FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 30, 2010

 
 

Union County MusicFest Shines a Green Spotlight on Conservation
 

Where Wishes are Made – Volunteer assistant Monica Brogowski checks part of a large scale art installation by artist Christene Selleck that will be on display during the upcoming Union County MusicFest at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. The installation is open to visitors starting on Wednesday September 8 with the opening of the Union County Fair at MusicFest and continuing through the weekend, when it will be joined by recycling and conservation displays at the MusicFest Green Village. In this part of the installation, visitors can write a wish on a piece of paper and place it in one of the thousands of recycled plastic bottles that form the display. For all MusicFest information visit www.ucmusicfest.com.
Where Wishes are Made – Volunteer assistant Monica Brogowski checks part of a large scale art installation by artist Christene Selleck that will be on display during the upcoming Union County MusicFest at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. The installation is open to visitors starting on Wednesday September 8 with the opening of the Union County Fair at MusicFest and continuing through the weekend, when it will be joined by recycling and conservation displays at the MusicFest Green Village.  In this part of the installation, visitors can write a wish on a piece of paper and place it in one of the thousands of recycled plastic bottles that form the display. For all MusicFest information visit www.ucmusicfest.com.      (photo: Union County Features Services)
 

Union County, NJ – The annual Union County MusicFest will include its first ever Green Village this year, featuring a dramatic interactive installation made with recycled plastic water bottles, exhibits on conservation and sustainability, and artworks using recycled materials by local artists.

“I’d like to encourage everyone to stop by and take a stroll through the Green Village at MusicFest,” said Freeholder Chairman Daniel P. Sullivan. “It’s a fun way to learn about some of the latest trends in recycling and conservation, and to see some very exciting and inspirational art.”

The public is invited to donate clean plastic water bottles, magazines, newspapers, old record albums, broken musical instruments, and even unwanted furniture to be used in recycled-art workshops at the Fusion Art & Music tent in the Green Village. For information on donating materials, email FusionShowcase@gmail.com.

MusicFest takes place at Oak Ridge Park in Clark with two days of free, nonstop live music on September 11 and 12 headlined by the megahit band Train, an additional free concert on September 9, the County Fair at MusicFest carnival September 8-12 which also features free live music, and many other attractions.

The MusicFest Green Village will be open on Saturday September 11 and Sunday September 12. It is sponsored by is the utility company PSE&G, which is expanding its portfolio into solar and other renewable energy along with extensive conservation programs.

The focal point of Green Village is a large scale multi-part interactive art installation made with recycled plastic bottles, by artist Christene Selleck.  The installation includes a dance floor complete with a DJ.

The Green Village also features a recycling education display by the Union County Bureau of Recycling and Planning, and an exhibit of sustainable building materials, along with other displays on conservation and sustainable energy. Efforts are also being made to practice conservation throughout MusicFest.

“In keeping with the spirit of Green Village, Union County has taken steps to reduce the carbon footprint of MusicFest and encourage conservation,” said Sullivan. “This is just the beginning and we hope to make additional progress in the future.”

Conservation measures for MusicFest include:

  • Recycling: Bins for collecting bottles and cans are conveniently located throughout MusicFest.
  • Alternative Transportation: Nearby residents are encouraged to walk or ride bicycles to MusicFest. Bike racks are conveniently located near the entrance (bikes are not permitted within the site).
  • Offsite Parking: Free shuttle buses are provided from the free offsite MusicFest parking lot, located nearby. Offsite parking helps reduce congestion and vehicle emissions. Onsite parking is also available for a nominal fee of $10 per day.
  • Mass Transit: Free shuttles are provided from the New Jersey Transit station in Rahway.
  • The Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County: Extension staff and volunteers will provide live demonstrations and information on gardening, nutrition, and other topics related to sustainable living. Activities include a Harvest Contest with $500 in prizes.  For contest information, call the Rutgers Extension at 908-654-9854.
  • Use of Recycled Materials: The Coca-Cola Corporation has generously donated staff t-shirts made of 100% recycled cotton and plastic bottle fiber.

For all MusicFest details and updates, visit www.ucmusicfest.com.