The event is free to the public, including admission, parking, chances on a variety of door prizes, expert advice on tree-planting and a picnic-style lunch. Over 40 exhibitors will form a midway of educational booths. Two bucket rides, a rope-climb carrying youngsters to the park's treetops, and face-painting are among the most popular activities.
Why trees? They offer both both esoteric and practical benefits. "Trees are a way of showing we believe in tomorrow," notes a festival news release. They also anchor urban environments, "knit(ting) together the social fabric of neighborhoods, beautifying the landscape with their foliage and stateliness."
Trees also increase property values and cut costs. They filter impurities from the air, provide shade and improve storm water management, helping to prevent erosion and flooding. Studies show treed lots increase residential property values up to 17 percent, and trees can cut homeowners' energy costs by $150 and $250 a year.
They can also add to public revenue, attracting businesses and visitors. In addition to being obvious sources of things like building materials and fruit for humans and wildlife, trees can also yield music instruments, or be used as memorials and windbreaks.
The festival will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine, thanks to the work of a committee of Norwalk and Wilton volunteers, headed by Paul Sotnik, Norwalk's senior civil engineer.
The festival will also feature exhibits from the Celebration of Trees Art Show. While the show runs from April 17 to May 30 at the G&B Cultural Center, in Wilton, exhibits will move to Gallaher Mansion in Cranbury Park for the tree festival.
The art show will display paintings, sculpture and mixed media. It will be free and open to the public. An opening reception will be April 17, from 3-7 p.m. Potential exhibitors should contact Rob Frazier at rhf158@gmail.com or 917.868.9272.
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