About EarthFest

Our Mission

Founded in 2015 by Ivan and Mary Idso, EarthFest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our mission is to develop a more environmentally sustainable community by:

  • Raising awareness
  • Providing education and resources
  • Inspiring sustainability actions

We achieve our mission through an EarthFest celebration every April. EarthFest promotes partner events in the Rochester area that are offered by local environmental organizations. EarthFest hosts a one-day expo that gathers local and regional environmental organizations and businesses in one place and attracts more than 500 attendees annually.

Save the date! The 2024 EarthFest Expo will be held on Saturday, May 4!

Board Members

Ivan Idso

EarthFest Co-founder and Board Chair,
Co-chair of Expo Committee

Mary Idso

Mary Idso

EarthFest Co-founder and Board Treasurer

Vacant Position

Apply Here

Lauren Jensen

City of Rochester,
Chair of Event Committee

Dru Larson

Mayo Clinic,
Co-chair of Expo Committee

Jeremy Emmi

City of Rochester,
Chair of Fundraising Committee

Become a Board Member

Steering Committee

  • Anthony Wittmer, Olmsted County Environmental Resources
  • Micah Johnson, Solar Connection
  • Cory Rubin, Rochester Community and Technical College
  • Deb Las, Rochester Public Schools
  • Donna Brunskill, Rochester Public Schools
  • Kris Acuña, Sierra Club
  • Sadie Neuman, City of Rochester
  • Jay Haapala, AARP
  • Jonny Yucuis, Electric Vehicles Rochester
  • Deah Kinion, SEMN Threshold
  • All Board Members

Interested in joining our steering committee or becoming a board member? Please contact us at earthfestrochester@gmail.com