Mercer Library to host Earth Day Fair April 29

 Mercer, Wis. — The Mercer Library will hold its first Earth Day Fair on Saturday, April 29th at 10:00 a.m. in the Mercer Library and Community Center. The fair will feature information and activities for adults and children from 10:00 a.m. until noon and a performance by folk musician Skip Jones at noon.

 Jones is a well-known Wisconsin folk singer who has been bringing people together around music for over 20 years. He plays the guitar, banjo, and Native American flute, and audiences always enjoy his interactive concerts.

This event promises earth-friendly crafts, information booths, and activities for all ages. A large number of local organizations and experts plan to attend, including: the Discovery Center, Iron County UW-Extension horticulture specialists and Range Master Gardeners, Iron County Outdoor Recreation Enthusiasts (ICORE), Wisconsin DNR, Woods and Blooms Garden Club, Let It Shine energy services, and the Iron County Land and Water Conservation department.

All ages can participate in making reusable shopping bags from an old t-shirt; bring an old shirt if you like or the library will provide one. The Woods and Blooms Garden Club will have a free activity to make seed tapes for your garden, and will be selling native plant seeds. A local Master Composter will have a composting and vermiculture demonstration, and the library will present recipes and a demonstration of homemade cleaning and beauty supplies. The Discovery Center will teach children about the water cycle with a fun activity. Local volunteers will also host crafts and activities for children, and Smokey Bear is scheduled to make an appearance to teach all ages about fire safety.

Free alkaline battery recycling (AAA-D) will be provided at the event by Trig’s Recycling Center of Minocqua, so bring your used batteries for safe and environmentally-friendly disposal. The Mercer Lions will be collecting used eyeglasses, and the Mercer Lioness will be collecting and recycling printer ink cartridges.

The event and activities are free and open to all ages. Lunch will be available at a nominal cost.