First annual Energy Fair

Innovative alternatives, eco-art and a festival atmosphere

By SANDY LONG

LACKAWAXEN, PA — Right near where the Lackawaxen River meets the mighty Delaware River, an event both entertaining and educational got off to a great start during the first annual Energy Fair held at the Lackawaxen Fire House on September 8.

Organized by the Upper Delaware Preservation Coalition (UDPC), a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the Delaware River Valley for future generations, the event was held to provide information on alternative energy options and to promote conservation of the region’s natural resources. Proceeds raised from the fair, totaling more than $5,000, will support the work of the UDPC (( www.udpc.net )), whose current focus is on the battle against proposed high-voltage transmission lines running near and along the Delaware River.

As attendees enjoyed chicken barbecue dinners and children played games with environmental themes, live music brightened the scene with the cheerful old-timey tunes of Basket Landing and the soulful singing of DJ Branch.

Innovative items and services were featured in the silent auction, such as insulation made from recycled blue jeans, a multifunction clock powered by water and an energy-efficient Enano computer. Area artists donated an assortment of creative works. Top bid-getter was a solar site assessment and design of a photovoltaic system offered by Stephen Stuart, who was present to provide information on renewable energy systems.

In addition to a biodiesel display and biodiesel vehicles, Bradd Vickers, president of the Chenango County Farm Bureau, explained the specifics of a model depicting an Anaerobic Community Digester, a system designed to convert farm waste products like manure into renewable energy and heat.

Vickers also provided information on a nationwide initiative known as “25 x ’25,” ( www.25x25.org ) which aims to achieve the goal of obtaining 25 percent of America’s energy from renewable resources like wind, solar and biofuels by the year 2025. The initiative began among farm leaders, then gained the support of the broader agriculture and forestry communities, followed by interest from business, labor, conservation and religious groups.

Other alternative energy options, such as wind power, were represented, and the UDPC provided information on ways to improve personal energy consumption practices, including a checklist on how to reduce one’s carbon footprint and “live lighter on the earth.”

Troy Bystrom of the UDPC said the organization is pleased with the outcome of the first-time event and said that the planning process for next year’s event, scheduled for Saturday, September 13, 2008 is already underway. “We plan on building on this year’s fair to expand alternative energy education, empower people to participate in their energy future and increase the number of exhibitors participating for next year. The UDPC is looking forward to incorporating more presentations, exhibits and entertainment into the 2008 Energy Fair,” said Bystrom. “Anyone who would like to become involved in the planning process, become an exhibitor, provide entertainment or volunteer to help with the event can contact UDPC by emailing us at udpc@udpc.net.”