We present the first systematic research on green fairs in the USA. We provide a summary analysis of the frequency, trends, goals, structure, and operations of green fairs being held in the USA. We also present an initial assessment of their potential contributions to civic engagement through a study of the intentions and behaviour of fair organisers and fair goers. This assessment is premised on previous research in civic engagement and similar local events with environmental themes, such as farmers' markets. Green fairs are recent, yet now common, events in the USA. Although brief and informal experiences for attendees, green fairs are rich with opportunities to engage people in their community on sustainability and other environmental issues. They are important venues for civic engagement that are distinct from both farmers' markets and from more formal settings for engagement.
IntroductionWe provide the first systematic research into the phenomena of "green fairs" in American communities. For the purposes of our research, a green fair is defined as a temporary event held in a specific location with a theme of promoting environmental awareness and/or environmentally sustainable behaviour. Green fairs of interest in this study are free and open to the public and have a unique identity, although they may be held in conjunction with other events.As we will cover in greater detail, green fairs are widespread, but quite recent, phenomena. They provide new and unique venues for residents, local government, non-profits, and businesses to interact with each other around environmental issues. As such, they deserve attention for their distinctive potential to contribute to civic engagement within their communities. The very newness of most green fairs held in the USA means that there is no systematic accounting of how many fairs there are, how they operate, and who participates. As a result, we achieve two goals with this research. First, we provide a summary analysis of the frequency, trends, goals, structure, and operations of green fairs being held in the USA. Second, we will present an initial assessment of their potential contributions to civic engagement through a study of the intentions and behaviour of fair organisers and fair