The Community Environmental Council and its long-time festival partner, CarpEvents, were thrilled to bring the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival back to Alameda Park on Saturday, April 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., 2024. Now in its 54th year, the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival is one of the longest-running Earth Day celebrations in the country, and is one of the largest on the West Coast. Spanish-speaking staff were on-hand (identified with “Hablo Español” name badges) to provide information and resources on electric vehicles, home energy efficiency upgrades, how to become a climate activist, and more.

CEC’s Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival was FREE for attendees and we welcomed 28,000 community members to the park over the two-day event.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS YEAR’S EVENT INCLUDED:

Environmental Hero Award: CEC’s Environmental Hero Award was presented on Sunday, April 28 at 12:00 p.m. on the Main Stage. This year’s award was presented to Alejandra Warren, the co-founder and Executive Director of Plastic Free Future (PFF), a California-based nonprofit committed to the reduction and elimination of plastic pollution through promoting reusable alternatives, with a focus on outreach to underserved and systemically-excluded communities. Awarding-winning Tracy Lehr, Anchor at KEYT TV, emceed the ceremony.

The festival featured longest running Green Car show in the United States, featuring the latest electric and hybrid vehicle technology, Show highlights included:

• Test-drive event: The annual Ride & Drive was a first-hand opportunity for attendees to experience the look, feel, and performance of the latest electric vehicles and bikes, including from Rivian, Lucid, and Rad Power Bikes. 225 people test drove vehicles and other 150 took ebike demo rides.

• Rebates and incentives: The CEC booth offered the latest information about California rebates, the federal tax credit, and other incentives that make purchasing or leasing a clean vehicle more affordable. 225 people stopped to talk with staff about these opportunities.

• Community Ambassadors and Owners Corner: This area provided an opportunity to speak one-on-one with community leaders who have made the transition to clean vehicles to learn how electric vehicles and other zero emission transportation options fit into their daily lives.

Public Square and the Climate Action Stage, curated by CEC, was a place to connect and engage with organizations doing good work, spend time with elected officials, and learn what government agencies and nonprofits are doing to help us all be more sustainable. Highlights on the Climate Action Stage included:

• An original play, “Drift,” presented by the Pesticide Free Soil Project.

• Poets for Climate Action reading their recent works.

• Take Climate Action Mini Talks by CEC staff about CEC’s Electrify Your Life service, how to eat climate-smart, how to be a climate activist, how to reduce your plastic footprint, and more. Talks on home electrification and electric vehicles were offered in Spanish.

Homegrown Roots Zone featured local farmers and food producers, food and beverage artisans, small business owners, and non-profit organizations working in the food system.

Eco-Marketplace exhibitors offered eco-friendly products and wares.

Music on the Main Stage Two full days of music, dancing and fun featuring a wide variety of local bands.

Free Bike Valet, with secure all-day parking facilitated by MOVE Santa Barbara County. About 500 riders took advantage of this service.

Food Court, featuring the best climate-friendly fare in the region! The food court offered a wide variety of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options for every type of eater.

Beer & Wine Garden featured regional beer, wine, and other libations in front of the Main Stage, the perfect place to meet up with friends and chill. The garden partnered with the rCup reusable cup system for the second year in a row, creating a 'zero waste' space.

Kids Corner, organized by LearningDen Preschool, offered a space for families to enjoy arts and crafts, musical performances, storytelling, face painting, eco-activities, and a bilingual Family Passport that promoted kid-friendly activities throughout the park.