Hundreds of people descended on Monument Square on Saturday to learn about the latest trends in eco-fashion, recycling and energy efficiency at the Portland Greenfest.
The daylong event was organized by a coalition of environmental and educational groups with the aim of celebrating the planet and its cultures. It was modeled after the Boston Greenfest, founded in 2008, which drew 100,000 visitors this year.
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While the Portland version, which featured about 50 booths, workshops and music, drew significantly fewer people, organizers said they were pleased with the turnout and vowed to bring it back next year.
“There has been a great outpouring of support,” said Zoe Croft, Greenfest coordinator.
The festival featured a number of bands and other musical performers, including Johnny Fireseed and the Junkyard Dogs, a Massachusetts band that performs on instruments fashioned from bundt pans, empty propane tanks and other items.
“In some ways this is preaching to the choir,” said Patino Vazquez, musical director of the band.
The event featured a fashion show with models showing off wearable art and clothes made from recycled materials.
“I was up for the challenge,” said Hilary Campbell of Portland.
Campbell modeled a blue and white sun dress made from recycled sails, fashioned by employees at Sea Bags, where she works. Her jewelry was made from marine hardware. Campbell said she would definitely wear her ensemble again.
Kaleigh Baldwin, 5, of Portland modeled a white ensemble made from ribbons and plastic, part of a line of white outfits created by a group of Maine artists.
“I was a little bit nervous,” said Kaleigh, who said she would like to wear her outfit, complete with gold tiara, to kindergarten.
Bates College juniors Kelsey Schober of Palmer, Alaska, and Julia Riback of Albany, New York, said they are interested in learning about the environment.
“This is not something you would find in Lewiston, but you see this living in Alaska, said Schober.
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