WS Chronicle

By Katy Nimmons 

Piedmont Environmental Alliance 

The Winston-Salem Fairgrounds will transform into a hub of environmental awareness and family fun this Saturday, April 26, as the Piedmont Earth Day Fair marks its 20th anniversary. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – rain or shine – community members are invited to explore a diverse array of exhibits and activities; all focused on promoting sustainable living and celebrating the planet. 

Organized by Piedmont Environmental Alliance (PEA), the fair has grown into North Carolina’s largest Earth Day celebration, drawing over 8,000 attendees annually. This year’s event will feature a dynamic mix of educational demonstrations, hands-on activities, and entertainment – all free to the public. 

“Earth Day is a great time for people of all ages to connect with our planet, build community, and learn how to take action locally to support the environment,” said Jamie Maier, executive director of PEA. “Folks will be inspired by learning more about all of the local work to keep our water and air safe, produce and share healthy food, and increase clean energy.” 

Earth Day Fair attendees can expect a wide range of attractions. For children and the young-at-heart, there will be two interactive kids’ zones with nature crafts, face painting, and animal encounters hosted by local organizations like the Forsyth County Public Library and Piedmont Forest School.  

For attendees looking to adopt more sustainable practices, the fair will offer live demonstrations on topics such as soil amendments, backyard beekeeping, and clothes mending. Exhibitors will also provide information on “greening” homes through energy-efficient appliances, solar panel installations, and pollinator-friendly landscaping.  

The fair will also feature two youth competitions. The Environmental Art Contest showcases students’ works of art, photography, and sculpture illustrating what Earth Day means to them. All entries will be judged by professional local artists, and the winners will be announced at 12 p.m.  

Also at noon, the final round of the PEA High School Environmental Debate Tournament will take place in the Debate Tent. Students from West Forsyth and Davie County High Schools will debate the merits of small-scale organic farming, with the winning team receiving their trophy from Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines.  

Additionally, there will be a showcase of electric vehicles, ranging from cars and scooters to commercial trucks. Visitors can learn about charging options and the latest rebates and credits available to make electric vehicles more accessible. 

Food and entertainment will be available all day, with local food trucks and vendors offering a variety of culinary options – some even powered by mobile solar panels. Two stages will feature live music performances from local musicians, courtesy of the North Carolina Songwriters Co-op. 

Finally, the City of Winston-Salem will present its inaugural Sustainability Awards at the Fair, recognizing local efforts to promote environmental stewardship. 

At the fair and throughout the year, Piedmont Environmental Alliance educates and empowers, builds community, and leads action to create a more just, resilient, and environmentally sustainable region. With over 115 exhibitors and a full day of programming, the 20th Piedmont Earth Day Fair offers something for everyone. Don’t miss this Saturday’s valuable opportunity to learn about sustainability and to connect with the local community. 

For more information, visit www.peanc.org/EDF.