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Politics & Government

Hayrides, Little Green Aliens Part of Fun at Festival Promoting Green Principles

Allegheny County pairs Green & Innovation Festival with Hay Day this year at Hartwood Acres.

Hayrides, journals made from recycled books, fair-trade ice cream, solar panels, chickens and little green aliens all were part of the festivities Saturday at Hartwood Acres.

The second annual brought out more than 80 organizations devoted to green-living principles and technology along with sustainable food vendors and crafters.

Hundreds of visitors learned new ideas to incorporate into their lifestyles while also enjoying hayrides and mazes as part of the annual Hay Day, celebrated on the same day as the festival.

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Allegheny County combined the two events this year to make the festival more attractive to families with children. The county also moved the event from August to September with hopes of attracting more schoolchildren, according to event organizer Darla Cravotta.

A large part of the event was the “I-Made-It Market,” a collection of 20 craft vendors.

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“We specifically chose vendors who use materials that lend themselves to the theme of the festival,” said Carrie Nardani, coordinator of the crafters.

She pointed out crafters who used plastic bags and jeans to make rugs, one who made products from herbs grown on her own farm, another who used repurposed fabric from other garments to make new garments and a collage maker who used old magazines and paper products for his artwork.

Julie Morley of Greenfield created jewelry out of Legos.

“I’ve always loved Legos, and when I was having a Lego-themed wedding, I made jewelry for my bridesmaids and myself out of Legos,” said Morley.

The idea caught on with other friends, she said, so she started selling her creations. The festival was her first event.

“I’m pretty excited — my products fit right in,” she said.

Another crafter was Marcy Bates of Cranberry, owner of in Cranberry and Recycled Reads, crafts from old books.

“I take books that are no longer saleable — maybe they are falling apart, or got wet — and I make things like journals or sketch books,” she said.

Numerous vendors had green and sustainable-living products such as solar panels, fair-trade food items, plants and electrical cars.

Several  organizations provided free information. ACTION-Housing provided information on weatherization, while the Allegheny County Health Department had information about health, nutrition and other issues.

Bike Pittsburgh provided biking maps, and Friends of the Riverfront gave out trail brochures and information.

The festival was also a venue for local nonprofits, including the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, to collect food items. 

Many organizations such as the Friends of North Park and the North Area Environmental Council looked at the event as a way to increase public awareness. The two organizations had adjoining booths at the festival.

“It’s a great way for us to reach out to the public so they know what we are all about,” said Gary Rigdon, president of the Friends of North Park.

“We look at this as one of our educational efforts as well,” he said. Several animal displays gave visitors a look at wildlife common to the North Hills area.

students offered apple crisp made with fruit picked from the Eden Hall campus, the 388-acre satellite facility in Richland Township and home to the university’s School of Sustainability and the Environment.

Despite overcast skies, the free event attracted local families, including Sheila Fortes and her two daughters, Lindsey, 10, and Nicole, 8, from Hampton.

“We came last year and wished we had spent more time,” said Sheila. “We made sure we marked it on our calendar this year.”

As the girls eyed the hayrides nearby, Sheila said they were also hoping to learn some easy ideas to incorporate a greener lifestyle at home.

“It’s great that they have all this information all in one place and so close to home,” she said.

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