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Blue Zones Project Riverside Kick-Off Festival: A Celebration of Health and Community

On Saturday, May 17, from 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Blue Zones Project Riverside will kick off its much-anticipated community festival at the Riverside Municipal Airport. This free event is designed for everyone in the community and aims to mark the official launch of an exciting initiative focused on promoting well-being and healthy living in Riverside.

Festival Highlights

The festival promises programming that caters to a wide audience with a plethora of activities including:

• - Airplane Spotting – A fun activity for kids and aviation enthusiasts.
• - Dance Performances – Experience the energetic Salsa Dancing by Tierra Collective and Ballet Folklorico performances by Chemawa.
• - Live Music – Enjoy a vibrant Mariachi performance by the Riverside Arts Academy Mariachi Juvenil.
• - Fitness Activities – Participate in community yoga sessions led by Ms. Maggie Cosner, Taekwondo demos by Aguila Taekwondo Association, and a lively family Zumba session orchestrated by the Riverside Community Health Foundation.
• - Interactive Learning – Outdoor storytelling by the Riverside Public Library, along with cooking demonstrations featuring food samples to inspire healthier eating choices.
• - Meet and Greet – An opportunity to connect with the Blue Zones Project team and local community partners, along with food vendors offering delicious options.

Notable Guest Speakers

The festival will also feature notable speakers including:

• - Dan Buettner Jr., Blue Zones EVP and Chief Development Officer, who will share insights on the initiative.
• - Patricia Lock Dawson, Mayor of Riverside, who is committed to enhancing the city's quality of life.
• - Steven Robillard, Riverside Councilmember for Ward 3, alongside Erin Edwards, Executive Director of Blue Zones Project Riverside and a former councilwoman.
• - Leimamo Taylor, owner of Riverside Airport Café, recognized as the first Blue Zones Approved restaurant in the city.

A Vision for Healthier Living

The Blue Zones Project is a community-led initiative aimed at fostering healthier lifestyles by making healthy choices more accessible and appealing. With an emphasis on ensuring that the residents of Riverside can lead better, longer lives with lower rates of chronic diseases, the project facilitates permanent changes to policies, systems, and community engagement.

Erin Edwards, the Executive Director, brings nearly 20 years of leadership experience and is passionate about transforming Riverside into a healthier community. Her significant contributions during her time as a council member, including the development of the city’s 6-pillar Homelessness Action Plan, showcase her commitment to enhancing the well-being of Riverside residents.

Building a Healthier Future Together

With the collaboration of various stakeholders, including Riverside University Health System, Kaiser Permanente, Molina Healthcare, and other organizations, the Blue Zones Project seeks to implement strategic policies that make a tangible difference. As the initiative expands, similar projects will emerge across Riverside County, fostering a culture of health through community-wide engagement, innovation, and shared resources.

To RSVP for the event, volunteer, or simply learn more about the exciting Blue Zones Project Riverside, head over to their official website or check out the festival details on Eventbrite.

Join us in celebrating a brighter, healthier future!

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