OCCA Drive-Through-Drop-Off, Earth Festival Set for April 26th
MILFORD—The theme for this year’s Earth Festival, organized by the Otsego County Conservation Association since 2017, is “Sustainable Synergy: Celebrate, Collaborate, Connect, Create.” This free annual event dedicated to fostering environmental awareness and community engagement among residents of Otsego County will be held on Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Milford Central School. OCCA’s Drive-Through-Drop-Off Recycling Event is also free and open to all, organizers said.
In partnership with Otsego 2000, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society, Earth Festival will feature more than 40 exhibitors and vendors offering interactive exhibits, workshops, and entertainment—all with an earth-friendly twist. According to a press release, attendees can look forward to delicious food options, engaging activities and valuable insights into local environmental initiatives.
“I love Earth Festival because it’s one of the only times throughout the year when the county’s environmental organizations gather in one location, which allows us to see how many groups are working hard to make this region a better place,” said OCCA Assistant Director Shelby MacLeish. “Join us for hands-on activities, crafts, and inspiring workshops as we celebrate our shared commitment to a healthier and more sustainable environment.”
This year’s Earth Festival keynote speaker will be Dr. Saravanan Thangamani from SUNY Upstate Medical, who will discuss “Tracking the Emergence of Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases in New York.” His presentation promises to provide critical information for residents regarding public health and environmental change. Dr. Thangamani will speak at 11 a.m.
“Adding to the excitement, we are thrilled to introduce a Repair Café running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.,” OCCA officials said. “This unique opportunity allows you to bring your broken items and receive free repairs from our volunteer expert coaches, along with advice on how to fix various items. While repairs are complimentary, materials needed for fixes will be available for purchase. “
Earth Festival will also feature a Drive-Through-Drop-Off Recycling Event at Wilber Park on Dave West Drive in Milford from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., allowing folks to dispose of hard-to-recycle items responsibly without leaving the car. The event will include a free shredding truck to securely dispose of sensitive documents. For more information, including a complete list of items accepted at the recycling event, visit https://www.occainfo.org/earth-festival or contact OCCA at (607) 547-4488.
Earth Festival is an initiative of the local environmental community created to cultivate collaboration and further showcase the importance of sustainable practices in our region. Founded in 1968, OCCA is a private nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the appreciation and sustainable use of our region’s resources.