On Saturday afternoon, September 24, a group of community members, students, children and some dogs walked from the Marquette municipal power plant to the Presque Isle power plant. The walk led to a festival at Presque Isle park with live music, local farmers, jewelry makers, representatives from local environmental causes and more.

My environmental campaign class at Northern Michigan University organized the walk and festival in only a few weeks. The walk was a great way to initiate conversation about climate change, and the festival to build connections.

It was an opportunity for indulging in delicious food, networking and strengthening the community by celebrating local action toward mitigating the impact of climate change. The climate is something that impacts all of us.

Windy and brisk air in the morning and rain in the forecast made me worry, but towards the end of the five mile walk, the sun beamed and brought warm air. Those dressed for cold, rainy weather were sweating by the time they reached Presque Isle. The sun shined off of Lake Superior and the breeze running through the trees quieted down.

I was there to set up the festival and greet the walkers once they reached the park. We had a few minor hiccups, but overall the set up went smoothly thanks to everyone helping each other out. Once all of the walkers and a few others who showed up just for the festival got there, there was non-stop conversation and laughter.

There were “mms” in appreciation to the food, thanks to the Koney truck, roasted red pepper hummus and carrots thanks to the Marquette Food Co-op, earth cake pops made by a classmate and fresh-picked produce from Seeds and Spores.

Before the music started, A.J. Stone from Partridge Creek Farms, the sponsor of the event, spoke. He reminded us that we have a sense community in the area, which is unlike other places. People have had to rely on each other to survive in the winter for years. He appreciates how we have a community of people who care about the environment and are coming together for this cause.

The Styoops opened up the music. The band, who only formed in the last few weeks, blew everyone away with their display of cover songs and an original that got many up, including me, to dance. The voices of two women and two men also playing guitar creates a marvelous melody.

After them, a small series of duets: Johnny Grassclippins Gillette and Sarah Mittlefehldt and members from Wildhack. Milo Birch played last. He is a 12-year-old who writes his own lyrics and music, a sound similar to Explosions in the Sky. It was a sweet reminder to end the festival with; if a twelve-year-old can achieve what he has, then we all are capable of achieving what we set our mind to.

Small moments can have a large impact. Due to the handful of people I talked to and met in a couple hours, I feel more enriched and inspired to do things I am passionate about. Only good things can come of the connections we all made there.