Green Fair Farmers Market and Shred Event coming to Pfeiffer Center
In 2013, Patrick McDevitt went to council to propose an involvement in Sustainable New Jersey. A short five years later, the organization he started, Sustainable Monroe Township, is hosting its third annual Green Fair Farmers Market and Shred Event.
The event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pfeiffer Community Center on the corner of Main Street and Blue Bell Road.
“We want to spread awareness, build community and get people to think more about sustainability,” McDevitt said.
“I would like to think it provides some educational opportunities,” he added. “Our schools are registered in the Sustainable New Jersey program. Now we’re getting the kids, schools and the community at large to increase the awareness of these topics.”
While promoting the concept of sustainability is important, the green fair will drive residents to Main Street which could help with the ongoing revitalization efforts.
“Now that we’re getting local businesses like breweries and wineries, we’re engaging more. We’re trying to get people to Main Street to help with the revitalization,” he said.
The green fair will boast more than 30 vendors, including but not limited to, Vaderson Custom Screen Printing LLC, Kozy Acres honey and bee farm, Muth Farm and Muth Farm Flowers. Relax Mind and Body will host yoga demonstrations throughout the day.
For those interested in learning about sustainable practices, McDevitt is most looking forward to the Rutgers Water Resource Group.
“They’re doing a lot of education for residents about stormwater management, water conservation and better ways to manage water runoff,” he said. “If you’re a homeowner, business or the town itself, everyone can take something from this event they can utilize.”
One of the biggest draws for this event is the shred aspect. It gives members of the community an opportunity to properly dispose of documents.
“Last year, there were just over three tons collected,” McDevitt said.
The green fair is both free to attend and family friendly.
“Collingswood’s Pop Shop food truck will be there,” McDevitt said. “We hope to have live music and games.”
If you’re driving to the event, parking is available behind the Pfeiffer Center by the baseball fields or across the street behind Newfield Bank. If you’re only using the shred truck, you can pull up next to it.
For updates on the green fair check out the Facebook page “3rd Annual Green Fair, Farmers Market, & Shred Event.”
For those looking to get involved with Sustainable Monroe Township, email sustainablemonroe@gmail.com or attend one of its meetings on the third Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. on the second floor of town hall.
