Barbados’ first tree festival ARBORFEST 2020 is slated to come off in September, at the National Botanical Gardens, Codrington, St. Michael.
The free event, which precedes Arbor Day, held on Tuesday, September 22, annually, is being co-ordinated by the National Conservation Commission (NCC). ARBORFEST 2020 takes place from September 18 to 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day.
It is part of the Commission’s efforts to promote a more sustainable standard of living under the theme Trees: The Circle of Life.
The main focus is to promote the importance of trees and their impact on the environment. The festival will also showcase various products and services, which are derived from trees, and are consumed and utilised on a daily basis from various exhibitors.
Emphasis will be placed on increasing awareness about environmental issues and highlighting environmentally-friendly products.
Additionally, in an effort to create a more family-oriented atmosphere, the NCC will be infusing other elements such as a five-day plant sale, traditional Bajan treats, a Farmer’s Market, a Kid’s Zone and other attractions.
There will be no exhibitor’s fee. However, exhibitors will be asked to make a contribution towards the advertising and administrative costs. They will be advised of an official site visit which will be arranged prior to the set-up dates.
Workshops and demonstrations will also be an integral component of the festival. A number of workshops will be scheduled during the day, focusing on pertinent areas such as plant care, plant propagation, apiary management, recycling, pests and diseases, composting and alternative energy solutions.
The festival will provide visitors with the opportunity to garner information which will assist them in adopting a more sustainable lifestyle. Potential exhibitors may contact the NCC’s PR/Marketing Department at 536-0662 or 535-0663.
They may also visit the NCC website to download the registration form, which should be submitted to the NCC’s headquarters at Codrington, St. Michael, by Friday, August 14.