Ready or not, here comes Green Day. Isthmus' sixth annual exposition celebrating sustainability and earth-friendly solutions to modern living transpires this Saturday, April 20, at Monona Terrace, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free, courtesy of Madison Gas and Electric.
I know it seems that spring has barely sprung, but it is time to leave the hearth that we've been huddled around for the past five months and reengage with the wider world. Green Day will get you oriented toward the natural world. This year's event is somewhat differently organized and will feature many more responsive activities and demonstrations. There will be a recycled art gallery, a kids' triathlon challenge, a seed exchange and a number of other demonstrations and activities to inform and entertain.
Besides about 100 exhibitors, there will be four venues within the expo: the Green Day Main Stage, the Calvert Investments Breakout Sessions, the Blue River Chiropractic Healthy Lifestyle Stage and the Green Day Demonstration Kitchen. What's going on where, and when, is contained in the Green Day program that accompanies your Isthmus this week.
Green Day boasts two distinguished guests/speakers this year. Sierra Club executive director Michael Brune is the author of a 2008 book on climate disruption and a career activist on behalf of the planet. He will give the day's first keynote address at 11 a.m. Doug Fine is a journalist and author of the books Too High to Fail and Farewell, My Subaru. He'll be speaking on sustainability in the digital age and the "new green economy" - the implications of legal cannabis - at 2 p.m. His address will be followed by a Pot Policy & Drug Peace panel discussion at 3 p.m.
As I've indicated, there will be a lot going on, so consult the supplement for a map, schedule and a listing of exhibitors. You can also consult IsthmusGreenDay.com for additional information.