As the early morning rains swept through the area, it was easy to see why the organizers of RE-Fest would be concerned about Saturday’s seventh annual run of the green festival.

Although the sun came out and things moved on without a hitch, Friday night’s storms did force a slight change in plans.

“We were [concerned],” said RE-Fest Coordinator Dave Thompson about the overnight weather. “With the high winds we couldn’t set up the tents, so we made the decision to move inside.”

Venders and entertainers were moved into the Mower County Fair’s Plaeger Building and while not as ideal as holding it outside, Saturday’s event was still popular.

“It’s been fantastic,” Thompson said. “Farmer’s market, the artisans, contributors — we’re glad they could all be here.”

As it has in previous years, the electronics recycling also saw a high turnout.

“There was an early rush, but it’s remained steady throughout the day,” Thompson said.

The reason for RE-Fest remains bringing awareness to living green — to conserve, to recycle and to reuse, something everybody seemed on board with.

Mari Jo Stanek was a returning vender with her business Natural Bath Products. She sells an assortment of natural soaps, but she also expanded to making mittens out of old sweaters and other items that require the use of everything at hand.

It’s something Stanek’s family has been doing for as long as she can remember.

“You use everything,” she said.

But Stanek’s business has a dual purpose besides conservation. Three of her granddaughters are disabled, so the money she makes goes directly to them.

“It covers those things that insurance doesn’t cover,” she said.

It’s just another example of where going green can change today and the future.