Carnival Of Art And Toxic Waste Returns To Gowanus This Weekend

GOWANUS, NY — An annual carnival of art, science and toxic waste returns to Gowanus this weekend, celebrating the polluted waterway that runs through the neighborhood.

The Gowanus Canal Conservancy will hose the fourth annual EXPO Gowanus festival Saturday at Thomas Greene Park with exhibits, performances and more highlighting the past and future of the waterway, the organization announced.

EXPO Gowanus' scheduled events include an "environmental justice" tour of the Gowanus Canal, students from several local schools presenting their designs for infrastructure to manage stormwater and a mobile "Enterococcus Darkroom" where people can see the bacteria that live in the canal's waters, according to the group.

Attendees can also check out a sample of the famed "black mayonnaise" that was dredged up at the bottom of the canal and learn about the government's Superfund efforts to clean up the waters.

The festival kicks off at 11 a.m. and will have dancing, poetry and musical performances from local artists throughout the day until 3 p.m. The event ends with a parade around the park led by the Hungry March Band starting at 2:30 p.m., the Gowanus Canal Conservancy said.

For the full schedule of events, visit the Gowanus Canal Conservancy's website.

Image: Ferima Faye used with permission