Green Toronto Festival

Toronto’s third-annual celebration of all things green - the Green Toronto Festival - will take place on Friday, May 23 from 10am to 4pm and Saturday, May 24 from 11am to 9pm at Yonge-Dundas Square.

More than 100 exhibitors of green products and services will display items to help people live green at home, work, and on the road, including environmentally-friendly fashions, solar power, low emission vehicles, green roofs, biodegradable packaging, organic foods and more.

Friday is “kids’ day,” with a special focus on green events and activities for children, teachers and parents, including performances by children’s entertainers Chris McKhool and Jen Gould. ING Direct’s Imagination Garden, which features a natural playground designed and built by Gardens for Living, offers youngsters an opportunity to experience a new type of play area.

Saturday’s musical line-up includes performers such as Chantal Kreviazuk, David Usher, Kardinal Offishall and a host of local Toronto musicians.

“The fact that the festival has grown from a single day to a two-day event shows that Torontonians are embracing the idea of going green,” said Mayor David Miller. “This festival provides a terrific opportunity for residents to learn more about the many programs, products and services - offered by the city and other organizations - that will help all of us live more environmentally friendly lives and make a real difference in our city.” Mayor Miller will welcome Torontonians and participate in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest bicycle bell ensemble.

People attending the festival are encouraged to walk, ride or take public transit. A free bike repair clinic will be available. The event will be powered with clean, renewable energy from Bullfrog Power. The program and complete list of exhibitors is available at www.toronto.ca/greentorontofestival.