Fun, education part of family festival

CALEDONIA – Some visitors, such as La'Shantena Rounds of Marion, came to the ECO Center Free Family Festival to run. Youngsters came to play and others to learn about the environment.

"It was pretty awesome," Rounds said of the 5K run. "I'm a former athlete, so I'm no stranger to fitness and exercise," said the Nucor employee who took part in her company-sponsored Earth Day 5K Run/Walk/Recycle on Saturday morning.

Children were in abundance, and Samantha Campbell's job was to help keep an eye on them.

"Just watching the kids and making sure they're having a good time and a safe time," said Campbell, a volunteer with Marion Habitat For Humanity.

Campbell and her husband, Richard, kept a watchful eye on kids playing in a corn pile.

Leslie McDougall of Mount Gilead was impressed with the activities on the 8-acre farm.

"I am so impressed with their passion and so excited about seeing the vision here. I didn't know what to expect. It's so beautifully designed. I am wowed," McDougall said. "I grew up with goats, with a pond and was in 4-H. This is how we grew up. It's a gift."

Gwen Rumple had grandchildren, Jaela, 3, and Jackson, 1, with her, and they kept here busy going from one play station to the next.

"There is a lot of stuff for the kids; it's spacious."

Jaela said she enjoyed the corn pile and Goat City.

At noon, a group of people sat on hay bales listening to a presentation by the Ohio Wetlands Association.

Author Rylie James, who wrote "Hear Them Tell You 'No,' " was one of dozens of vendors. She had copies of her book and artwork for sale.

"This is our first outdoor event. We do some in downtown Columbus. This is back to my roots," James said.

A trail hike, mini-train rides and music added to the festivities on the mid-70s-degree day.

"I could not be happier with the weather and the wonderful green hospitality of the Ollervides," said Angie Carbetta, Marion County Recycling & Litter Prevention director.

Carbetta said this event takes Earth Day to a new level.

Paco Ollervides and his wife, Emily, founders of the ECO Center, were delighted.

"This is just the beginning," Paco said.

aconchel@gannett.com

740-375-5107

Twitter: @anthonyconchel