By:Gary Epler
About twenty local organizations, from church groups to local conservation organizations and buy-local groups, help an open-air fair in downtown Portsmouth, NH. The City Council approved a measure to close off traffic, and the Mayor and several other state and local representatives addressed the crowd of approximately 500 participants. The Leftist Marching Band opened the event, and led everyone in patriotoc songs and cheers. Representatives of several of the presidential campaigns were also on hand. Congressman Dennis Kucinich also stopped by and gave a short but stirring speech. The were many activities for children, including educational information and books, and a huge mural painting project organized by several local artists.
By:Dave Cohen
Large rally in downtown Portsmouth
By:Marissa Dupont
The Portsmouth Step It Up Rally was fantastic. It was great to be with so many like minds who care as much about the environment as we do. Many vendors were in attendance, including the Carbon Coalition, Clean Air-Cool Planet, Blue Ocean, and Seacoast Bikes. There was also a giant mural that kids could paint collaboratively. Bands played and Dennis Kucinich gave a rousing speech about what his plans are for the environment if he is elected president in 2008.
Indigo Simms, Marissa Dupont, and Ford Simms proudly display their environmentally friendly signs.
Here is a closeup of the sign carried by Miss Indigo Simms, which portrays her disapproval for the way the president and vice president have treated environmental concerns.
There were numerous signs posted around Pleasant Street featuring statistics about carbon emissions and pollution. This sign shows where various vehicles stand in terms of carbon emissions.
Here is a shot of the mural in progress that many of the attendees participated in painting.
By:Marissa Dupont
Here are more pictures from the Portsmouth Step It Up rally.
