Earth Fest creates opportunities in Munising

What's happening: Earth Fest in Munising marks its second year, returning as one of the newest annual events in the central Upper Peninsula. The event includes multiple speakers from college professors to local politicians, various types of art and live demonstrations to showcase ways individuals and small businesses can learn about and help protect the local environment. The event has expanded this year to include more locations in the Munising area, including the Munising School Public Library and movie events at Gallery Coffee Company, showcasing city and county policy improvements focusing on environmental issues.

Multimedia education: In addition to work in the community, Earth Fest has been embraced by the local schools, incorporating poetry, filmmaking, engineering and Native Education into environmental-based learning. The push to include various educational and multimedia approaches diversifies opportunities during Earth Fest, making the event more accessible and interesting for those wanting to attend. 
Diversifying media input also increases the number of activities taking place during the event, similar to other major events in Munising like the Michigan Ice Fest, creating a strong foundation for success year after year.

What they're saying: “The annual celebration of Earth Fest encourages individuals to participate in the event and learn about the Earth and the challenges faced by climate change. The more we learn, the more we care, the more opportunities we will have to help create a sustainable and resilient future for the community,” said Joan Potter-Sommer, Earth Fest organizer.   

What's next: Most events are being held between April 20 and April 27, but organizers are already looking at next year’s Earth Fest. Funding sources has been a priority, with some grants and sponsors helping with individual activities. Organizers believe that growing Earth Fest could also turn into an economic driver for Munising’s seasonal economy, with events in late April helping support those businesses looking for soft openings before increased tourist activity in May.