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This Saturday, the University of Maine will host the 16th Annual HOPE (Help Organize Peace Earthwide) Festival and Green Expo to commemorate Earth Day.
Sponsored by the Peace and Justice Center of Eastern Maine, the festival kicks off at 11 a.m. April 24 at the Student Recreation and Fitness Center to provide an afternoon full of workshops, performances, guest speakers, music and food.
The first half of the event will feature an opening ceremony with performances by Hope Festival Singers, Zachary Field’s Amazing Juggling and folk group Emma’s Revolution.
One sponsor of this year’s festival is UMaine’s Student Women’s Association. This year, the group collaborated with HOPE to present a “Zumba” workshop, wrapping up the festival with a mass dance workout led by a local YMCA instructor.
SWA member Emily Fortin announced that the group’s effort to bring musical and political activism group Emma’s Revolution to perform at the festival was a success.
“Being able to help with this event has been so exciting for us, especially because Emma’s Revolution is a musical group that does so much political and awareness peace and feminist activism,” Fortin said.
Pat Humphries & Sandy O are the accomplished activist duo behind Emma’s Revolution. Their song “If I Give Your Name” took the grand prize in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, and some of their work has been featured on “All Things Considered” and Pacifica’s “Democracy Now!”
As part of their contract with SWA, Emma’s Revolution has also agreed to help put on the organization’s venture, “The Beautiful Project,” a weeklong celebration of women’s creativity, wisdom and unique beauty. The musical group has volunteered to hold a workshop on “incorporating activism into songwriting” that will be held from 1 to 3 p.m., April 23 in the Bangor Room.
At 2 p.m., Betty Burkes, peace educator and former president of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, USA, will deliver a keynote speech. A second guest, Robert Shetterly, will speak as well.
An organizational fair featuring more than 70 social change groups, a mini farmers market providing locally grown foods and educational activities for children will run throughout the day.
In addition, several earth-friendly and inspirational workshops will be offered at HOPE, including “Reducing Home Energy Costs,” “Newspaper Seed Pot Planting,” “Recycled Clothing Fashion Show,” “Bike Clinic” and “Bee Workshop.”
Bangor Daily News