Elon University held its annual Earth Fest Thursday as part of Earth Week, drawing in the community with free food, local vendors and university organizations. Students, faculty and the local community had chances to learn about environmentally friendly, sustainable living. Held on Medallion Plaza, there was something for everyone.
The event, hosted by Elon Dining, served many local food options, such as vegan meats, charcuterie boxes, tamales, liquid nitrogen slushies, barbeque and dragon fruit iced tea. Attendees even had the opportunity to pet and take photos with cows from local farms, walk across a challenge course tightrope and play sustainability jeopardy for prizes.
Senior Martina D’Ovidio said she was excited that the weather was perfect for Earth Fest - 89°-, and that Elon was able to have it again with full capacity.
“I’m happy that it’s so big this year, because I know in years past, we weren’t able to have a full event because of COVID-19”, D’Ovidio said. “It makes me so happy to see different vendors like Elon Dining and the Office of Sustainability come together and have a great time.”
Local vendors had tables at Earth Fest, with pottery, rings, earrings, tote bags and handmade crafts. Students were able to support small businesses from the community as well as student owned businesses.
Caileigh Finck, a senior at Elon, said her favorite part of Earth Fest was how all aspects of the community came together and supported one another, whether it was through purchasing from businesses or eating different types of food.
“It’s nice to see Elon very lively, and so nice to have everyone together outside,” Finck said. “My favorite food here was the charcuterie boards — they were so good.”
Earth Fest promoted habits related to sustainability, and many organizations handed out reusable dining ware, soil bombs — which are thrown onto the ground to sprout wildflowers — and even had a gently used clothing swap so students could shop environmentally friendly.
Earth Week celebrations are held throughout Thursday, with events such as Hammock and Hang Out at Lake Mary Nell and campus kitchen shifts at Loy Farm. More information on Earth Week, which ends April 23, can be found here.