About 2,000 attendees flocked to center court of Eden Prairie Center mall last Saturday for the second annual ECO EXPO.
Organized by the Eden Prairie AM Rotary Club, ECO EXPO aimed to inspire attendees from the city and surrounding towns to contribute to eco-friendly goals in their respective communities and support the club’s upcoming grants.
The event boasted more than 50 eco-exhibitors and sponsors, showcasing the latest in sustainable technology and environmental awareness. The Family Fun Zone offered hands-on activities for children, including a baby goat exhibit, presentations by a beekeeper, and the opportunity for kids to plant seeds in take-home kits with the guidance of master gardeners.
Tim Conners, the chair of the ECO EXPO committee, estimated that approximately 700 children and their parents visited the Family Fun Zone.
“The baby goats were the big draw. It was the hottest thing in the whole exhibit, I think,” he said. He noted that the mall provided a bit more space compared to last year’s ECO EXPO venue, the Eden Prairie Community Center.
ECO EXPO vendors shared practical steps to protect and heal the environment, inspiring attendees to make a positive impact. The event also encouraged students to discuss eco-based internships and careers with experts.
“We’re going again,” Conners said about holding another ECO EXPO next year. “This is our big fundraiser of the year. We basically end up doing grants with all the money that we clear out of these fundraisers. It enables us to do good in the communities, and plus we have the advantage that [this year’s event]was so well received and everybody learned, I think, a lot. We have all sorts of good ideas for next year. Bigger and better yet.”
The Eden Prairie AM Rotary Club is one of 46,000 worldwide Rotary clubs that embrace the motto “Service Above Self.” They meet for fellowship, to volunteer in the community, and to fund community and global grants. Community members are invited to attend EPAM meetings on Tuesdays at 7:30 a.m. at Central Middle School in Eden Prairie.
Ivan Starenko and Kati Wirkkula of SolarPod during ECO EXPO at Eden Prairie Center mall on April 22. Photo by Gretchen Haynes 
Jan Eian of the Eden Prairie AM Rotary Club at the ECO EXPO. Photo by Gretchen Haynes 
Michelle Leonard of Commuter Services during the ECO EXPO on April 22. Photo by Gretchen Haynes
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