Pasadena Earth and Arts Festival 2015 canceled

The City has canceled the Pasadena Earth and Arts Festival for 2015. According to City Manager Michael Beck, "Staff has decided to use its efforts this year to offer a month-long celebration tied to the Mayor's Water Challenge and participate in (and advertise) several events throughout the city instead of the Earth and Arts Festival."

The annual festival was a Pasadena tradition for 12 years. Held at Memorial Park and the Armory Center for the Arts across the street in honor of Earth Day (April 22,) it was free and one of the biggest Earth Day celebrations in Southern California. The family festival included activities, exhibits and entertainment. The City set up tables to inform residents about energy, water-wise and waste-reduced living. Local environmental groups from the Pasadena Complete Streets Coalition to the Citizens Climate Lobby presented their work, goals and ambitions at booths.

Therese Brummel of Transition Pasadena, one of the most active sustainability organizations in the city, said that she was disappointed about the cancelation of the festival. With regards to the possibility of a series of events in connection with the Mayor's Water Challenge she also told Pasastainable: "Water is a top item for our concerns. I am certainly 100 percent for that."