First Annual Homestead Eco-Fair Commemorates Partnership with the Parks

Date: February 2, 2015
Contact: General Park Information, 305-242-7700
Contact: Media Contact Linda Friar, 305-242-7714
Contact: Media Contact Mary Plumb, 305-242-7017

The first annual Homestead Eco-Fair will take place on Saturday, February 7, 2015 from12 noon to 3 pm at Losner Park in downtown Homestead. It will be a perfect day to enjoy several free activities with the family.

The event will feature educational speakers, demonstrations, live music, animals, food trucks and more. Visitors will learn about south Florida's national parks and participate in fun activities throughout the afternoon. The Homestead Eco-Fair, organized by the City of Homestead in partnership with Homestead Main Street, is a chance for residents and visitors to connect with nature and celebrate the trolley partnership and the City of Homestead's leadership in environmental stewardship.

Visitors to the Eco-Fair will also be able to combine their fun-filled day with free rides to Biscayne and/or Everglades National Parks. The Homestead National Parks Trolley, which provides free ranger-guided tours to both parks, will also have special nature photography tours on some of the Trolley routes, presented by the South Florida National Parks Camera Club.

A variety of fun and educational activities will be featured at the Eco-Fair. Live music will be provided by Grant Livingston, a local folk singer, and the Homestead City Ballet and Expressions Dance Company will also be performing. Educational speakers and demonstrations include the Youth Fishing Foundation, which will host a special fishing demonstration for kids. Eco-Fair visitors may connect with area environmental organizations through a series of interactive displays, including the opportunity to see and touch friendly Florida animals. The National Park Service will have a canoe at the Eco-Fair and will be providing paddling demonstrations. For book-lovers, there will be a book giveaway thanks to Kiwanis of Homestead/South Dade. Eco-Fair visitors will also enjoy delicious cuisine and cooking demonstrations from local chefs and food trucks.

County residents may exchange up to three old light bulbs for energy saving, compact fluorescent light bulbs and up to two water-wasting showerheads for more efficient models. This service is made possible due to the support of the Miami-Dade County Extension Office.

"The City of Homestead's Gateway Initiative actively supports Biscayne and Everglades National Parks," said Homestead Vice-Mayor Stephen Shelley. "It also demonstrates our long-standing commitment to ensuring a high quality environment for residents and future generations."

WHAT: Homestead Eco-Fair; and board the Homestead National Parks Trolley to visit both Biscayne and Everglades National Parks.
WHEN: Homestead Eco-Fair is Saturday, February 7, 2015(12 pm - 3 pm);the Homestead National Parks Trolley operates every weekend through April 26, 2015. 
WHERE: Losner Park in Historic Downtown Homestead (104 N. Krome Avenue, Homestead, FL 33030).

For a list of participating organizations in the Homestead Eco-Fair or for more information on the Homestead National Parks Trolley, please visitwww.cityofhomestead.com/gateway.

The Homestead National Parks Trolley service regularly runs every weekend through April 26, 2015. Everglades National Park provides free admission to all trolley riders to visit the Anhinga Trail.