The power is on for local energy fairs

Can you feel the power? It’s the switched-on feeling of local energy fairs which are fired-up with alternative ideas.
Last week, an energy fair at the Manistee County Fairgrounds in Onekema offered information on solar, wind and other energy alternatives to thousands. This Saturday, June 30, the scene moves to Charlevoix with the C.A.R.E. Fair to be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m..
C.A.R.E. stands for “Conservation And Renewable Energy,” which is also the name of the committee of local businesses and activists who are promoting the event at the Charlevoix Public Library.
“The goal of the C.A.R.E. committee and its first annual fair is to help educate the community and promote conservation and renewable energy in Charlevoix County, and beyond,” says Ric Evans of Paradigm Energy Services, who is co-director of the event with Michelle Rick-Biddick of Watch, Inc.
Evans says the fair will feature numerous speakers, videos and films, vendors, displays, educational materials and fun for kids throughout the day. Of note, the fair is free of charge, thanks to a grant from the Charlevoix County Community Foundation.
Also featured will be electric, hybrid and bio-diesel vehicles; energy-efficient products for the home; green/organic landscaping and gardening ideas; non-toxic products for the family and home; and renewable energy information, with many vendors and info tables to browse.
Music throughout the day will be offered by John Richey and Frogwater, performing Celtic and bluegrass sounds; with Steve Little and Roger Lilac performing jazz. The fair will also host an after-glow party at Murray’s Bar & Grill in East Jordan from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. The Solar Lab Trailer of Northwestern Michigan College will be onsite at the fair and Murray’s to power the event as well as the evening’s band and live recording session.

Following is a list of the day’s events:
9:45: Opening Ceremony – Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians and Highland Loft Doves
10: Michael Buttigieg - “Living off the Grid – the Good, the Bad and the Fun?”
10:15: Kilowatt Ours
11:Randy Smith, Renewable Services - NMC Solar Electric Lab
12: Carol Mack – Ya Ya Bakery – Organic Gardening
12:30: Kelly Martin – “What’s new in Recycling and Household Hazardous Waste Collection”
1: Sam Simonetta – Northern Options – “Efficiency, Renewables, and the Tale of a Grid-Tied Home
3: Brad Kik - Institute for Sustainable Living, Art, and Natural Design

Videos:
10: - Ric Evans, Paradigm Energy Services - ‘Next Generation Home Inspections’
11:15: Power Shift
12:15: Who Killed the Electric Car?
1:45: SEEDS and Great Lakes Bioneers Introduction
2: Bioneers – Dr. David Suzuki : “We ARE the environment”
2:30: Nobelity – Interviews with 9 Nobelists

Children’s Activities:
10: Marty Samson - SEE North- Water Cycle Game
11: Melissa Hansen- LTC - Discovery Box Presentation
12: Patty Clark-Music and Storytelling
12:30: Mother Nature makes recycled paper
1:30: Carol Mack - Planting a seed for the Future
2: Patty Clark - Music and Storytelling
2:30: Jaynia Taylor - “The Magic of Recycling”

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