MIRA to Exhibit at Pioneer Day

January 16, 2023 – The 11th Annual Pioneer Day will be held Saturday, February 11th 10 am to 4 pm at Sams House/Pine Island Conservation Area, 6195 N. Tropical Trail, Merritt Island.  The Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency will be on hand to help educate the public on the importance of Brownfield Grant opportunities and processes. Community input on the subject is welcomed.  The Annual Pioneer Day event celebrates history and nature and is fun for kids and adults alike.

A brownfield is a property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. According to the EPA, cleaning up and reinvesting in these properties increases local tax bases, facilitates job growth, utilizes existing infrastructure, takes development pressures off of undeveloped, open land, and both improves and protects the environment. MIRA has received a grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to support revitalization efforts by funding environmental assessment, cleanup, and job training activities. Learn more here.

This is a great opportunity to discuss these types of projects with representatives from MIRA, while enjoying Pioneer Day festivities. Tour the 1888 Sams House, enjoy live music, chat with volunteers dressed in historic costumes, watch the kids play with the delightful interactive games like the Hay Dive, Steer Roping, “Cow” Milking (don’t worry, the livestock is made from things like plywood) or participate in crafts, or just wander through the many exhibits on history, nature, wildlife, anthropology and archeology. And there are food trucks, kettle corn, vendors and plenty more to see and do.

Admission is free and there will be opportunities for some old-fashioned fun.