The Growing Green event was once again in Rockland for a second year for people to learn about sustainability, gardening, and a place for the community to come together, exchange ideas and get to know the small businesses in the region. A used clothing sale was also set up to support the community garden.

Benjamin Richard - Local Journalism Initiative

The idea behind the fair
“It’s a way again to give back to the community, to educate the community in something that, you know, we’re all passionate about, and to bring these like-minded people together” explains Stephanie Marcil, the Rockland Community Garden community building director. The Fair has many goals, and fundraising is one of them, to be able to offer better and more service at the Community Garden. She adds that “all the proceeds from Growing Green this year are going to go into our access for all projects, so that is to build pathways, from the parking lot and from the street in and through the garden. Because that is one of our barriers right now is accessibility.”

The Garden fair was well received by the community
“I think this is an awesome event, and yeah, what amazing resources for someone who wants to start gardening” replied an attendee when asked why she came to the event. Chef Nouk, a local chef added that “So (I’m) just trying to showcase some local stuff and support the town where I'm from.” The high school gym where the fair took place was full with local vendors and community members looking to exchange and support each other.

Another year, another event
When asked if the event will take place again next year, Stephanie Marcil told us that “we’re going to kind of evaluate how today goes and if, you know, we have a good response from attendees and the participants, I don’t see why we wouldn’t run it again yeah”.