Locals soak up Fresh Air Friday

Robert Rosa of Clear Lake declared his action for clean air at the 10th annual Fresh Air Friday: A Picnic on the Plaza June 1.

Fresh Air Friday: A Picnic on the Plaza was hosted from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. June 1 by the Houston-Galveston Area Council to raise awareness about clear air programs and commuting alternatives.

The event was a free outdoor picnic and concert that took place in downtown Houston at the Jones Plaza, located at 615 Louisiana.

"With gas prices expected to approach or surpass the $4 per gallon threshold in the Houston region this summer, finding solutions to combat this added financial burden is paramount to many Houston families," said Shelley Whitworth, air quality program manager at H-GAC, in the press release. "Fresh Air Friday is a fun environment for commuters to learn how they can save money and positively impact our region's air quality by utilizing commute solutions."

A number of ways to help clean up the air were presented at Fresh Air Friday, including public transportation options such as METRO buses and car/vanpool ideas, the Houston Bike Share program and the GREENLINK service, which will connect commuters throughout the downtown area.

Energy-efficient vehicles were on display at the picnic for residents looking for a new car.

"While we have long been concerned with air quality and conserving the environment, it's more important than ever for Houstonians to be smart about commuting," Whitworth said in the press release. "Houston has a variety of reliable and efficient transportation solutions available, and many are untapped simply because people don't know about them or understand all their options. Fresh Air Friday is a fun way for people to learn how easy it is to find a cost-effective solution that works for them."

There were free food and drink vendors at the plaza, as well as prizes and giveaways. Prizes included Houston Rockets memorabilia, restaurant gift cards, tickets to local attractions and a grand prize of two weekend test drives of an electric vehicle.

Free health screenings were provided by Fresh Air Friday's official sponsor, the Kelsey-Seybold Clinic.

CUTLINE: Robert Rosa of Clear Lake declared his action for clean air at the 10th annual Fresh Air Friday: A Picnic on the Plaza June 1. Provided by EDELMAN