Earth Fair San Diego, 2009

Earth Fair in San Diego's Balboa Park is said to be the largest free environmental fair in the world by some people. Over 70,000 people were expected to attend this event in its 20th year. The theme for this year was "Be the Change" in relation to the current attitude of wanting change in the world. There were over 400 vendors dealing with different environmental products and issues. Other groups of people with different agendas were also seen at this event. People were encouraged to take environmentally friendly transportation by offering shuttles and free valet bike parking. More bikes than ever seemed to be in this area at this particular time.

A variety of different kinds of booths were available to be checked out. Some of them seemed a little out of place to be at an environmental fair, such as those involving massages, paganism, and many different anti-abortion displays. The majority of the others were informing people of different groups involving mass transit, hiking, nature, clean energy, healthy food, veganism, and animal issues. Some remnants of Earth Day's early embracers could be seen with peace demonstrations, a booth on legalizing marijuana, and Hare Krishna were easily visible.

At the southern end of the park, there was a display of cleaner running cars. It was nestled near with a large display by Kashi who was giving out large samples of its latest treats. Whole Foods was also there with a free coupon book and many other different stores were offering canvas bags for sale. Frito Lay had a booth with degradable packaging for their chips and offered free samples. The bags, they say, degraded faster than other bags once they were put in a landfill. A small section with artists like local artist Greg High were selling their artwork and crafts in a shady area just south of the Organ Pavillion. A recycled art and endangered species section was near this area as well.

Also near the southern end was one of two booths about FIDO, or Fiesta Island Dog Owners group. Indeed, there were a lot of people who brought their dogs to the fair. Unfortunately, it was a very hot day and by noon, many of the dogs looked like they were having a hard time. However, their owners were taking good care of them.

At about 10:30 in the morning, the Children's parade marched throughout the park. One of the displays that the children had was about saving the ocean and not using plastic bags. There were other children's activities all throughout the park, including dancing, music, face painting and art making. At the Natural History Museum's booth, there was a live rosey boa to be checked out by the children and another booth had birds from the parrot family.

At the Pavillion, as well as well as throughout the park and on the Prado, bands played music. People were doing small shows here and there along where the booths were near the Botanical Garden and places nearby. In this area there was information about drought resistant plants and solar heating. An electric bike seller made a big appearance nearby selling their bikes with electric assist for those who don't have the energy to pedal on their own.

All in all, it was a good family oriented event. However, most people didn't seem to take the hint about the environmentally friendly transportation, because at noon, traffic in the area was in a total jam.