ANAHEIM : Annual Fair Draws More Than 4,000

Reflecting the superb spring weather and increased interest in the environment, more than 4,000 people attended the city’s second annual Let’s Make a Difference Environmental Faire at Peralta Canyon Park on Sunday, said Cathy Glasgow, a recreation supervisor for the city’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department.

“The environmental interest is growing,” Glasgow said. “We had attendance of about 3,000 at our first fair. We also have more booths this year. Last year we had 34 booths, and we have more than 50 this year.”

The free annual event is designed by the parks department to “encourage environmental awareness and proactive conservation through educational exhibits, activities and environmental demonstrations.”

The booths were sponsored by businesses and industries and had environmental themes and hints for consumers.

“It (the environmental fair) is like a teaser in that it gets people to start thinking about things they can do to help the environment,” Glasgow said. “They learn about such things as how to compost in their back yard and how to be environmentally aware while out shopping.”

Many who attended the event also received free tree seedlings. The plants were donated by the Tree Society of Orange County and some commercial donors.

“Planting trees is part of the urban reforestation effort,” Glasgow said. “Trees are good friends for a community. They clean the air, they provide shade, and they also provide wind breaks.”

A hot-air balloon and a live musical group were among the attractions at the fair.