Scarlet, Gray and Green Fair set for May 2 in Wooster

The Scarlet, Gray and Green Fair will take place May 2 at the Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) in Wooster, amid a backdrop of one of the largest collections of crabapple trees in the U.S. in full bloom.

Held in celebration of Earth Day and co-sponsored by the Wayne County Sustainable Energy Network, this free, family-friendly event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the CFAES Wooster campus’s Fisher Auditorium, 1680 Madison Ave., just off U.S. Route 250. Visitors of all ages are invited to explore hands-on activities, speakers, interactive exhibits, food vendors, guided tours and a Green Car Cruise-In. Details are available at https://u.osu.edu/sggf.

Throughout the day, expert speakers will share insights on topics ranging from nature photography and pollinator research to renewable energy and sustainable technology. The speaker series begins at 11 a.m. with nature photographer Danae Wolfe, whose presentation, “Chasing Bugs,” highlights the hidden beauty and ecological importance of insects. Additional talks by regional experts will explore developments in renewable energy, energy-efficient buildings, community solar, microgrids and honeybee research, along with a seed-starting workshop to help attendees begin their spring gardens.

Inside the Fisher Auditorium lobby, nearly 30 exhibitors and nonprofit organizations will showcase ideas and resources focused on environmental stewardship, clean energy and sustainable living. Children and families can enjoy crafts and encounters with live animals, including owls, reptiles and invertebrates. The Bug Zoo will be open from noon to 2 p.m., and a series of short films will run throughout the day.

As part of Drive Electric Earth Month, the Green Car Cruise-In will feature a variety of electric vehicles, including an electric Ford F-150 Lightning powering the food trucks, demonstrating an alternative to traditional generators. Attendees can learn how electric vehicles reduce energy use, lower emissions and cost less to operate than gas-powered vehicles.

Visitors can also take part in guided tours across campus, including the Bug Zoo, OSU renewable energy, recycling and composting facilities, LEED-certified buildings and two tours in the Secrest Arboretum, a bird walk and an arboretum tour.

The fair will also host a recycling station for items such as electronics, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, scrap metal, unused or expired drugs and documents for secure shredding. Community members can donate bicycles, locks and helmets to the Wooster Bike Crew to support those in need of transportation. Details and drop-off times are available on the website.

Food trucks at the event will operate with zero-waste practices, using recyclable and compostable materials and renewable electricity.

“I hope visitors leave with a deeper appreciation for how they can help preserve our planet and its resources,” said Fred Michel, OSU professor and president of the Wayne County Sustainable Energy Network. “It’s also an opportunity to engage with solutions to some of the biggest challenges we face, including climate change, natural resource use and biodiversity loss.”