Learn about making herbal salves, cleaning without chemicals or creating a butterfly garden.
Take part in a “Swamp Tromp,” or do a Wetland Wonder Walk.
Check out some live music, take a ride in a kayak, or grab a bite to eat.
Those are just a few of the myriad festivities that will be offered at Pasco EcoFest 2013. Thousands of people are expected to turn out for the three-day festival that begins Friday evening and runs through Sunday (Nov. 8-10).
This year’s festival is at two locations: Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey, and J. B. Starkey Park off State Road 54.
EcoFest, now in its third year, focuses on helping people learn how to live sustainable lives, said Kacey Atkinson, of the event organizers. To that end, it offers a wide array of free workshops.
There’s also plenty of fun for kids, including arts and crafts, recycling games, stargazing and geocaching.
Geocaching, which is a modern twist on an old-fashioned scavenger hunt, is a big draw. “It’s a huge deal,” Atkinson said, noting organizers expect 300 to 400 people to take part in that activity.
New this year is the Trash-n-Fashion Photo Shoot and the VW Show and Swap Meet. The Florida Modeling Network will host the Trash-n-Fashion photo shoot on Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. Models and photographers will work out of Peace Hall, along with costumers, body painters, make-up and hair artists.
Costumes for the photo shoots will be fashioned out of recycled materials.
The LocalVolks on the Lake vintage Volkswagen show and swap meet, on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., will feature funky, vintage VWs. On Saturday night, Volkswagen enthusiasts are invited to cruise over to Dade City for a pre-jam party, in anticipation of Sunday’s Bug Jam.
Other highlights of Pasco EcoFest include an Eco Market, food trucks and locally brewed beer. Eco Market offers shoppers a chance to purchase locally made, grown and handcrafted items. A variety of food trucks will be on hand, and the Big Storm Brewing Co. will be serving its locally brewed microbrew.
EcoFest also is having a food drive in partnership with the Rec Center’s Youth Advisory Board and the Wellness Worship Center. The food drive will be in conjunction with the VW show.
Canned goods may be dropped off between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the VW show registration tent located on Grand Boulevard near Bank Street.
Find the full schedule of events at www.PascoEcoFest.com.
