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When organizers started working on promoting air quality issues through Air Fest 2007, they were hoping residents from Blount County would show some interest.

When the event kicked off Saturday at 5 p.m., even the people in charge were surprised by the amount of support they received as upwards of 800 people crowded into the field in front of Maryville College.

It was a day that started off with clouds and even a little rain that could have put a damper on the event, which had already been postponed due to inclement weather. But as the clock ticked by leading up to 5 p.m., the clouds parted, the sun came out to shine and the day worked out to be a complete success.

People came from all over to enjoy some time outdoors in the fresh air, the importance of which Air Fest was so poignantly trying to stress.

Event organizer Bob Booker, manager of legal services and environmental engineering at DENSO Tennessee, said he was thrilled with the way the event turned out. It was a good sign to see so many people, young and old, who cared about protecting the environment.

"I feel a lot of pride," he said. "And hope for the future."

State Rep. Doug Overbey, who represents the Maryville area, also said it was heartening to see the large number of people who care enough about air quality and keeping the environment healthy gathered in one place.

"It is fantastic to see so many people coming out," he said.

When he spoke to the crowd, Overbey emphasized that environmental awareness shouldn't stop when Air Fest closed up.

"Having a good environment is more than one day of coming together," he said. "It's an everyday event."

Air Fest teamed up with the Little River Round-Up Saturday, and the combination turned out to work exceptionally well. The Round-Up saw the largest turnout of volunteers ever with 400 people working to clean up area waterways and plant vegetation in the area.

According to Cathy Rhodes, executive director of the Little River Watershed Association, more than 5,000 pounds of trash were picked up Saturday, and volunteers from ALCOA Inc., planted more than 6,000 shrubs in Springbrook Park. DENSO Tennessee was the largest contributor of volunteers this year with 90 people showing up to work.

Last year, the Round-Up had 300 volunteers total, Rhodes said.

No trash

Keep Blount Beautiful Coordinator Kristi Falco pointed out to the crowd that trash cans were not an option at Air Fest. This event is the first zero-waste event in the area, she said, with everything being recyclable, biodegradable or reusable — from forks that could be tossed in the compost bin to meals that were served on Frisbee discs.

Keeping in the spirit of Air Fest, Kevin Kelso and his daughter, Madeline, showed up on their bikes. They were, "trying to do our little part on the no-pollution side," Kevin Kelso said.

The event was great for his daughter, he said, because it lets her have fun outside and learn about the importance of being environmentally aware. The younger someone is able to learn that, the better, he said.

"The younger you can get it in their mind set the greater impact it's going to have," he said.

There was no question in the minds of organizers that Air Fest 2008 would be taking place next year, considering the huge outpouring they saw Saturday.

"Hey, this is a great turnout — something to build on in the future," said ALCOA Inc., Environmental Manager Dale Huddleston. "It shows people are committed to the environment in this community."