Got Energy?

June 13, 2007

Got Energy?
Michigan Energy Fair examines the alternatives

Some of the world’s most cutting-edge alternative power technologies are coming to the tiny town of Onekema this June 22-24 at the 2nd Annual Michigan Energy Fair.
Some 10,000 visitors are expected to attend the event, which will be held at the Manistee County Fairgrounds, courtesy of the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association. Highlights of the Fair will include a tour of the 2007 Michigan Energy Fair Hybrid Show House in Onekema, which is constructed of insulated concrete forms and an advanced window system to create an extremely air tight, energy-efficient shell. A solar hot water system and wind generator are also features of the home. Additionally, there will be a tour of the BATA hybrid electric bus. The 27-foot low-emission vehicle is equipped with 56 lead acid batteries and runs on biodiesel when in hybrid mode.
Featuring a wide variety of speakers, renewable energy home tours, dozens of exhibitors, and over 60 educational workshops, the fair will offer the latest information on home technology, from windmills and solar to energy-saving innovations. The fair will also include children’s activities on Saturday, June 23, including fun presentations by energy educators and a hands-on and interactive energy carnival presented by local teachers and students.
Last year, 2,500 flocked to Onekama to learn about energy challenges facing Michigan and the nation. The fair offers the latest on energy efficiency, biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel, renewable energy technologies, and sustainable living practices.
Organizers say this year’s fair is especially relevant, considering the rising cost of gasoline and heating fuel.
More information about the event is available at www.glrea.org, or contact the GLREA offices at 800-434-9788 or
info@glrea.org.

Schedule:

FRIDAY JUNE 22
8:30 AM-4:00 PM Traverse City Tour
2:00 PM—4:50 PM Workshops, See pg 17
4:00 PM Hybrid Electric Bus and Hybrid Homes Tour
5:00 PM Friday Fiesta—Opening Banquet
6:00 PM Keynote Address: Eric Larsen, “Begin with One Step”
7:00 PM Music: K Jones & the Benzie Playboyz

SATURDAY JUNE 23
8:30 AM—4:30 PM Winery Tour
9:30 AM—4:30 PM Kid’s Day Activities
9:30 AM; 11:00 AM Energy Audit Tours
10:00 AM—4:50 PM Workshops
10:30 AM; 2:30 PM Renewable Energy Tours
11:00 AM—12:30 PM Manistee County Wind Town Meeting—Pavilion
1:00 PM Keynote Address: Jim Nichols, A Model for Energy Development
5:30 PM BBQ Banquet
6:00 PM Keynote Address: William Cooke, The Politics of Energy & the
Next Move
7:00 PM Music: Seth & Daisy May

SUNDAY JUNE 24
9:00 AM Sunday Prayer Service
10:00 AM—3:50 PM Workshops,
2:00 PM Hybrid Electric Bus and Hybrid Homes Tour
10:00 AM; 2:00 PM Straw / Clay Hands- On Workshop,
10:30 AM Renewable Energy Home Tour,
1:00 PM Keynote Address: Dr. Chris Schilling, “Alternative Fuels from Plant”
2:00 PM; 3:30 PM Hybrid Electric Bus and Hybrid Homes Tour