Eco-Fair includes dedication of 3,000 square foot market

by Colleen Redman

Under unexpected blue skies, a banner crowd turned out for the first annual SplitRail Eco-Fair on Saturday.  “It’s a miracle,” one of the organizers said, referring to the forecasted rainy weather that didn’t happen.
Hosted by SustainFloyd, a citizen’s group promoting sustainable local economy, the Eco-Fair was timed with the International Day of Climate Action, a day of worldwide rallies and events calling for grassroots actions and bold leadership on climate change issues.
The Eco-Fair featured environmentally friendly crafts and businesses; educational exhibits on land use, alternative energy, and holistic health; martial arts and dance demonstrations; local baked goods; locally grown produce; musical entertainment; live theater; and a dedication to the new Floyd Community Market where the celebration of Floyd’s sounds, tastes, and talents was held. 
Floyd Country Store owner and developer of the Community Market, Woody Crenshaw gave the dedication address for the 3,000 square foot pavilion, which will be used for weekday parking and for selling local produce, crafts, and artwork on weekends.  Saying, “This wasn’t here a week ago,” Crenshaw thanked the Professional Builders crew who constructed the structure in short order, along with the project’s supporters and volunteers.  The Station (the adjacent newly renovated building) project investors, Healing Harvest Forest Foundation, Streamline Timberworks, Wills Ridge Supply, Turman Lumber, and participating musicians – all of whom donated materials, services, and support – were also thanked. 

”It takes a dedicated group of private investors who care about this community and a helpful local government,” Crenshaw said about the latest in Floyd’s downtown renewal. 

Recalling the words of best-selling environmental author Bill McKibben, who spoke at the Country Store in May, Crenshaw reiterated that the development of Floyd’s unique local assets is what makes the community sustainable, adding, “We can’t know how we are affecting the future, but we know if nothing is done – if there is no intention or vision – we kind of know what’s going to happen.”

Following Crenshaw’s address, SustainFloyd member and Eco-Fair organizer Haden Polseno-Hensley led fair-goers in a dedication that involved the celebratory synchronized eating of local grown apples. 
Note: More information on SustainFloyd can be found at SustainFloyd.org. 

~ Colleen Redman blogs daily at looseleafnotes.com