Summerlin Earthfaire marks Earth Day with fun, fanfare, education

More than 5,000 valley residents attended the fourth annual Summerlin Earthfaire April 21 at Summerlin Centre Community Park, according to Nikkole Liesse, director of marketing for The Howard Hughes Corp., developer of Summerlin.

The outdoor festival featured more than 60 environmental organizations, along with a full schedule of entertainment, environmental exhibits, displays and special attractions. Mad Science helped children conduct hands-on science experiments; the UNLV Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners held a flower planting event for children with flowers donated by Lowe's; Frisbee-catching canines from Cool Dog Productions performed; and City of the World helped children make art from recycled materials. The Lied Animal Shelter brought a variety of dogs that were successfully adopted; and the National Wild Horse Association showcased a wild horse and burro that have been protected through their organization.

Summerlin Earthfaire has grown into Las Vegas' largest Earth Day celebration with the number of environmental organizations having doubled since its beginning in 2004, Liesse said.

"Environmental responsibility is incredibly important and The Howard Hughes Corp., along with Summerlin and its home builders are proud to host this event. Earthfaire features the valley's largest collection of environmental groups and organizations in one place. It's an impressive gathering of those committed to environmental education," she said.

In addition to The Howard Hughes Corp. and Summerlin, major sponsors this year included Republic Services, Embarq, Station Casinos, The News, Las Vegas Review-Journal, KSTJ Star 102.7 and KTNV TV-13.

Developed by The Howard Hughes Corp., an affiliate of General Growth Properties Inc., Summerlin is a 22,500-acre master-planned community at the western rim of the Las Vegas Valley. The community is currently home to more than 95,000 residents with about 7,500 acres still to be developed, including its urban core, Summerlin Centre.

Summerlin is home to 100-plus neighborhood and village parks, more than 150 completed miles of a trail system, 19 public and private schools, numerous houses of worship, shopping centers, medical and cultural facilities, business parks and more than 80 model homes.

Homes are available in a variety of styles -- from single-family detached homes to townhomes, condominiums and lofts -- priced from the low $200,000s to more than $1 million. Custom home sites in The Ridges are priced from the $500,000s. Luxury apartment homes offer monthly rents starting from the low $1,000s.

For more information call 791-4500 or visit summerlin.com.