Sustainable Ballard to host 11th annual festival this Sunday

The Sustainable Ballard Festival is returning for its 11th year this Sunday, September 28, from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Ballard Commons Park (NW 57th St and 22nd Ave NW). This year’s festival, described by organizers as a country fair with a few surprises and unexpected twists, is set to focus on reuse and recycling in our neighborhood.

Organizers are excited to promote sustainable practices to locals all over the neighborhood. “Ballard has become really good at reducing the amount of waste we send to the landfill, but we wanted to remind our neighbors not to become complacent. There is always more we can do,” says Sustainable Ballard President, Jenny Heins.

The festival is set to feature unique, entertaining and sustainable activities including the Trash Fashion Show, the launch of the Ballard Reusable Cups Campaign and live entertainment on the solar powered main stage. In terms of food and drink, attendees will be impressed with The Taste of Ballard area that will feature local food and brews.

Activities will be on offer for the whole family to enjoy. Visitors will have the chance to meet city goats and learn what it takes to raise their own. They can take a crank on the cider press and sample some sweet fresh apple nectar and can even learn to make a bubble wand out of 6-pack rings from the Bubbleman himself. Festival goers will also be entertained by the Two Bike and Pet Parades which will feature bikes and pets decorated by kids using repurposed frippery provided by Seattle ReCreative. Skate Like a Girl will be on hand to provide free skateboard lessons and a spiritual space will provide a place of calm in the midst of all the excitement.

This year the Sustainable Ballard team has arranged for some very special treats for festival attendees. The first 220 visitors will receive a free 2015 Chinook Book, courtesy of Swansons Nursery. A Giant Twist Freedom electric bike, valued at $2,200 and donated by Electric and Folding Bikes NW, will be also be raffled off ($5 per ticket; drawing at 5:45pm).

“As it does every year, this homegrown, human-powered celebration will also offer sustainability support and education from local businesses and nonprofits, with a multitude of ideas for living a greener life,” says Heinz.

The family-friendly festival is a free event. Click here to check out the entire festival line up.