Framingham Earth Day Festival Hires New Associate Director

FRAMINGHAM, MA — The Framingham Earth Day Festival is coming into its second decade in existence with a new associate director.

Founder Donna Kramer Merritt, who returned as director last year after festival cancellations in 2020 and 2021, has brought on a new associate to mentor for the director role in 2024, organizers said.

Taking on the position of associate director of the festival is Isabella Petroni.

“I am so excited to have someone as passionate about Framingham and the environment take a leadership role in the festival. I think we have exciting things to look forward to in the coming years,” said Kramer Merritt.

Petroni founded the Youth Council at age 17 while a senior at Framingham High. She then became the youngest elected woman in the history of Framingham at the age of 20 in 2021.

She will graduate from the University of New England in May with a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Petroni wanted to join the festival because she "has attended it since it was first started” and "wants to get involved in giving back to my community in a way that fits with my passion for the environment.

She also hopes to make the festival “a place where the next generation can meet to find out solutions to issues they are passionate in, such as clean energy or climate justice.”

The group has also announced a date for the annual festival, which will take place on April 22 at the Framingham Center Common from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A rain date is planned for April 29.