendors include REimagine Studio, Up-cycle Home Decor, Peaceful Inspirations, Blue Rose Chainsaw Carving, Plexis Worldwide, Rambling Prose and Boudoir Baby, among others. This year’s event will feature 20 vendors in all and 10 non-profit organizations. Many will feature their own family-friendly activities.
Food vendors will be La Empanada Llama Peruvian Cuisine and Perfect Blend. The day will also include karaoke and music by local band Raisinhead.
“I like to tell people it’s like a mini Tulip Festival,” said Simone Paoletti-Albrecht, director of academics/primary teacher. “We also have an open house of the school for those who may be interested, and our walking trails will be open. It’s a fantastic day for families with kids in pre-school through middle school.”
Greenfest takes place on Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The festivities will take place at Bethlehem Children’s School at 12 Fisher Blvd. in Slingerlands. Parking is along the street.
