Enjoying artwork and music all while appreciating the environment is possible at the EcoArts Festival.

The EcoArts Festival will take place at the Harriet Island Grounds and Pavillion in St. Paul May 17. According to events and program director Cindy Smith, the event is for the community to show off artwork along the Mississippi River.

“The event was created to honor diverse cultures who live in our community,” she said. “It inspires our community to care about our own greatest natural water resource, the Mississippi River, which flows through our backyard.”

According to Smith, the festival features a parade showcasing artwork, dancing and poetry. It also showcases performances from over 20 inner city and rural schools from around the metro.

“The festival includes dozens of artistic cultural performances taking place simultaneously and continuously throughout the festival,” Smith said. “There are performances and presentations by the children in the school residencies and families participating in the community project.”

Sophomore Claudia Scroggins, who plans on attending the festival, said she looks forward to the festivities.

“I’m really excited to see all the people that are just as fond of the environment as I am,” she said.

The community could also get involved in the festival by participating in a free art project a week before the festival, according to Smith.

“We have a free community art project event in the neighborhood, where participants will make pole puppets, masks, costumes and learn to walk in the parade with the art projects and act out the puppets,” she said.

Scroggins said she thinks it is good that the community and schools are getting involved with the festival.

“It’s a good community cause for children to learn about their environment,” Scroggins said.

In addition, the festival features other activities such as performances, food trucks, and appearances by the Raptor Center and the Mississippi River Poetry Project, according to its website. The event takes place from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., with the parade beginning at 11 a.m. May 17.