Earthfaire planned at park

Event to include more than 60 exhibitors

Clockwise from left, Karina Hernandez, 5, her mother, Lori, and brother Kyle, 3, pet a rescued burro during the Summerlin Earthfaire in April 2006 at Summerlin Centre Community Park. This year?s event is set for 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the park, 1800 S. Town Center Drive.View File Photo Advertisement

The fifth annual Summerlin Earthfaire is planned for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Summerlin Centre Community Park, 1800 S. Town Center Drive.

Summerlin and its homebuilders host the family oriented event, which will include more than 60 exhibitors, ranging from environmental organizations to pet adoption groups. Environmental groups will provide information about their respective organizations, as well as tips on recycling, energy savings and conservation education.

There also will be children's environmental art activities, hands-on science experiments, musical entertainment, food and other activities. Admission and parking are free.

Tom Warden, senior vice president of community and government relations for the Howard Hughes Corp., an affiliate of General Growth Properties and developer of Summerlin, said that Summerlin has always followed an environmental stewardship, but that the trend to go green was accelerating rapidly.

"It's a great idea to have a single event with dozens of environmental organizations, so residents and people from all over the valley can come to one place and take advantage of what's out there," he said.

Nikki Liesse, marketing director for the company, said it's important to involve children.

The Summerlin event lasts just one day. But a group of children are out to make taking care of the planet a lifelong commitment. They are members of the Las Vegas Kids For Saving Earth, and this year marks the first time members have had a booth at the Summerlin Earthfaire.

Members often wear T-shirts with slogans like Pollution Solution, Go Green and Protect What Is Meant To Be.

The Las Vegas club was formed in April 2005. Currently, there are about 60 valley families on board, involving children age 5 to 14. Hands on activities include picking up trash and planting trees.

Lauren Esquivel, 10, is an enthusiastic member of the Las Vegas Kids For Saving Earth. She watches TV shows like "Survivorman" and environmentally based ones on the Discovery Channel.

"If kids want to help the environment, even just picking up garbage in their neighborhood can have an impact," she said.

She said it all starts with awareness, so the club's booth will include an activity to make environmentally themed bracelets.