Hey everyone, I wanted to say thanks to everyone who came out for Leave It Green’s first annual Bike and Music Festival. The turnout was great! The long day started off with a bike maintenance class courtesy of Scott Medeiros!

At two, we kicked off the critical mass bike ride; we had close to 80 cyclist show up ranging from all ages. We took over the small town of Slippery Rock riding through campus, up and down main street, and then down Kiester road, all to raise awareness and promote bicycling.

After the ride, we had guest speakers Dave Krack and Scott Bricker. Dave Krack is from Butler and runs a free bike shop and a bike giveaway program called Fixed Gear. Scott Bricker is from Bike Pittsburgh. Both speakers covered many topics that involved biking in general, building a biking community, and how to stay safe while biking.

After the speakers three bands played late into the night. Brad Yoder from Pittsburgh provided some mellow and fun tunes, Dali Rocket drove all the way from Michigan just to entertain the crowd. Slippery Rock’s own The Unified Theory, finished the bands off with some energetic jamming tunes. Soon after the bands finished the tents went up, the camp fires were lit and s’mores were made.

It was an amazing and successful day. Leave It Green would like to thank several people for making it all happen, The Pa Film Institute and Larurel Dagnon for the funding (remember, the films show in the ATS auditorium at 7:30 Monday-Thursday); the Cycling Club for the free bike that was raffled off; Julie McNeil for her organizing skills; the speakers for their knowledge; the bands for their tunes; and of course all the participants.

I would also like to personally thank Rachel DeWolf for all of her hard work, this festival was her idea and she made it happen, thanks Rachel!

It is also important to note that one of the original Leave It Green founding members, Abbie Spear showed up to the Festival. Abbie has inspired Rachel and I in so many ways, it was good to see her back at the campground that wouldn’t be there if not for her efforts last year. Thanks Abbie!

Remember this festival was the kick-off to Leave It Green’s annual camp in. Leave It Green members will be camping out all week this week to honor and remember the original Leave It Green movement. Come down and camp-out with us! Everyone is welcome to join!

Lastly do not forget the Green Fund Vote is this week, check your emails and vote “YES”!