Frack Free Fest features local speakers

Two Saline County natives will be speaking against fracking at the Frack Free Fest 7 p.m. Saturday at Alto Vineyards in Alto Pass.

Sam Stearns of Friends of Bell Smith Springs and Terry Whipple will be among the area environmentals talking about what they are perceived threats to the environment and health from the natural gas extraction process.

Music will be provided by Tawl Paul and special guests.

Food and beverages will be served from 6:30 p.m. until 11 p.m.

Guest speakers will present 5-minute programs on fracking, renewable energy solutions and other pertinent topics.

Information tables will be staffed by members of The Shawnee Sierra Club, Heartwood, Friends of Bell Smith Springs, The Southern IL Green Party, Illinois People's Action, SAFE and The Illinois South Solutions Project.

The suggested donation is $10 per person or $25 per carload. All proceeds benefit SAFE, Southern Illinoisans Against Fracturing our Environment whose Web site is www.DontFractureIllinois.net