Lakeland Celebrates Earth Day With Free, Carbon-Neutral Outdoor Concert

Florida's first outdoor, carbon-neutral concert will be on Friday, Apr. 16, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Lake Mirror Promenade & Amphitheatre in Lakeland.

Green Celebration Concert & Showcase: Turn Up the Volume, a free community concert in honor of Earth Day's 40th anniversary, will feature the band, Think Big, and be powered by solar panels.

"We're going to actually set out solar panels supplied by Solar Source Interactive that morning, and the solar panels will power the band," says Stacie Jones, director of marketing/communications at Furr & Wegman Architects, PA. "We also have Lakeland Electric involved and they're going to be providing us with renewable energy credits for any excess electricity that's used."

Planning for the event, the brainchild of Michael B. Furr, co-principal at Furr & Wegman Architects, began in September 2009. The event is sponsored by Magnify Credit Union, and companies with a commitment to being green, including: Publix Super Markets, City of Lakeland, American Compliance Technologies and Keiser University.

Vendors will be set-up around the lake to showcase alternate energy sources, transportation initiatives, green-related business and technology efforts, all-natural products, organic foods and recycling efforts. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn how to green their homes and promote awareness and appreciation of our environment. There also will be giveaways, product samples, food and drink available.

In addition, 25 Polk County schools will participate in a recycle bin decorating contest, and attendees will vote for their favorite bin. A $300 prize will be awarded to the elementary, middle and high schools receiving the most votes.

For more information, contact Stacie Jones at 863-688-1211.

Writer: Nancy Vaughn
Source: Stacie Jones, Furr & Wegman Architects