This celebration will be held at the courtyard between the Administration Building and the L. Quentin Lane Gymnasium with parking available below the gym.
There will be food, presentations, entertainment, and various vendors from the Cleveland community discussing the importance and benefits of “going green.”
Beirné Beaty, executive director of the Cleveland State Foundation, said, “It’$ All About the Green” is an annual event that teaches participants ways to go green and still save money, (hence the dollar sign in the name.)
“The focus is sustainability … in many ways, not just recycling. There are ways of living that will save money, but will also sustain the environment,” stated Beaty.
Past exhibitors have included The Caring Place, the Greenway Community Garden, Tennessee Renewable Energy, ABC Tree Service, Beaty Fertilizer, Inc., Cherokee Hiking Club, Cleveland Utilities, Clover Wreath Farm, Earthscapes and Stein Construction, Good Fortune Soap, Keep America Beautiful, River Ridge Environmental Education Program, and many other businesses and organizations.
In addition to the many exhibitors, there will also be presentations throughout the day. Past events have included Breann Murray-Tolley with Clover Wreath Farm, an organic farmer who discussed community supported agriculture.
Dan Hartman, Cleveland forester, led a walk through CSCC’s Arboretum, and Rachel Norris of River Ridge Environmental spoke on the cost of coal for Tennessee. Allan Gentry, CSCC dean of technology, gave a presentation on solar energy and the Energy Efficient Construction program at Cleveland State.
Dr. Carl Hite, CSCC president, said, “I think it is very important for colleges, including CSCC, to take a lead in this country on going ‘green.’ It is the right thing to do, and if you run a business, it can keep you in the ‘green.’ I am glad to see CSCC play a leadership role in this community. The college is implementing green practices, as well as implementing academic programs that include sustainability as part of the course. We very much appreciate all of the companies that are participating in the Green Day Events. I know that the folks who came last year had a great experience.”
Children’s entertainment during the event will include face painting, sidewalk art, and a recycle bin toss. “It’$ All About the Green” is open to the community and admission to the event is free. There will be giveaways, free tree seedlings, and door prizes.
The event has grown each year with approximately 500 persons attending last year.
Space for the environmental awareness fair is still available.
The cost of a booth measuring 6 feet by 6 feet is $25; registration deadline is March 30. Vendors are welcome to sell merchandise.
For more information on being an exhibitor, contact Beaty at 423-478-6206 or e-mail her at bbeaty@clevleandstatecc.edu.
