Paint It Green and Let It Rain at Village Fair

Among the features of this year's VillageGreen Street Fair on Saturday is a three-way Paint-Off to see who can decorate the loveliest, or most evocative, rain barrel.

Does Wauwatosa Mayor Kathy Ehley stand a chance in the competition? You never know – she may harbor amazing talents and finesse with the brush.

But her courage is to be admired at any rate – she's going up against two professional artists, local light Joe Hausch and the formidable Tim Decker, a former "Simpsons" and Disney animator.

VillageGreen Street Fair, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Village, is a family-oriented outdoor festival that aims to provide information about green, organic and eco-friendly products and services.

Companies, artisans, entertainers and speakers blend together in a fun and friendly environment to promote global interests and personal well-being. VillageGreen Street Fair-goers can learn about the advantages of taking steps towards living a healthier and greener life, organizers say.

It's also going to be a fine day for music lovers. There will be acts all day, with headliner Paul Cebar & Tomorrow Sound performing from 1:15 to 3:45 p.m. on the Root Common Main Stage.

See the full schedule of events and plan your day. There will be 40 exhibitors on hand, from artisans and dealers in green-living accessories to non-profits promoting ways to help everyone by helping the environment.

And there will be those rain barrels, to buy as well as admire, with many decorated by theatre students from Wauwatosa East and West high schools. Proceeds from sales go to college scholarships for Wauwatosa kids.

You can read the Village Green blog for more information about that and much more.

As an added attraction, the Tosa Farmers Market will be open 8 a.m. to noon on the south side of the Menomonee River, with all the first fruits of the season.

It's summer in Wauwatosa – time to get your green on.