After drawing 515 people in its first year, Milan’s Earth Day Fair will return April 26, with organizers hoping to build on that turnout and make the event a local tradition.
The second annual fair, organized by Holly Forbis and Josh Kofflin of Moving Milan Forward, will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 26, at Wilson Park, 89 Wabash St.
Kofflin said last year’s turnout showed there was strong interest in the event.
“The turnout last year showed me we have momentum,” he said. “Holly and I realized, oh, we got something here, so let’s just keep it going.”
Organizers describe the fair as a family-friendly event focused on environmental awareness, education and local involvement. This year’s fair is expected to include live animals, guest speakers, games, interactive activities and a mix of community groups, local businesses and environmental organizations.
Groups expected to take part include Friends of the Saline River, the River Raisin Watershed Council, the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office and ARC Milan. Double JJ Farms & Stables is also expected to return with live animals.
A major goal this year is to reduce waste. Kofflin said organizers are planning the fair around composting, recycling and trash sorting, with volunteers helping attendees place materials in the correct bins. Organizers also plan to measure how much waste is kept out of the landfill after the event.
That effort is also shaping the volunteer push. Organizers are asking community members to help with setup and cleanup, activities, greeting attendees and staffing compost and recycling stations throughout the day.
Kofflin said he and Forbis hope the event keeps growing and becomes something the community looks forward to each year.
Support from Azalia Solar and the Sierra Club Huron Valley Group is helping make this year’s fair possible, according to organizers.
Featured photo: Josh Kofflin speaks during Milan’s Earth Day Fair in 2025. Photo by Heather Finch
114 North Main St Suite 10 Chelsea, MI 48118
