Features of The Energy Fair, June 20-22, 2008

The MREA’s Energy Fair is the premier energy event in the nation. “Since 1990, attendees from around the world attend our Fair to learn about sustainable living and clean energy and connect with others,” said Amy Heart, MREA Programs Director. “Fair attendees go home with the tools they need change the world.”

The Energy Fair is held in Custer, WI just five miles east of Stevens Point. For more information about the Fair, contact the Midwest Renewable Energy Association at 715-592-6595 or visit the website: www.the-mrea.org.

What You Can Expect Every Year:
  • Over 270 exhibitors - featuring sustainable living and energy-related products
  • Over 200 workshops - from introductory level to hands-on education
  • 4th Annual Clean Energy Car Show - A popular part of the Energy Fair, the Clean Energy Car Show will feature sustainable transportation options though exhibits, workshops and demonstration vehicles
  • Invigorating keynote speakers – this year speakers include national commentator Jim Hightower and Torbjorn Lahti, author of The Natural Step for Communities
  • Food, entertainment and fun for the entire family!

New Features of the 2008 Energy Fair:
  • Sustainable Tables: Sustainable Tables is a new area of the Energy Fair that brings sustainability to your dinner table and garden. It’s an area designed to help connect community and family to what you eat. Sustainable Tables will feature our annual Farmers Market, sustainable food workshops, networking area, and daily chef demonstrations. Example workshops include:
  • Partnership and Parsnips: Helping Wisconsin Eat Locally
  • Teaming Up! Children and Communities for Sustainable School Food
  • Organic Eating on a Dime
Green Home Pavilion: New in 2008, the Green Home Pavilion is designed to help fair-goers find green, sustainable resources for their home. It features exhibit spaces and a workshop area. Exhibitors will include green building materials, energy efficient products, and sustainable home products. The Green Home Pavilion workshops will cover different aspects of creating a green home. Example workshops include:
  • Retrofitting an Existing Home to Be Carbon Free
  • Healthy Homes: A Green Approach
  • Alternative Construction Techniques

A Focus on Sustainable Communities:

Eco-Municipalities

Torbjorn Lahti, author of The Natural Step for Communities will keynote on Sunday, June 22. Torbjorn is considered one of the founders of the eco-municipality movement, which is leading numerous Wisconsin’s communities toward sustainability.

The MREA will also host a special session, Eco-municipalities for Elected Officials and Government Staff on Sunday, June 22 to be held after Torbjorn’s keynote presentation. Pre-registration is required for this workshop.

In addition to the keynote presentation, Torbjorn will also lead an in-depth workshop on Saturday for those who are interested in implementing these measures in their communities. Pre-registration is required for this workshop.

For details on the 19th annual Energy Fair visit www.the-mrea.org