The Guinness Book of World Records doesn’t have an entry for the largest human peace sign, but the organizers of the Ithaca Festival aim to change that. At 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, the four-day festival will climax with “Stand Up For Peace”; organizers hope to form thousands of people into a peace symbol in Ithaca’s Stewart Park.
Held annually since 1977, the festival includes a downtown parade with such entries as dogs from the local SPCA (in a “pooch parade”) as well as tutu-clad cars performing a “Volvo ballet.” This year’s Grand Marshals are the monks of the Dalai Lama’s Namgyal Monastery; the festival slogan is “I Am Ithaca.” Other highlights include live music (pop, rock, reggae, R&B, Cajun, children’s tunes, and more) in venues throughout the city. In addition to the traditional food vendors, the new Taste of Tompkins is showcasing local restaurants, growers, and wineries
This year, the festival—which draws some 40,000 visitors—is focusing on sustainability. Many of the events use solar and wind power, composting stations are available, and the commemorative T-shirts are made from organic cotton. The mission is underscored by the festival’s Gorges Green Expo, which will highlight local efforts in such areas as renewable energy, green building, and eco-friendly travel.
For more information, go to http://ithacafestival.typepad.com/
'I Am Ithaca'
The Guinness Book of World Records doesn’t have an entry for the largest human peace sign, but the organizers of the Ithaca Festival aim to change that. At 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, the four-day festival will climax with “Stand Up For Peace”; organizers hope to form thousands of people into a peace symbol […]