Brady Street celebrates spring with Flower Power

Sadly, many of us missed out on the multitude of outdoor Earth Day activities this past April thanks to the two-day torrential downpour Mother Nature provided.

But you know what they say about all those April showers.

May is blooming in Milwaukee, not only with the month-long Project EverGreen, but also with Brady Street's annual Flower Power street festival, Saturday, May 9.

The eclectic group of Brady Street's merchants gather for a "green day" from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to discuss and present the myriad ways Milwaukeeans can be more environmentally conscious this summer. The carbon-footprint-reducing topics include how to repurpose, what to recycle, where to dispose of hazardous waste, and why to conserve.

A few Flower Power highlights include:

• Goodwill Barrels -- Drop off your gently used clothing and shoes at participating retailers.
• Milwaukee Biodiesel Coop -- find out how cars run on biodiesel (and what biodiesel is and how to make it yourself.)
• Rain Barrel and Composting Displays -- water conservation and repurposing can make your garden and your wallet greener.
• Reusable Tote Bag giveaway at participating merchants with super green light specials throughout the day.
• Perennial Swap -- Seed, bulb, perennial plant swap outside the fire house; bring your clippings and take something new home to bloom.
• Green info on recycling, reusing and leading a less bio hazardous life.

Brady Street will be a spring of inspiration, as storeowners engage in a friendly competition to adorn their shops with the most creative floral designs. Urban horticultural judges local TV anchor Mike Jacobs, Ald. Nik Kovac and 88Nine DJ Marcus Doucette will determine the recipient of this year's Flower Power Trophy.

Throughout the day of the event, merchants will offer a variety of Flower Power specials including floral-inspired entrees.