The event was a huge success! The Burlington community, elected officials, and area groups all convened in Battery Park to take part. From the large crowd that attended, it is very clear that Burlington wants to STEP IT UP on action to prevent climate change.

We had several great speakers at the event in Burlington but the turn out was not as great as I expected. My question is this: why didn't the organizers do more advertising in local newspapers, radio stations and T.V. stations. There were more people shopping on Church St. than participating at this important event.

Step It UP Burlington was a huge success, thanks in large part to the 26 organizations that tabled, the 4 local food vendors, the elected officials that attended and spoke, and the over 500 people that attended! While the sky was gray and it was chilly, energy was high and it made the day glow with the enthusiasm of the crowd. While we did contact every local newspaper and TV station to cover the event, only three local media sources showed: Seven Days, Channel 17, and the Times Argus.

We have a signed pledge from all of the attending elected officials that agreed to adhere to the tenants of the Vermont 1 Sky tenants. And we also have a signed citizen pledge from many of the attendees.

Our thanks to everyone that attended: Mayor Bob Kiss, US Rep. Peter Welch, Gov. Madeleine Kunin, House Speaker Gaye Symington, the many Burlington Reps, Senators, and City Council people, as well as Vermont Attorney General Bill Sorrell. More thanks to the Solar Bus for providing us with natural renewable power for the PA system, the media outlets, American Flatbread for the delicious pizza, Skinny Pancake for yummy crepes, Sugar Snap for wonderul hot soups, Somosaman for his delicious somosas, the 26 organizations that tabled, groSolar, Earth Turbines, NRG Systems, and VPIRG for donating money and resources, and lasly but most importantly the people who worked together to make this event a huge success - the volunteers, organizers, and citizens of Vermont! Thank you everyone. Until next time... :)

A very inspiring event featuring more than one elected leader really giving it to the Governor. I also loved the range of grass-roots environmental organizations represented at the tables. Vermont is really leading the way!!!

Not only did Burlington have an outstanding event on Saturday, on Monday, Nov 5, a few of us delivered the Saturday photos to Congress, and while we were visiting with Congressman Peter Welch. He joined in the Green Finger Video Project. Check it out...