DRYerson Festival honors ‘local treasure’ and ‘important wins’
Courtesy of Center for Coalfield Justice
The opportunity to pay homage to Ryerson Station Park – the only state park in Greene County – comes this Saturday with the 18th annual DRYerson Festival.
The festival, held by the Center for Coalfield Justice, offers attendees a chance to reflect on the park’s history of environmental struggles.
“This festival is special because it represents some important wins that we have had over the years in protecting Ryerson Station State Park from further coal mining damage and the improvements that are taking place in the park with the funds that are available due to that fight to protect this local treasure,” said Lisa DePaoli, CCJ’s communications director.
The free event will have live music from Dan Baker, a local vocalist and guitar player, food, a face painter, tie-dye activity and yard games. It will be held outdoors at the Graysville park’s Pavilion #2. All are welcome to enjoy the entertainment, activities, and food and “to be in nature and to get to know your neighbors,” DePaoli said. Additionally, the event, she explains, is symbolic and represents the positive and powerful difference a group people working together can truly make.
“More than ever, we need to be in community with one another in a place that we love,” she says.
The festival runs from 1 to 4 p.m., and while registration is not required, it is encouraged so organizers can plan for the amount of food needed. To register, go to centerforcoalfieldjustice.org/ and visit the actions and events section.