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In the Loop

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING POWERFULlY POSITIVE TO DO TODAY? CHECK OUT THE MAUI EARTH DAY FESTIVAL.

POLO MAUI PHOTOGRAPHY photo

Featuring more than 35 organizations, yoga, eco vendors and crafters, ono food, organic Easter egg hunts, an inaugural sound-healing tent and live music on three stages, the 22nd annual Maui Earth Day Festival kicks off today at 11 a.m. through 8 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Paul Kenolio Hall, 1136 Uluniu Rd., in Kihei.

For more than two decades, the festival has celebrated the majesty of our planet and encouraged its compassionate care through education and awareness.

“This is a true grassroots event that generates a lot of interaction between the public and various environmental and social awareness organizations involved in benevolent causes on Maui,” notes Festival Coordinator Bruce Douglas, who has been associated with Earth Day festivities since the beginning. “Some of these organizations will speak about their causes on the main stage between musical performances.”

According to Douglas, selected artists write and perform music dedicated to spreading the message of Earth Day.

The diverse entertainment lineup includes Youssou Sidibe, Fantuzzi, Village Pulse, Love Eternal, Awaleimoi, Maui Groove Ensemble, Joe Marshalla, Maria Christina and others.

Dancers delight festival-goers at last year’s event -- POLO MAUI PHOTOGRAPHY photo

   With each passing year, the festival grows larger, Douglas notes.

“This year we are adding a sound-healing tent where many of the premier sound-healing groups will showcase their work. Participants will be able to lay down and soak in the sound bath of vibrations.”

Also new this year is the yoga class pavilion featuring different yoga teachers on the hour who will showcase their individual style of yoga instruction.

And that’s not all.

As this year’s festival takes place on Easter Sunday, organizers are reinventing the traditional Easter egg hunt with an organic, Earth-friendly version taking place at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. in which keiki search for hand-painted wooden eggs along the shoreline and turn them in for a bag of healthy organic treats. Later, keiki will have an opportunity to share from the stage how they want to save the Earth.

Eco-friendly vendors abound on festival grounds -- POLO MAUI PHOTOGRAPHY photo

As the sun dips into the Pacific, those interested are invited to a “silent disco” event where they can dance to DJ music via headphones.

Festival entry fee is $10 with keiki admitted free of charge. For more information, visit www.mauiearthday.org.

   

Massage is among the healing services offered -- POLO MAUI PHOTOGRAPHY photo

Keiki are encouraged to participate and share their views -- POLO MAUI PHOTOGRAPHY photo

Shaka from a tree says it all. -- POLO MAUI PHOTOGRAPHY photo

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